New Milford Zoning Board Approves Three Variances, Delays Decision On Candlewood Lake Deck

NEW MILFORD, CT — The New Milford Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved three zoning variances Oct. 21, allowing construction of a municipal public works storage facility and two residential additions, while delaying a decision on a proposed deck near Candlewood Lake following objections from neighboring property owners.

The board voted 5-0 to approve variances for projects on Boardman Road, Sherry Lane and Candleset Cove Road. A fourth application, involving a deck on Candlewood Lake Road North, remained unresolved after the property owner agreed to a 30-day extension.

Public Works Storage Facility Approved On Boardman Road

The board unanimously approved variances requested by the New Milford Department of Public Works for construction of a 40-by-50-foot, three-sided drying bed and materials storage structure at 53 Boardman Road.

The structure will be used in connection with municipal catch basin maintenance.

The approved variances reduce the required front yard setback from 100 feet to 15.5 feet, the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 13.5 feet and the required front landscaped area from 50 feet to 15.5 feet.

Chuck Ballard, representing the Department of Public Works, explained that the property is approximately 90 feet deep, making it impossible to meet the 100-foot front setback requirement.

Ballard said the facility would be used to drain and store materials removed during catch basin maintenance.

He told board members that the structure would comply with applicable height requirements and would not interfere with the adjacent roadway.

Vice Chair Kelly Franzese questioned whether the building would obstruct the road and asked about its long-term use.

Ballard said the site's topography would prevent interference with the roadway and that the town would continue to need storage space for public works materials.

Board member James Corbett discussed the property's physical limitations and the need for zoning relief.

Secretary Scott Leddy moved to approve the variances, citing the lot's pre-existing, nonconforming conditions and physical location.

Franzese seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.

Sherry Lane Sunroom Addition Approved

The board voted 5-0 to approve a variance allowing Massiel Crespo-Fleury to construct an 8-by-16-foot sunroom addition at 39 Sherry Lane.

The approval reduces the required northern side yard setback from 10 feet to 2 feet.

Crespo-Fleury explained that the proposed sunroom would enclose part of an existing deck.

Board members reviewed the property's layout, the location of neighboring homes and the existing deck's proximity to the property line.

Franzese questioned whether the deck had previously received a variance and whether the addition could be relocated to a conforming area.

Crespo-Fleury said the placement of a hot tub, utilities and access to the home's furnace room complicated alternative locations.

Chairman Terry Ellis identified the location and access constraints as factors affecting the proposal.

During the hearing, Lori Giannico of 25 Nutmeg Drive asked questions about the project and expressed concern about possible short-term rental use of the property.

Crespo-Fleury said she owned the property.

Leddy moved to grant the variance based on the lot's pre-existing, nonconforming conditions. Franzese seconded the motion.

The variance was approved 5-0.

Candleset Cove Bedroom Addition Approved

The board also unanimously approved variances for a one-story bedroom addition at 15 Candleset Cove Road.

Applicant Joe Coelho sought permission to construct a 23-by-23-foot addition.

The approved variances reduce the required northern side yard setback from 40 feet to 17 feet and the rear yard setback from 50 feet to 13 feet.

Coelho explained the proposed addition and discussed the property's existing well and septic system.

He said the home currently has three bedrooms and that the addition would change their arrangement.

Board members questioned the location of the well and septic system, the home's existing nonconforming status and the circumstances requiring the setback reductions.

Coelho said the Health Department had reviewed the property without raising objections.

Leddy moved to approve the variances, citing the existing nonconforming dwelling and the location of the well and septic system.

Franzese seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.

Candlewood Lake Deck Proposal Draws Neighbor Objections

The board postponed a decision on an application from Jeffery and Amy Passero to construct a deck at 104 Candlewood Lake Road North.

The application seeks to reduce the northern side yard setback from 10 feet to 4.4 feet for a 12-by-16-foot deck and from 10 feet to 1.6 feet for an 8-by-17-foot L-shaped deck extension.

The Passeros explained that they purchased the property intending to rebuild a deck that had been removed before they acquired the home.

They said the proposed deck would restore outdoor space and provide privacy.

Amy Passero described plans to install a trellis and trees along the property line to screen the deck from neighboring homes.

Board members questioned whether the previous deck had been abandoned, whether the proposed construction would recreate the former structure and whether changes to the deck or stairs could reduce the need for zoning relief.

Neighbors Kris Bennet and Heather Linebarger of 102 Candlewood Lake Road North opposed the application.

Bennet questioned whether the proposed trees and trellis would provide adequate privacy, while Linebarger expressed concern that the deck would overlook their backyard.

Corbett discussed alternative stair locations and possible changes to the deck's configuration.

Ellis suggested keeping the application open to allow the property owners and neighbors additional time to discuss potential changes.

The board also considered whether adjustments to the proposed deck could reduce the setback encroachment.

Corbett offered to assist the applicants in reviewing construction options, but Ellis said Corbett would need to recuse himself from any subsequent vote if he became involved in the project.

Jeffery Passero signed a 30-day extension.

No vote was taken on the variance application.

Board Approves Previous Minutes

The board unanimously approved the minutes of its Sept. 16 meeting.

Franzese introduced the motion, which Corbett seconded.

The Oct. 21 meeting began at 7 p.m. and adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Members present were Ellis, Franzese, Leddy and alternates Douglas Cherniske and James Corbett.

Cherniske and Corbett were seated in place of absent members Garret Strol and Barbara Parks.

The meeting minutes were submitted by Recording Secretary Nicholas Ferlow.

This report is based on the New Milford Zoning Board of Appeals' Oct. 21, 2026, regular meeting minutes.