Naugatuck Considers Allowing Assisted Living Facilities In Town

NAUGATUCK, CT — The Naugatuck Planning and Zoning Commission is studying the feasibility of allowing elderly assisted living residential facility/senior independent living facility in the borough.

Lori Rotella, Town Planner explained that the current regulations do not allow for Elderly
Assisted Living Residential Facility/Senior Independent Living, therefore the creation of this
new section is in response to the demand, public need and affordability.

She went on to explain the reason for B2 zone location such as easy access on and off highways for medical facilities and public utilities. Other locations could be added eventually if there becomes a greater need, officials said.

Lori, Ed Carter and Attorney Ned Fitzpatrick have been having meetings over the last month to go
over what type of terms, conditions and locations should be in the regulations, and they feel this
is a workable set of regulations at this point, officials said.

A detailed discussion took place on what the age of residents should be, 62 or older is in the proposal unless they have a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activity. Fitzpatrick explained in detail some of the locations and proposals that they have been looking at to see what would work in Naugatuck.

He also explained how the opportunity zone works and why this makes sense for private funding and some of the processes behind drafting regulations, which includes community need as well as location.

Deed restriction was addressed and how this proposal must go along with the Borough’s Plan Of Conservation and Development.

Eileen Bronko said she believes this is a good use for the area. She suggested splitting North Main Street and South Main Street because they are very different areas. She has concerns with the height of a 5-story building, referencing the Boroughs POCD. She also has concerns with the use of definitions of the facility in the proposal and is requesting limiting it to 2 terms. Parking is also a concern she would want to consider revisiting and she questioned whether a parking garage was
the intention, as well as what the facility would look like whether it would look like a nursing
home or a traditionally assisted living facility, according to meeting minutes.

Elevators were discussed briefly as well as the reasons for admittance into an assisted living facility when you are under the age of 62. They also discussed why age 62 and not 60 or 65.

Fitzpatrick explained the verbiage/terms could be addressed in the text and he will find out about age 62, he believes there are more restrictions if you go under age 62 but will find out for the next meeting, he also explained they could take away the word facility as to just say parking on premises.

There was clarification on what a senior independent living dwelling unit is, it is a single or multi-family house not a facility type building. There are state requirements and regulations the facility would have to follow. Deed restriction was discussed in detail and how long it is in affect for as well as how can the previous section 58 be included and if they could consider including active and assisted all in one section?

A special permit would still be needed and many of these concerns could and would be addressed through this process. Fitzpatrick explained the commission could request an expert be brought in by the applicant to explain parking.

Wayne Malicki asked 3 times for public comment, there was none. Wording to address in the proposal: parking - not parking facility, age of 62-make it possibly 60 or 65.