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Commission backs Board of Education use of RM Keating space and approves Main Street convenience‑store conversion
Summary
The commission issued an affirmative GS 8‑24 report allowing the Middletown Board of Education to use storage space at RM Keating Historical Enterprise Park (motion passed with one dissent) and granted site‑plan approval for converting a service shop at 159 Main Street Extension into a convenience store (SPR2024‑114).
At its July 10 meeting the Middletown Planning & Zoning Commission issued an affirmative report under Conn. Gen. Stat. §8‑24 supporting the Middletown Board of Education’s intended use of storage space at RM Keating Historical Enterprise Park (180 Johnson Street). The motion to issue the GS 8‑24 report was moved and seconded after commissioners debated whether a city lease to its own board is customary; Commissioner Sebastian Giuliano said the commission should not be asked to approve a lease the body has not seen and urged caution. Staff advised the commission that an 8‑24 report is required within 30 days and that the common council retains authority to act on any lease. The roll‑call vote recorded Chair Thomas Padovino — Aye; Vice Chair Sebastian Giuliano — Aye; Secretary Shanae Fulton — Aye; Commissioner Morgan Menarca — Aye; Commissioner Elizabeth Emery — Nay; Commissioner Allen Cunningham — Aye. The motion passed and an affirmative GS 8‑24 report will be filed as the commission’s recommendation.
Later in the meeting the commission considered a site‑plan application (SPR2024‑114) to convert a gas station service shop at 159 Main Street Extension into a convenience store with fuel (applicant representatives Aisha and Chris Santora described plans to remove garage bays, add three tanks for regular, premium and diesel, and convert interior space to retail). Commissioners concluded the proposed use represents a change of use rather than an expansion of a nonconforming use and granted site‑plan approval; Commissioner Sebastian Giuliano moved for approval and the motion passed.
Staff also briefed the commission on two other items at the end of the meeting: (1) a contracted surveyor will soon begin work on the Red Maple Swamp conservation easement and staff said there is funding for a multiuse trail through the parcel; and (2) zoning enforcement staff are finding illegal cannabis sales at some convenience stores and the department is asking new convenience‑store applicants to provide a notarized affidavit that they will not sell illegal cannabis products as a condition of approval to help enforcement.
