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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Town Planning and Zoning Commission Special Meeting - November 12, 2025

Town Council & Planning and Zoning — Wednesday, November 12, 2025

BodyWindsor, Connecticut

SessionTown Council & Planning and Zoning

DateWednesday, November 12, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:26:46

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

5:02

First order of business is Mitchell.

5:04

Would you please let the people online know how to get in touch?

5:09

If there's anyone from the public who would like to address the commission, you may do so by raising your hand on your computer if your device has a microphone capability.

5:16

By selecting the participants icon on the zoom menu bar and then clicking raise hand or by dialing star nine on your phone.

5:22

When you were called on, you would be prompted that you were now on muted.

5:25

Please state your name and address for clear communication.

5:27

We ask that you do not place the call on speakerphone.

5:30

Thank you.

5:38

From anyone in the audience that wishes to speak to an item that is not a public hearing item this evening.

5:45

Anyone online?

5:46

There's no one online.

5:48

Communications and petitions from the planning and zoning commission.

5:51

Any meetings anybody has to report on?

5:53

No.

5:54

Okay.

5:55

Zoning officers report we have none.

5:57

No 824 pre-epp scrutiny.

6:00

Reapprovals and revisions, Mr.

6:02

Seely.

6:05

Uh yes, ma'am.

6:06

So we do have uh one uh 18-month special use extension request for 895 Day Hill Road.

6:13

Uh, this was for the proposed extended stay hotel.

6:16

Uh I zone and Alford was the applicant.

6:19

Um that will require a uh vote by the commission.

6:24

Um and then we've had two 3.9s approved since our last meeting, uh 147 Addison Road, add pro pancage, I zone, Tel Works Logistics, and the other site plan revision was for 216 Broad Street uh 30 by 30 signed B2 zone Sotch Dev.

6:45

Okay.

6:47

Um for the 18 month approval.

6:51

It's my understanding that this is the fourth time the applicant has asked for an appro uh renewal.

6:58

Um and the regulations state that a building permit or where a building permit is not necessary, a certificate of occupancy must be taken or issued within 18 months of the date of approval of the special use or the approval shall expire unless specifically extended by the commission.

7:14

Uh in the sidebar on our regulations, we had a section that kind of talked about why do these special uses expire, and I'll just kind of go over that real quickly.

7:23

Um depending on the nature of a special use, it can have significant impacts on surrounding properties.

7:28

The owners of surrounding properties have an opportunity to participate in a public hearing to express their concerns and ask for mitigation of potential impacts if necessary.

7:38

With the passage of time, ownership of the surrounding land can change, and new owners might not be aware of the potential for significant changes to their neighbor's property, creating a situation that they may not have bargained for in buying their home or business.

7:52

Time limit ensures that any extension will keep knowledge of the special use fresh in the public consciousness, or in the event of a later renewal of the permit, the new owners would at least have a voice in the new proceeding.

8:04

Um so that was the intent behind why the special uses expire.

8:09

Um, as far as concerns from neighboring properties, the majority of the property is under one ownership, so I don't think we have the concern that neighbors are moving in or not been notified.

8:20

I mean, this is on the Day Hill corridor.

8:22

Um so at least the reasons that are listed there in the regs.

8:26

I I don't think that that is a um a concern.

8:31

Um I I really don't have a problem with it because they haven't started anything, but this is the fourth time, so I mean that's almost six years.

8:41

Yeah, that seems like a long time.

8:43

Yeah, where's the harm in just saying no?

8:46

And when you're finally ready to do what you need to do, if anything has changed in the last six years, bring it forward again.

8:53

I agree with that.

8:54

Yeah.

8:55

Um, they do incur some cost with the application, obviously a special use and then a site development application.

9:02

Um the applicant, I don't the original applicant, I don't believe is here, so I don't think they've had an opportunity to state their case on why they need approval.

9:10

My understanding is that last I heard it was for financial um reasons.

9:15

They were trying to line up the finances for the hotel.

9:18

Um but I I'd certainly you know hear what you're saying, and I I um so what are we talking about?

9:26

Just a filing fee.

9:28

Uh no, it would be a there's uh special use fee, which is 210, and then a site development fee, and then there's a plus commercial floor area.

9:37

I don't know what number off the top of my head.

9:41

Um and I don't know if the applicant were here.

9:54

Can we table this till next month?

9:56

That's what I'm trying to think in my mind.

9:57

If it's explanation, I think it would have a table it.

10:00

Okay.

10:01

And I have a motion to table.

10:02

I move that the um uh request to extend the extended stay hotel on Day Hill Road be continued until the next meeting.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Planning and Zoning█████████████████████████████████████████████63%

Community Engagement██████████14%

Procedural████5%

Public Engagement████5%

Engineering And Infrastructure██3%

Affordable Housing██3%

Public Works Week█2%

Historic Preservation█1%

Public Safety█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Town Planning and Zoning Commission Special Meeting - November 12, 2025

The Windsor Town Planning and Zoning Commission held a hybrid special meeting on November 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at Town Hall. The agenda included public hearings on three zone changes, one special use, and a text amendment, as well as routine business items. All votes were taken during the meeting.

Consent Calendar

No consent calendar items were presented; however, staff reported that two 3.9 site plan revisions (147 Addison Road for a propane cage and 216 Broad Street for a sign) were approved administratively since the last meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

Zone Change – 1368 Poquonock Ave (Second School Society):
- Sylvester Jenkins (55 Timothy Terrace) expressed concerns about the rezoning for cemetery expansion, noting his mother's property would be affected and questioning the necessity of additional burial space.
- Dolores Jenkins (1380 Poquonock Ave) pleaded with the commission to reconsider, stating that her home would be surrounded by cemetery on two sides, diminishing its livability and value.
Zone Change – 100 Pigeon Hill Road & 445 Poquonock Ave (Christ Proclamation Church):
- Eli Triplett (20 Scott Lane) asked about the potential scale of the church's growth and future use of the additional property.
- Patrick Marina (neighbor) expressed support for the church but sought clarity on expansion plans.
- Carlene Abrahams (32 Scott Lane) raised concerns about privacy and safety from church expansion.
- Sandy Nelson (461 Poquonock Ave) opposed the rezoning of 445 Poquonock Ave, citing impacts on residential character and wetland preservation.
- Michael Nelson (461 Poquonock Ave) opposed the zone change, worried about traffic, wildlife, and potential non-residential uses.
- Eunice Clark (5 Adam Hill) requested assurances that the natural buffer would remain.
- Jamie Waveris (492 Poquonock Ave) urged rejection of the zone change, citing the church's stated mission of conversion and the need for housing over institutional use.
Special Use – 851 Marshall Phelps Road (Vinfen Corporation):
- No public comments were made; the hearing was closed without testimony.

Discussion Items

18-Month Special Use Extension – 895 Day Hill Road (Extended-Stay Hotel):
- Staff noted this was the fourth extension request for the proposed hotel. Discussion centered on the length of time (almost six years) without progress. The commission initially voted to table the item to allow the applicant to appear, but after noting the extension expired that day, they instead approved a one-month extension to December 9, 2025, to allow the applicant to present their case. Approved 5-0.
Minutes – October 14, 2025:
- Corrections were made (spelling of "paddle courts," grammar fixes, and adding Commissioner Howell as attending virtually). Approved as amended 5-0.
2026 Meeting Schedule:
- Adopted after discussion of potential conflicts with Election Day (noted that November 10 cannot be Election Day). Approved 5-0.
Connecticut Federation of Planning and Zoning Agencies (CFPZA) Report:
- Brief discussion included updates on training requirements (now every four years) and animal definitions (pygmy pigs). No action taken.
Planner's Report:
- Website updated to WindsorCT.gov. Building official change: Dave Langworthy left, Jeff Kircantis promoted to building official. POCD update: draft nearing completion; adoption expected in February 2026.
Application Acceptance:
- Accepted for December meeting: Special Use for 740 Prospect Hill Road (farm stand) and Special Use renewal at 231 Dudley Town Road.
Zone Change – 1368 Poquonock Ave (AA to NZ, Second School Society):
- The applicant (Roger Ball, treasurer of Second School Society) explained the property was purchased after complaints about a dilapidated rental; the house was demolished and landscaping improved. The zone change would allow future cemetery expansion. Staff noted that cemeteries are allowed in NZ zones and that a 20-foot buffer would be offered. The commission discussed the compatibility with the neighborhood; the applicant offered to provide additional plantings. Approved 4-1 (one commissioner voted against).
Zone Change – 100 Pigeon Hill Road (AA to NZ, Christ Proclamation Church):
- Pastor Steve Thiel requested the change to align use with zoning, allow flexibility for future improvements (parking, shed), and facilitate a parsonage at 445 Poquonock Ave. Staff noted the church has existed for 40 years as a special use; rezoning would bring it into compliance. Concerns from neighbors about expansion and parking were addressed. The church stated it has no plans for a cemetery. Approved 5-0.
Zone Change – 445 Poquonock Ave (AA to NZ, Christ Proclamation Church):
- Pastor Thiel stated the property would be used as a parsonage for the church. Neighbors expressed concerns about increased institutional use and potential for parking lots or other intensive uses. The church committed to installing buffers if needed. The commission debated the impact on the residential character; some members noted the property was not historically a church and the change could open up more intensive uses. Approved 3-2.
Special Use – 851 Marshall Phelps Road (Adult Daycare Center, Vinfen Corporation):
- Michael Duncan (facilities manager) described a vocational training center for individuals with disabilities, serving 40-60 clients with 15-20 staff, operating Monday-Friday 7 AM-4:30 PM. The building would be minimally altered; parking lot changes for loading. Staff noted a previous child care application was appealed but withdrawn. The commission approved the special use with a two-year extension (to allow time for closing and construction). Approved 5-0.
Text Amendment – Add Section 13.3, Day Hill Design Development:
- Staff presented amendments including subdivision provisions and density calculations (up to 15 units per acre with affordable housing requirements). CRG comments on parking were addressed via existing shared parking provisions. The commission discussed on-site storage for multifamily units but decided to handle it on a case-by-case basis. Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

Approved: 18-month special use extension for 895 Day Hill Road (one-month extension to December 9, 2025).
Approved: Minutes of October 14, 2025, as amended.
Approved: 2026 meeting schedule.
Approved: Zone change for 1368 Poquonock Ave (AA to NZ) – 4 in favor, 1 opposed.
Approved: Zone change for 100 Pigeon Hill Road (AA to NZ) – 5-0.
Approved: Zone change for 445 Poquonock Ave (AA to NZ) – 3 in favor, 2 opposed.
Approved: Special Use for 851 Marshall Phelps Road (adult daycare) with a two-year extension – 5-0.
Approved: Text Amendment to add Section 13.3 (Day Hill Design Development) – 5-0.
Adjourned: Meeting ended after final vote.

Meeting Transcript

First order of business is Mitchell. Would you please let the people online know how to get in touch? If there's anyone from the public who would like to address the commission, you may do so by raising your hand on your computer if your device has a microphone capability. By selecting the participants icon on the zoom menu bar and then clicking raise hand or by dialing star nine on your phone. When you were called on, you would be prompted that you were now on muted. Please state your name and address for clear communication. We ask that you do not place the call on speakerphone. Thank you. From anyone in the audience that wishes to speak to an item that is not a public hearing item this evening. Anyone online? There's no one online. Communications and petitions from the planning and zoning commission. Any meetings anybody has to report on? No. Okay. Zoning officers report we have none. No 824 pre-epp scrutiny. Reapprovals and revisions, Mr. Seely. Uh yes, ma'am. So we do have uh one uh 18-month special use extension request for 895 Day Hill Road. Uh, this was for the proposed extended stay hotel. Uh I zone and Alford was the applicant. Um that will require a uh vote by the commission. Um and then we've had two 3.9s approved since our last meeting, uh 147 Addison Road, add pro pancage, I zone, Tel Works Logistics, and the other site plan revision was for 216 Broad Street uh 30 by 30 signed B2 zone Sotch Dev. Okay. Um for the 18 month approval. It's my understanding that this is the fourth time the applicant has asked for an appro uh renewal. Um and the regulations state that a building permit or where a building permit is not necessary, a certificate of occupancy must be taken or issued within 18 months of the date of approval of the special use or the approval shall expire unless specifically extended by the commission. Uh in the sidebar on our regulations, we had a section that kind of talked about why do these special uses expire, and I'll just kind of go over that real quickly. Um depending on the nature of a special use, it can have significant impacts on surrounding properties. The owners of surrounding properties have an opportunity to participate in a public hearing to express their concerns and ask for mitigation of potential impacts if necessary. With the passage of time, ownership of the surrounding land can change, and new owners might not be aware of the potential for significant changes to their neighbor's property, creating a situation that they may not have bargained for in buying their home or business. Time limit ensures that any extension will keep knowledge of the special use fresh in the public consciousness, or in the event of a later renewal of the permit, the new owners would at least have a voice in the new proceeding. Um so that was the intent behind why the special uses expire. Um, as far as concerns from neighboring properties, the majority of the property is under one ownership, so I don't think we have the concern that neighbors are moving in or not been notified. I mean, this is on the Day Hill corridor. Um so at least the reasons that are listed there in the regs. I I don't think that that is a um a concern. Um I I really don't have a problem with it because they haven't started anything, but this is the fourth time, so I mean that's almost six years. Yeah, that seems like a long time. Yeah, where's the harm in just saying no? And when you're finally ready to do what you need to do, if anything has changed in the last six years, bring it forward again. I agree with that. Yeah. Um, they do incur some cost with the application, obviously a special use and then a site development application. Um the applicant, I don't the original applicant, I don't believe is here, so I don't think they've had an opportunity to state their case on why they need approval. My understanding is that last I heard it was for financial um reasons. They were trying to line up the finances for the hotel. Um but I I'd certainly you know hear what you're saying, and I I um so what are we talking about?

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