Windsor Town Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting - September 9, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM on September 9, 2026. The commission considered several special use applications, a text amendment, and a detailed plan for a mixed-use development. All items were approved, with conditions on some.

Consent Calendar

• Reapprovals and extensions for site plan revisions at 4 and 8 Griffin Road, 29 Windsor Avenue, 90 Meadow Road, and 550 Marshall Phelps Road were noted by staff without formal vote.
• Minutes from July 14, 2026 were approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Mazer (Sylvie Lane) expressed support for the adaptive reuse at 7 Waterside Crossing, noting the large unit square footage. He inquired about homeownership opportunities (answered that all units will be rentals) and highlighted the nearby Farmington River Park and the former Summer Wind concert venue.
• Estelle Labar (abutter at 1-6 Mountain Road) raised concerns about the demolition of existing buildings at Targeting Center, requesting that the fence be installed before demolition, that the dumpster be moved away from residential areas, and that demolition methods be dust-controlled. She also requested an 8-foot fence instead of 6-foot for privacy.

Discussion Items

• Planner's Report (Todd Seely): Updates included completion of the plaza building restaurant/kitchen, progress on Waterside Crossing conversions, and staff changes (Suzanne Choate left for Vernon; Jenna Zinke promoted to Assistant Town Engineer). The Walk of Lights for 9/11 was noted.
• Public Hearings:
  • 7 Waterside Crossing – Special Use (Adaptive Reuse): Ben Kaffee (Brady Sullivan Properties) presented plans to convert a vacant office building into 57 apartments (14 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom, 10 three-bedroom). The building is in better condition than earlier conversions; amenities include dog park, courtyard, and pedestrian connections. The application is conditioned on wetland approval and resolution of staff comments. Approved 5-0.
  • 231 & 235 Dudley Town Road – Special Use Reapproval (Landscape Contractor Yard): James Burns (Countryside Landscaping) sought reapproval for existing operations (storage of equipment, topsoil, debris). Staff noted the use had spilled onto 235 Dudley Town Road; a site cleanup is needed. After debate, the commission approved a 10-year reapproval (amendment passed 3-2) with cleanup by November 30, 2026. Separate motions passed 5-0 for each parcel.
  • Text Amendment – Sections 3.3.1K & 3.3.1L (Conservation & Traffic Mitigation District): Town Planner Todd Seely proposed designating Windsor Center as a traffic mitigation district to require off-street parking for developments of 16 units or fewer, as permitted by state law. Staff noted the flexibility in existing regulations and the winter parking ban. The Capitol Region Council of Governments (Krog) commented that the town center is more walkable than other areas. Approved 5-0.
  • 570 Hayden Station Road – Special Use (Brewery with Tap Room): Gordon Wombley (Float House) requested a tap room for non-alcoholic and low-dose THC beverages in an existing 6,000 sq ft facility. The tap room will be small (~20 person occupancy), operating Thursday-Saturday initially. Staff noted that THC beverage manufacturing is allowed by right; only on-premise consumption requires special use. Conditions include working with building/fire departments on occupancy and accessibility. Approved 5-0.
  • 770, 800, 808 Bloomfield Avenue – Special Use Reapproval (Outdoor Storage): Wilson Alford Jr. represented TLD ACE, seeking reapproval for outdoor storage of ground support equipment. Issues included storage of lithium-ion batteries (now discontinued), screening along Addison Road (not yet planted), and overflow parking at adjacent church. The commission approved for one year with conditions to remove lithium-ion battery references and containers, install screening, and resolve church parking with staff. Separate motion for 812 Bloomfield Avenue approved for two years (both 5-0).
  • 1 & 10 Targeting Center / 465 Bloomfield Avenue – Design Development Detail Plan (Phase 2 Residential): Marcus Greenberg and Wilson Alford Jr. presented 200 condominium units in three buildings (replacing two existing office buildings). Amenities include pool, dog area, garden, and underground parking. Public comments raised concerns about demolition noise/dust, fence height, and dumpster location. The commission denied a waiver for irrigation landscaping but allowed staff to determine reasonable areas. Approval was conditioned on demolition during normal business hours (M-F) and resolution of outstanding issues with staff. Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• 7 Waterside Crossing Special Use: Approved 5-0, subject to wetland commission approval and staff comments.
• 231 Dudley Town Road Special Use Reapproval: Approved for 10 years (amendment 3-2, main motion 5-0) with cleanup by November 30, 2026.
• 235 Dudley Town Road Special Use Reapproval: Approved 5-0 for 10 years with same conditions.
• Text Amendment (Sections 3.3.1K & L): Approved 5-0.
• 570 Hayden Station Road Special Use (Brewery Tap Room): Approved 5-0.
• 770, 800, 808 Bloomfield Avenue Special Use Reapproval: Approved 5-0 for one year, with conditions to remove lithium-ion references/containers, install screening, and resolve church parking.
• 812 Bloomfield Avenue Special Use Reapproval: Approved 5-0 for two years.
• Targeting Center Detailed Plan: Approved 5-0 with conditions on demolition hours and staff delegation; irrigation waiver denied but subject to staff accommodation.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM.