Groton Open Space Association

Zoning Commission To Reconsider Floating Zone Vote

GROTON — The Zoning Commission decided Oct. 15, 2007, to reconsider its vote to reject a regulation amendment that would allow floating zones to be established in four areas of the town, The Day reported.

The amendment had been rejected Oct. 3 by a vote of 3-2, with Chairman Stephen Hudecek, Mariellen French and Sue Sutherland casting “no” votes and Richard Haviland and Robert O’Neill voting for the amendment.

Atty. Timothy Bates had raised questions about the vote because alternate member Susan Marquardt had been scheduled to vote on the issue but was replaced by Ms.Sutherland when Ms. Marquardt showed up late. Mr. Bates contended Ms. Marquardt, though late, should have been allowed to vote instead of Ms. Sutherland when Ms. Marquardt arrived.

Mr. Hudecek made the motion in or after (click below) a closed-door session to reconsider the vote, with Ms. French and Ms. Sutherland voting for the motion, though “with reservations,” the article said.

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Mr. Bates said he was glad the commission decided to do “the right thing.” He said the decision had eliminated any need for an appeal by his client L&L Groton LLC, which initiated the request for an amendment. Town Attorney Michael Carey participated in the meeting.

Ms. Marquardt will vote Nov. 7, date for reconsideration, instead of Ms. Sutherland, the article said.