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Middletown zoning board tables appeal over alleged junkyard at 455 Middlefield Street
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday agreed to table an appeal by property owner Richard Sweet of a notice of violation alleging unpermitted outdoor storage at 455 Middlefield Street after neighbors raised environmental and property‑value concerns; the hearing remains open and will resume at the next meeting when five members can vote.
The Middletown Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday agreed to table an appeal by property owner Richard Sweet of a notice of violation that alleges multiple breaches of a stipulated agreement and the town's outdoor storage rules at 455 Middlefield Street.
Attorney Matthew Willis, representing Sweet, told the board: "We're here today on the appeal of a notice of violation," and argued that some items on the property, including campers and mobile homes, are temporary warehousing uses and that Mr. Sweet has removed many motor vehicles. Owner Richard Sweet said he has "been operating the property for 40 years" and that he has "made significant progress in cleaning up the property," adding he was willing to tidy the construction trailer placed on the site after an eviction.
Zoning enforcement officer Thomas Hazel said staff had visited the site several times with the town attorney and the owner, and that the notice of violation focuses on fenced storage pens located within the 200-foot buffer required for outdoor storage near a residential zone. Hazel read the relevant code into the record: "Outdoor storage area shall remain 200 feet from any residential zone" and said attached photos and a map show the storage area sitting approximately 115 to 135 feet from the nearest residential zone.
Neighbors and correspondents urged stricter enforcement. Hazel read a written letter alleging the site's rusted vehicles and trailers are leaking, pose fire hazards and are degrading nearby parkland. Resident Kathy Dwyer, who identified herself as living at 515 Middlefield Street, told the board the condition of the property has "been affecting the water in my backyard too" and urged the town to stop what she described as an "illegal junkyard" that harms property values and waterways.
Willis asked the board to continue the hearing to the next meeting so a full five‑member panel could decide the appeal. The board said tabling the matter until the next meeting would allow that, and the board voted to table the item; the public hearing will remain open and the matter will be revisited when more members are present. No fines have been issued and the notice remains active, Hazel said.
What happens next: The hearing remains open and the appeal will resume at the board's next meeting for further consideration.
