West Haven planning commission recommends denying rezoning for parcels near 1800 South

The West Haven Planning Commission on July 22 recommended the city council deny a petition to rezone three parcels at approximately 2231 West off 1800 South from A‑1 to C‑2.

Staff planner Damien, presenting the petition, told commissioners the three parcels total about 20.75 acres and that while the requested commercial zoning aligns with the recently adopted economic development strategic plan (EDSP) it does not match the city’s existing general plan designation (shown as R‑2 single‑family residential). Damien said utilities are generally available but noted that a sanitary sewer connection for the sites would likely require a lift or a pump to reach an existing line on 1800 South.

The petition drew several residents to the public hearing. Beth Dykster, who said she lives at 2297 West 1800 South, asked whether the proposed new road and roundabout would reduce traffic on 1800 South and raised safety and property‑loss concerns if right‑of‑way acquisition encroaches on private yards. A written letter from resident Sloane Smith, read into the record, urged denial and warned that commercial zoning at the parcel edges would bring traffic, noise and light that could undermine neighborhood character in the nearby Ivory Homes Fairhaven subdivision.

Steven, the community development director, displayed a packet map and explained the proposed alignment: a limited‑access collector road intended to connect 21st Street to 1800 South via an extension of Wilson Lane and to carry design speeds in the roughly 40–50 mph range. He said the alignment and design are still subject to engineering refinements and property‑acquisition negotiations and that the roadway is being planned as a regional project with funding beyond the city.

Tucker Jardine, the landowner who presented the application, said acquisition negotiations are active and that the owner’s intent is to subdivide the property into commercial lots to sell, not to announce specific tenants. Jardine said the roadway alignment was moved west so remaining land would remain contiguous and usable for a future subdivision.

Several commissioners said the rezoning appears premature while the general plan revision and the final roadway alignment remain unresolved. Commissioners raised concerns about approving commercial zoning adjacent to single‑family areas and noted the risk of perceived spot‑zoning. Steven reminded commissioners the council will take final action but said the commission should weigh whether essential facts (roadway placement, property acquisition progress, sewer feasibility) are sufficiently settled.

Commission member Lamar moved to recommend denial, finding the rezoning inconsistent with the current general plan and expressing concern the roadway and general plan updates might change the context. The motion was seconded; the commission voted to recommend denial, with one recorded dissent.

The planning commission’s recommendation now goes to the West Haven City Council for final consideration. The council may accept, modify, or overturn the commission’s recommendation.