Wallingford approves narrow change to allow ground‑floor business offices in town center

The Wallingford Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a text amendment allowing ‘general business offices’ on the ground‑floor street‑facing portion of buildings in the Town Center district while explicitly striking clinics and outpatient medical facilities from that allowance.

Applicant Chris McGuire of F and M Bank LLC told the commission the revised draft dated 08/07/2026 was acceptable and asked for adoption. "We find the draft, totally reasonable, and we look forward to having it adopted here tonight," McGuire said during his remarks to the commission. The secretary had read multiple pieces of correspondence from town staff and local organizations before the hearing.

Supporters said the amendment helps repurpose vacant first‑floor spaces and bring taxable commercial occupancy back to Main Street, but several merchants and downtown advocates urged limits to protect a pedestrian retail character. Greg Fishbein urged enforcement of existing window‑display rules, warning that blocked windows make downtown less inviting. Liz Davis, executive director of Wallingford Center Inc., said the town should preserve retail frontage and suggested compromises such as partial retail at primary entrances.

Commissioners acknowledged those concerns and noted current enforcement limitations: the town has no active zoning enforcement officer after a recent retirement. Town planner Kevin Poggini said staff will add the blocked‑window issue to enforcement priorities once the position is filled. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve application 503‑26; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. Chair Jim Fitzsimmons declared the application approved.