Ridgefield P&Z Advances Affordable Housing And Safety Projects

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Commission addressed several important projects during its July 15 meeting, including revisions to a special permit for Ridgefield Supply, progress on affordable housing, and approvals for upcoming public hearings. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss staffing changes following the planned retirement of the Planning and Zoning Director.

The commission continued a public hearing regarding Ridgefield Supply Company’s request to modify the special permit to allow tractor trailers to use the emergency access exit on Grove Street. Michael Loya, Ridgefield Supply’s operations manager, cited employee and customer safety as the reason for the change, emphasizing that trucks would only make left turns onto Grove Street and operate between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Several residents voiced concerns about traffic, emissions, and safety at the intersection. The commission agreed to continue the hearing at the next regular meeting to gather additional input, including from the police department.

On affordable housing, the commission approved a 20-unit affordable housing apartment building application at 43 Danbury Road, site of the old Red Rooster Pub, with certain conditions, after revising one of the special conditions in the resolution. The commission voted 5-3 in favor, with Commissioners Ben Nneji, Joe Sorena, and Chris Molyneaux dissenting. The approval includes specific conditions, excluding one proposed special condition. Regular site visits and project updates were requested to ensure ongoing oversight.

The commission denied a request to waive screening requirements for HVAC units on a building at 389 Main Street owned by Addessi Square LLC, citing zoning regulations that mandate equipment be screened from public view. The motion passed 7-0, with Commissioner Elizabeth DiSalvo recused. The applicant was advised to pursue relief through the Zoning Board of Appeals if necessary.

The commission also continued discussions on the Branchville Strategic Review and scheduled upcoming public hearings. A public hearing on a flood plain site plan for trails and boardwalks along state parcels on Simpaug Turnpike was set for Sept. 2. Additionally, a special permit application for a major home occupation to use Ridgebury Farm for event rentals was received, with a site walk scheduled for Sept. 14 and a public hearing set for Sept. 16.

Additionally, the commission approved the release of a remaining bond for erosion control and stormwater management at 100D Danbury Road and unanimously approved minutes from the July 1 meeting.

The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the upcoming retirement of Planning and Zoning Director Alice Dew, effective August 19. Commissioners authorized the chair to offer the director position to Aarti Paranjape, contingent on Paranjape’s acceptance and the hiring of a town planner, with at least $110,000 set aside in the Department Personnel budget for the planner role, to fill the vacated role.