Norwich Zoning Board To Hear Four CTDOT Variance Requests For Road Improvements

NORWICH, CT — The Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings Wednesday, Sept. 9, on four Connecticut Department of Transportation requests for zoning relief involving properties on Peck and Asylum streets.

The applications seek reductions in minimum lot-area requirements for all four properties, with three Asylum Street properties also requiring relief from front-yard setback requirements. CTDOT says the variances are needed for road improvements.

Asylum Street Properties Seek Zoning Relief

The largest proposed reduction in lot area involves 14 Asylum St., a property owned by Jacob G. Gerace and Cassandra Von Ordelin.

CTDOT is requesting permission to reduce the lot by 485 square feet, from 8,712 square feet to 8,227 square feet. Zoning regulations require a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet.

The application also seeks to reduce the property's front-yard setback from 10.25 feet to 6.61 feet, where 20 feet is required. The property is in the Multi-Family Zone.

At 6 Asylum St., CTDOT is requesting a 31-square-foot reduction in lot area, from 7,405 square feet to 7,374 square feet, and a reduction in the front setback from 19.52 feet to 19.06 feet.

The property, owned by Javier Flores, is in the GC Zone.

Another application concerns 17 Asylum St., owned by Deborah A. and William P. Caron.

CTDOT is seeking to reduce the lot area by 77 square feet, from 3,049 square feet to 2,972 square feet, where 10,000 square feet is required. The application also seeks a reduction in the 20-foot front-yard setback. The property is in the GC Zone.

Peck Street Variance Also Tied To Road Work

At 3 Peck St., CTDOT is requesting a 23-square-foot reduction in minimum lot area for road improvements.

The proposal would reduce the property from 7,840 square feet to 7,817 square feet, where zoning regulations require 10,000 square feet.

Melissa and Joseph Watrous own the property, which is in the Multi-Family Zone.

After the public hearings, the board is scheduled to discuss and potentially decide all four applications.

Forest Land Investment Litigation On Agenda

The board is also scheduled to enter executive session for an update on litigation involving Forest Land Investment LLC and the Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals. The agenda provides no additional information about the case.

Members will also consider accepting minutes from the board's April 14 meeting and receive staff updates.

The hybrid meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the lower-level conference room at 23 Union St., with online participation also available. The agenda directs those attending in person to use the rear entrance.