Newtown P&Z Approves 67-Unit Affordable Housing Development

NEWTOWN, CT — The Planning & Zoning Commission on Thursday unanimously rejected two applications tied to a proposed zoning district on Mount Pleasant Road, while approving a 67-unit affordable housing development elsewhere on the corridor and continuing public hearings on several additional projects.

The Dec. 4 meeting began with the election of officers. David Rosen was re-elected chair, with Connie Widmann as vice chair and Barbara Manville as secretary. Commissioners also accepted the resignation of David Landau and unanimously appointed Charles Gardner as an alternate member.

Mount Pleasant Text Amendment, Zone Change Denied

Commissioners voted 5-0 to deny a text amendment sought by 188-190 Mount Pleasant Road LLC to create a new zoning district permitting higher-density affordable housing. Members said the proposal lacked a concrete site plan, making it impossible to evaluate potential public health or safety impacts. A related zone-change application (25.23) to rezone the property from Business Professional Office to a proposed Mount Pleasant Development District was also denied unanimously. Both denials take effect Dec. 27.

67-Unit Affordable Housing Development Approved

In a 4-1 vote, the Commission approved a 67-unit rental development proposed by Cela Builders at 128–130 Mount Pleasant Road and 1 Hawleyville Road, with 21 units designated as affordable under Connecticut's 8-30g statute. Conditions include installing sidewalks along Routes 6 and 25, adding traffic curbing and a right-turn-only island at the Route 6 exit, and placing a gated entry at Hillcrest Drive to prevent through traffic. The applicant must also work with the Design Advisory Board to align the project with the town’s colonial architectural character.

Rosen cast the lone dissenting vote. Residents commenting during the public hearing raised concerns about traffic, roadway safety and water usage.

Special Exception for Athletic Fields Continued

A public hearing on Civil 1’s proposal for two athletic fields, a clubhouse, and associated site work at 90 Mount Pleasant Road was continued to Jan. 15. The project drew environmental scrutiny after a CEPA intervener was granted at a prior meeting. The Commission heard presentations from both the applicant and the intervener, with residents offering additional comments.

New Building at Church Hill Road Approved

Commissioners unanimously approved a site development plan from 57 Church Hill Road LLC for a new building at 57–57A Church Hill Road. Representatives said the structure is slightly larger than in a prior approval but remains compliant with zoning setbacks and parking requirements.

Great Ring Road Re-Subdivision Continued

A re-subdivision request for 49 Great Ring Road drew significant neighborhood opposition citing traffic, well impacts, loss of open space and roadway limitations. One commissioner recused herself from the matter, and the hearing was continued to Jan. 15. Land Use Director Rob Sibley clarified that required open space was set during the original subdivision and that deed restrictions fall outside the Commission’s authority.

Other Business

The Commission adopted its 2026 meeting schedule with minor adjustments and approved corrections to the Nov. 6 minutes. The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.