Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting - October 14, 2026

The Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission convened its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers and virtually via WebEx. Acting Chair Thom Pattavina presided. The meeting covered a deferred public hearing, a new special exception, a zoning map amendment, regional planning reports, and updates on litigation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 6.1 - 672 East Main Street (Two-Family Dwelling): Applicant Gurpreet Oberoi (appearing online during this portion) argued the sign posting lapse was due to late notification from the town and requested a conditional approval. The Chair and Director stated compliance is the applicant's sole responsibility.
• Item 6.2 - 388 Main Street (Physical Fitness Facility): Applicant Kiara Narro Vela described the proposed Pilates, Yoga, and Barre studio.
• Item 6.4 - 660 & 668 South Main Street (Zoning Map Amendment): Tom Clayton (195 Farm Hill Road) and Ed Geek raised flooding and stormwater concerns related to Long Hill Brook. Geek also asked about wildlife and tree clearing impacts.

Discussion Items

• Item 6.2 - 388 Main Street: Director Kozikowski confirmed the 552 sq ft use requires a special exception in B-1. Commissioners Nathaniel Spencer and Tyler Eckstrom expressed strong support for the proposal as a health-oriented addition to Main Street.
• Item 6.4 - 660 & 668 South Main Street: The commission deliberated on the zone change application by Luke Morrow representing J&J Middletown, LLC.
  • The applicant argued the B-2 to MXI change would allow multifamily residential units (10–25) on the rear of the 7.4-acre Chevy dealership property while enabling dealership renovation, consistent with the POCD and precedent set by other smaller MXI parcels.
  • Commissioners extensively questioned floodplain issues, soil conditions, ecological impacts, and traffic. The applicant committed to a comprehensive flood study.
  • Commissioners Spencer, Eckstrom, and Emily McEvoy expressed general support, noting the zone change itself does not authorize development and all future proposals must return to the commission.
• Item 8.1 - Bysiewicz Drive Industrial Building (Deferred): A site plan application for a new 15,000 SF industrial building was postponed by the applicant.
• RiverCOG Report: Commissioner Emery reported on regional concerns over protecting industrial land from new housing zoning costs. Commissioner Vinny Szynkowicz agreed, stating the city is ahead of its housing percentage goals.

Key Outcomes

• Item 6.1 (672 East Main Street): Hearing closed due to public notice deficiency (8 days vs 10). Decision deferred to December 2026. Applicant to work with staff for proper re-noticing.
• Item 6.2 (388 Main Street): Motion passed unanimously. Special exception approved for physical fitness facility.
• Item 6.4 (660 & 668 South Main Street): Motion passed. Zoning map amendment from B-2 to MXI approved. Future site plans require separate applications.
• Minutes: Minutes of September 23, 2026 regular meeting approved.
• Appeals: Director Kozikowski reported two appeals received (797 Washington Street and Sand Hill/East Main Street subdivision), with two more expected. He thanked staff for preparing records and noted the financial strain on the land use budget for producing transcripts required for the appeals.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.