Groton Open Space Association

Groton City Residents Petition Against Zoning Change

CITY OF GROTON — A petition with 109 names was presented Tuesday night to the city Planning and Zoning Commission, asking it to reject a proposed zone change sought by a developer who owns eight acres along Baker Cove, according to a report June 21, 2006, in The Day.

Syma Ebbin, a resident of the area and a Representative Town Meeting member, submitted the document during a public hearing, said the report, written by The Day reporter Katie Warchut.

The report continued (text in black):

The proposal, submitted by Bernard Pellegrino, representing Forestland Groton LLC, would allow multifamily housing in areas currently zoned for single-family homes.

It would apply to single lots or contiguous lots making up at least eight acres in zones that currently allow 8,000 square feet per dwelling or 12,000 square feet per dwelling. One such lot is at 770-772 Shennecossett Road.

Pellegrino showed an example of a traditional subdivision cut into 14 individual lots, and compared it to 30 condominium units clustered on the same property.

He said the change would allow more space to remain untouched, preserving the natural features of a property, such as trees and rock outcroppings. The change also would require a developer to obtain a special permit, which would give the Planning and Zoning Commission more control over development in such zones.

But Ebbin and a few of about 40 residents who attended Tuesday night’s hearing feared the change would hurt the neighborhood.

Robert Westhaver said the community would only get higher density housing, lower housing values and more traffic.

“Are the town guidelines broken? Do they really need fixing?” Westhaver asked.

Only one other property in the city, the Giesing property at 403 Meridian St. Extension, would currently fall under the proposed zone change, according to City Planner Barbara Goodrich.

Three other parcels meet the eight-acre minimum: Shennecossett Yacht Club, the Elks Club and the municipal complex, but those properties are zoned for non-residential use.

The commission, therefore, was concerned that the proposed change could be considered “spot zoning,” which is illegal.

The public hearing was closed, with discussion by the commission tabled until July.

The next P&Z meeting is July 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, when the panel is expected to make decisions both on the high-density zoning issue and on a companion proposal allowing active senior housing.