WOODBRIDGE, CT — The Woodbridge Town Plan and Zoning Commission postponed decisions on proposed shared residential housing regulations and changes to child care zoning rules during its Nov. 2 meeting, scheduling further consideration of both matters for Dec. 7.
Commissioners also reviewed plans to solicit development proposals for portions of the former Country Club of Woodbridge property and discussed new state requirements for regional affordable housing plans, including proposed zoning changes in neighboring Bethany.
The commission continued a public hearing on a proposal that would allow shared community residential housing in the town's Development 2 zoning district.
Winter Cartwright submitted the proposed zoning amendment, which would establish regulations for housing that could include sober or recovery housing, transitional housing, veterans housing and supportive housing.
Cartwright told commissioners she hopes to convert an existing commercial building at 100 Bradley Road into shared residential housing if the amendment is approved.
She said the building has been vacant for approximately six and a half years and has been difficult to lease as office space.
Cartwright proposed creating approximately 12 to 15 residential units with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
She said the development could provide housing for people who cannot afford individual apartments, including veterans.
Cartwright, who identified herself as a community health worker, said she could provide services to residents and would hire management to oversee the property and maintain the building.
She also said the proposed housing would not be institutional in nature.
Robert Hill of Acorn Road questioned whether the units could count toward the town's affordable housing obligations and asked who would maintain the shared facilities.
Cartwright said management would be responsible for building upkeep and that the communal kitchen would operate during designated hours.
Chairman Jeff Kennedy recommended that Town Planner Michael D'Amato and Town Counsel Nicholas Bamonte develop regulatory standards for the proposed use, including a requirement for commission site plan review.
Commissioners agreed unanimously to continue the hearing until Dec. 7 to allow time for the regulations to be drafted.
No zoning amendment was adopted.
The commission also postponed adoption of proposed zoning amendments intended to bring Woodbridge into compliance with state requirements governing family and group child care homes.
The amendments address Public Act 23-142 and Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-77, which require certain child care uses in residences to be permitted as of right.
D'Amato explained that the town had committed to updating its regulations by Dec. 31, 2026.
The proposed revisions would change the zoning use table, definitions and use-specific conditions.
Commissioners initially voted unanimously to close the public hearing after receiving no public comments.
During a subsequent discussion of adopting the amendments, Commissioner Jim Horwitz questioned inconsistencies in terminology, including references to "family day-care home" and "family child-care home."
Zoning Enforcement Officer Kristine Sullivan asked whether the hearing should be reopened if the language required changes.
Bamonte agreed that reopening the hearing would allow the commission to address the terminology.
An initial motion to adopt the amendments was withdrawn.
Commissioner Ben Cherry then moved to reopen the public hearing, with Horwitz seconding.
The motion passed unanimously, with Kennedy, Aaron Hoffmann, Cherry, Horwitz, Rob McClure and Matt Edwards voting in favor.
D'Amato and Bamonte will review the proposed language before the Dec. 7 meeting.
Commissioners reviewed the town's request for expressions of interest from developers for approximately 25 to 30 acres of the former Country Club of Woodbridge property.
The request follows development of a master plan that seeks to preserve more than 115 acres of green space, parkland and trails while identifying smaller areas for development.
The town is seeking proposals for two designated areas: a seven-acre Ansonia Cottage Community site and an approximately 18-acre Woodfield Road and clubhouse district.
Kennedy said commissioners should be familiar with the development solicitation because proposals could eventually require zoning amendments, including a possible overlay district.
Sullivan reported attending mandatory site tours and pre-submission conferences Oct. 29 and 30. She said at least four interested parties participated.
She also said the town administration was exploring demolition of the former clubhouse using brownfield grant funding.
Developer responses are due Dec. 4.
The commission expects to discuss the matter again Dec. 7.
No development proposal was approved during the meeting.
Kennedy and D'Amato reviewed upcoming requirements under Special Act 25-1 for regional housing growth plans and municipal affordable housing targets.
D'Amato said the state Office of Policy and Management is expected to assign recommended affordable housing goals to regional councils of governments by the end of December.
Regional councils must then assign recommended goals to individual municipalities by June 1, 2027.
Municipalities will have 30 days to accept or reject their assigned targets, according to D'Amato.
The South Central Regional Council of Governments is preparing a developable land inventory to help determine municipal housing goals.
Factors under consideration include proximity to public transportation, downtown areas and employment centers, as well as restrictions involving wetlands, steep slopes, public lands and protected open space.
The regional council plans to hold the first of three educational discussions in Woodbridge in January 2027.
Alternate Commissioner Robert Wiznia also reported on the regional planning commission's Oct. 8 meeting.
Among the matters reviewed were proposed zoning amendments in Bethany addressing compliance with Public Act 25-1 and fire suppression water supply regulations.
The regional commission found that the Bethany amendments, along with proposed changes in Woodbridge and New Haven, would not create adverse impacts on neighboring municipalities or Long Island Sound.
The regional findings did not constitute approval of Bethany's local zoning amendments.
The commission received an application from Deanna Birdsong for a special exception permit to install a freestanding sign at 264 Amity Road.
Because the application requires a public hearing, commissioners agreed unanimously to schedule one for Dec. 7.
No decision was made on the proposed sign.
Sullivan reported that the commission had previously received a request from Paul Harrigan to call a bond associated with 114 Luciani St..
The matter was referred to Bamonte for legal review.
Bamonte said he was still reviewing the bond, explaining that such bonds typically help ensure maintenance of erosion controls and public improvements.
He expects to report back to the commission Dec. 7.
The commission unanimously approved its Aug. 4 special meeting minutes and Oct. 5 regular meeting minutes, with typographical corrections to the latter.
Commissioners also reviewed a proposed meeting schedule covering January 2027 through January 2028. Final action is expected Dec. 7.
The Nov. 2 meeting began at 6:35 p.m. at Woodbridge Town Hall, 11 Meetinghouse Lane.
Members present included Kennedy, Hoffmann, McClure, Cherry and Horwitz, along with alternates Wiznia, Mel Medina and Edwards. Edwards was seated in place of absent Commissioner Paul Schatz.
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
This report is based on the Woodbridge Town Plan and Zoning Commission's draft Nov. 2, 2026, meeting minutes.
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