Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - February 11, 2025

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Windsor, Connecticut, held a hybrid virtual regular meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by the Chair. Commissioners addressed administrative items, heard reports, and conducted public hearings on three special use applications.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Date Change: The Commission unanimously approved moving the March 11, 2025 meeting to March 18, 2025, due to a town referendum on March 11. (Motion by Mr. Gibson, seconded; all in favor).
• Welch Park Courts – CGS 8-24 Referral: The Commission voted 5-0 to recommend to the Town Council improvements to the Welch Park courts, including reconstruction of one tennis court and five pickleball courts, new fencing, sound barriers on two sides adjacent to residential properties, a shade structure, and drainage improvements. The plan was prepared by Design Professionals Inc. dated February 5, 2025.
• Reapproval – 51 Day Hill Road: The Commission acknowledged a reapproval for modifications to a propane tank at 51 Day Hill Road (I zone, 0.25 acres, Kugler/MDC). No objections were raised.
• Site Plan – 89 & 99 Lamberton Road (Solar Array): The Commission approved the site plan for a solar array on the I zone property, subject to resolution of all outstanding staff comments. The applicant provided a sound study (concluding no noise exceedances) and a visual impact analysis. Wetlands approval was received on February 4, 2025, with conditions. The Commission voted unanimously in favor.
• Draft Minutes – January 14, 2025: The minutes were approved with a correction (spelling of a name; two instances noted).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered for non-agenda items. During the public hearings, no members of the public spoke in favor or opposition to the applications.

Discussion Items

• Special Use Reapproval – 25 Central Street (The Birdcage): Applicant Stephen McKay requested a 10-year renewal of the special use permit for commercial recreational and cultural activities. He reported over 50 events in the past year, zero complaints, and ongoing investments (soundproofing, planned catering kitchen). The Commission discussed the term length; staff recommended five years due to potential future changes (kitchen, alcohol service). After debate, the Commission approved a 10-year term, noting the applicant’s track record and community benefits.
• Special Use – 245 East Barber Street (Cross Country Automotive): Owner Sal Senna sought a special use permit to add used car sales (up to five vehicles) to his existing repair facility. The property had a gap in zoning approvals since 2001, but the applicant had been operating under DMV approvals. The Commission approved a 5-year special use permit, subject to finalizing a parking plan and resolving ownership of an adjacent paper street (Booth Street).
• Special Use – 27 Sinclair Street (Group Home): Applicant Rhonda Myers proposed a residential care home for elderly individuals (ages 55+). The Commission recessed the public hearing to March 18, 2025, due to numerous unanswered questions regarding building code compliance, occupancy classification, required upgrades (sprinklers, accessibility, parking), and staffing. The applicant had not received all staff comments (email attachment issues). Staff will continue to provide information.

Planning Report & Other Items

• Broad Street Traffic Calming/Pedestrian Safety Project: Referendum scheduled for March 11, 2025; absentee ballots available February 18. Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development): First public workshop set for February 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. A survey is live on the town website.
• Day Hill Corridor Study: Consultant held a public meeting on January 15. Initial findings presented; final report expected by end of February. The Commission may consider regulatory updates thereafter.
• CFPZA Newsletter: Information shared about the Connecticut Federation of Planning and Zoning Agencies quarterly newsletter and annual conference on March 27, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Welch Park Courts: Unanimous recommendation to Town Council (5-0).
• 51 Day Hill Road: No action needed; acknowledged.
• 89 & 99 Lamberton Road Site Plan: Approved (5-0) with conditions.
• 25 Central Street Special Use Reapproval: Approved for 10 years (5-0).
• 245 East Barber Street Special Use: Approved for 5 years (5-0) with conditions (final parking plan, Booth Street right-of-way resolution).
• 27 Sinclair Street Special Use: Public hearing recessed to March 18, 2025.
• March 11 Meeting Moved: Approved to March 18, 2025.
• January 14 Minutes: Approved with correction.
• Meeting Adjourned: Motion to adjourn carried.