Common Council Zoning Subcommittee Regular Meeting and Public Hearing – August 4, 2026

The Zoning Subcommittee of the New Britain Common Council held a public hearing and regular meeting on August 4, 2026, beginning at 6:33 PM and adjourning at 7:49 PM. The meeting addressed four agenda items: two zoning text and map amendments to comply with Public Act 25-1 (state housing law), a certificate of location approval for a Town Fair Tire repair facility, and a zoning amendment to regulate smoke shops.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Evelith (69 Lexington Street) spoke in support of Item 37178 (zone change from RO to T on Vine and Lexington streets). He stated that the change is balanced and appropriate for the neighborhood, given its mix of residential, historic, and professional uses.
• Chad (46 Westerly Street) opposed Item 37202 (Town Fair Tire at 665 West Main Street), citing concerns about noise, traffic, crime, drainage, and health impacts from a repair facility directly abutting his property. He urged denial or careful scrutiny.

Discussion Items

Item 37177 – Zoning Text Amendment for Public Act 25-1 (Residential and Mixed-Use Updates)

• Presentation: Jeff Cormier (City Planner) and Justin Dorsey (Director of Planning and Development) explained that this amendment reclassifies existing residential uses to align with the state’s new “transit community middle housing” (2–9 units) and “mixed-use development” definitions. The key change permits middle housing by summary review in commercial districts (B-1, B-2) that previously prohibited housing. Dimensional standards (density, setbacks) still apply.
• Discussion: Alderman McNamara asked about historic compatibility; staff confirmed that density limits constrain actual development. Alderman Delerna inquired about potential conversions; staff noted some requests have already been received.
• Motion: To refer to the full council with a neutral recommendation (Alderman Santiago, seconded by Alderwoman Ortiz Luna). Vote: All ayes, motion carried.

Item 37178 – Zoning Map Amendment from RO to T on Vine and Lexington Streets

• Presentation: Staff explained that this area, currently Residential Office (RO – a mixed-use district), would become T (residential) to limit density and protect the West End Historic District. Under RO, state law would allow up to 90 units; T caps at ~60 units and avoids building code changes (e.g., egress, sprinklers) that could alter historic homes. Five parcels (mostly offices) would become non-conforming but can continue current uses.
• Discussion: Alderwoman Delerna confirmed that non-conforming uses can continue with new tenants.
• Motion: To refer to the full council with a neutral recommendation (Alderman Santiago, seconded by Alderwoman Ortiz Luna). Vote: All ayes, motion carried.

Item 37202 – Town Fair Tire Centers, LLC – Certificate of Location Approval (665 West Main Street)

• Presentation: Applicant Jim Rotundo (engineer) detailed that the store will sell and install tires only (no oil changes, brake work, etc.). All work occurs inside with overhead doors closed. A tire shed at the rear will be screened by a double row of arborvitae per ZBA conditions. No overnight vehicle storage or outdoor displays. Hours: Mon 8–7, Tue–Fri 8–6, Sat 8–4, closed Sunday.
• Discussion: Staff noted ZBA previously approved the use with conditions (concrete block tire enclosure, noise mitigation, landscape buffer). Alderman Scott thanked the applicant and invited concerned residents to the full council meeting. Alderman Barrero asked about chemicals; applicant stated only household-level sealant and soap/water. The vote reflected some opposition: 9 ayes, 1 nay.
• Motion: To refer to the full council with a neutral recommendation (Alderman Santiago, seconded by Alderman Barrero). Vote: 9–1, motion carried.

Item 37209 – Zoning Amendment to Regulate Smoke Shops (Special Exception Required)

• Presentation: Staff explained that the amendment redefines a “smoke shop” as any retail establishment devoting 10% or more of floor area to tobacco/nicotine products. Such uses would only be permitted by special exception in B-1, B-2, B-3, CBD, and I-2 districts, with location restrictions (3,000 ft from another smoke shop or cannabis retailer; 100 ft from residential districts, schools, or churches). Hours were proposed as 9 AM–9 PM. Staff noted a future health-department licensing ordinance is planned.
• Discussion: Alderman Santiago asked about 10% calculation method (based on floor plans). Staff clarified that existing smoke shops are grandfathered; enforcement via zoning and future licensing. Alderman McNamara questioned success of similar regulations in other towns. Alderman Antenna suggested adding daycare centers to location restrictions; staff noted it could conflict with home-based daycares. An amendment was made to change hours from 9–9 to 8 AM–10 PM all days (including Sunday), per City Plan recommendation initially, but adjusted to a consistent 8 AM–10 PM daily. The amendment passed, and the item was then referred.
• Motion: To amend hours (Alderman Santiago, seconded by Alderman McNamara) – carried. Then to refer to the full council with a neutral recommendation as amended – carried.

Key Outcomes

• Items 37177, 37178, and 37209 were approved to be referred to the full Common Council with neutral recommendations (unanimous votes).
• Item 37202 (Town Fair Tire) was also referred with a neutral recommendation, by a vote of 9 in favor and 1 opposed.
• The hours of operation for smoke shops (Item 37209) were amended to 8 AM to 10 PM daily, replacing the originally proposed 9 AM–9 PM.
• No other business. Meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.