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Planning commission endorses concept of Marine Redevelopment overlay to help redevelop marina properties
Summary
The commission gave a favorable recommendation on a proposed Marine Redevelopment District overlay intended to give zoning discretion for working‑waterfront redevelopment, subject to Gateway referral, a height cap and stronger public‑access language.
The Old Saybrook Planning Commission on July 5 endorsed the concept of a Marine Redevelopment District (MRD) overlay, a zoning tool presented by Ed Cassella on behalf of Ferry Landing LLC to ease redevelopment of constrained marina properties.
Cassella said the overlay is designed to reduce the need for multiple variances on properties bisected by Ferry Road, to allow the zoning commission discretion by special permit to relax setbacks or height limits when redevelopment reduces nonconformities, and to improve public access and streetscape. He told the commission Gateway recommended clarifying that the overlay apply only where the primary use is marine or water‑dependent and asked that a firm cap be added for any allowed height increases.
Commission discussion focused on how to limit residential creep into marine industrial parcels, how to ensure public access and how to phrase tradeoffs between reducing nonconformities and permitting departures from strict dimensional requirements. Cassella said the draft would prohibit dwelling units on MRD parcels in the marine industrial zone while allowing residential across the street where the underlying zoning is residential.
A commissioner moved a favorable recommendation on the concept, with the commission’s comments noted for the zoning commission and Gateway; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff and the applicant will refine the draft language and return edits to satisfy Gateway and other referring agencies prior to zoning hearings.
