Ridgefield Zoning Board Weighs Affordable Housing, HVAC Screening, And Branchville Redevelopment

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed multiple matters during its June 17 meeting, including continued deliberations over a proposed 20-unit affordable housing development, an unresolved HVAC screening issue in the village district, and progress on the Branchville transit-oriented development study.

Commissioners resumed discussion on the application at 43 Danbury Road, which proposes replacing existing buildings with a new apartment complex under Connecticut’s affordable housing statute. Chair Robert Hendrick and Planning Director Alice Dew presented draft conditions of approval for potential adoption. Topics under review included drainage, traffic safety, construction hours, and pet area fencing. Commissioners raised ongoing concerns about site access and traffic impacts. A revised draft resolution will be prepared for future consideration.

In new business, the Commission heard from Wayne Addessi, who requested to revise a previously approved Village District application for 389 Main Street. The application involved HVAC equipment screening, which Addessi described as financially and logistically impractical. Despite arguments about limited space and comparable non-compliant units in town, zoning regulations mandate HVAC screening in the district. The matter was continued pending further staff review and discussions with the Architectural Advisory Committee.

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Two bond release requests were unanimously approved: one for erosion control at 5 North Salem Road and another for sediment control at 222 Spring Valley Road, formerly listed under multiple Bridle Trail addresses.

An update on the Branchville Strategic Review was presented by Francisco Gomes of FHI. The planning initiative, an update to a 2017 study, will focus on zoning amendments and potential village district establishment within a one-mile radius of the Branchville train station. Public engagement efforts are scheduled, including a virtual meeting on June 24 and an in-person workshop planned for July.

Commissioners approved minutes from the June 3 meeting and June 1 site walk, and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.