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Suffield Zoning Board of Appeals dismisses neighbor's appeal over property enforcement, cites lack of jurisdiction
Summary
The Suffield Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to dismiss an appeal by John Leahy challenging Zoning Enforcement Officer Eric Vincent's June 22, 2026 enforcement letter about structures at 1000 East Street North, after attorneys argued the board lacks jurisdiction to review discretionary enforcement decisions.
Acting Chairman Despina Tartsinis presided as the Suffield Zoning Board of Appeals heard an appeal from John Leahy on July 28 challenging three administrative determinations by Zoning Enforcement Officer Eric Vincent concerning a patio, shed and repurposed posts at 1000 East Street North.
Leahy, who said he was speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Darci Leahy, presented color photographs and an A-2 survey prepared by Alford Associates dated June 12, 2026. He said the ZEO's June 22, 2026 letter constituted a decision that could be appealed and told the Commission he had rescinded prior permission for the shed to remain in its current location in June 2026 so that any claim of adverse possession would begin to run from that date.
Attorney Carl Landolina, representing ZEO Eric Vincent, and Attorney Derek Donnelly argued the board should resolve a threshold jurisdictional question before considering the merits. Donnelly cited state case law, referencing Reardon v. Darien, and told the Commission: "The failure of a zoning official to bring a zoning enforcement action is not an order, requirement or decision appealable to the board." After deliberation, Commissioner Gerard Chase moved to dismiss File #2026-ZBA-3 on jurisdictional grounds; Susan Hastings seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 5-0.
Several neighbors spoke during the public hearing. Jill Kidik addressed the board on behalf of property owner Tiffany Johnson and characterized the dispute as a neighbor disagreement rather than purely a zoning violation; Cathy Doane, speaking for her daughter Tiffany Johnson, said Johnson had complied with the ZEO's requests by removing a fence, pool and playscape. The board closed the public hearing by unanimous voice vote before entering deliberations.
The Commission advised the applicant that any appeal of the board's dismissal must be filed in court within 15 days after publication of the decision in the Hartford Courant. The board then approved minutes from its May 26, 2026 meeting, 5-0, and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
