ORANGE, CT — The Town Plan and Zoning Commission approved a zoning text amendment and special exception June 16 allowing Aspire Living & Learning Inc. to operate a nonprofit school at 584 Derby Milford Road.
The commission voted 5-0 to amend the Orange Zoning Regulations to allow a nonprofit school serving students and adults with emotional, intellectual and developmental disabilities as a special permit use in the Office Park District. The amendment takes effect June 26.
Attorney Joe Williams, representing the applicant, said Aspire plans to use the existing building without site work and with only minimal interior modifications. He said the property has operated as a school use since 2013 and that the proposed use is consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
The commission also voted 5-0 to approve Aspire's special exception application for the site, including waivers of the site plan, architectural design plan and soil erosion and sediment control plan requirements. The approval takes effect July 8.
In another unanimous vote, the commission approved an application from Jason and Daniela Roseman to convert a single-family dwelling at 512 Kanuga Trail to accommodate an elderly apartment. The approval is subject to the owners satisfying filing requirements showing the merger of two lots.
Commissioners also issued a positive 8-24 municipal improvement referral for the town's possible acceptance of donated land at 990 Orange Center Road and on Diana Street. Town Counsel Jeremy Gustafson said both property owners approached the town about donating the parcels, and the commission determined the proposed donations comply with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
During staff reports, Zoning Enforcement Officer Steve Hotchkiss said representatives from Big Y met with town departments about plans for a new location at 220 Indian River Road, the former Christmas Tree Shop. Hotchkiss said the company is proposing facade changes and minor site plan adjustments, with an application likely to be submitted in August.
Hotchkiss also said Saint Barbara's Church has requested to meet with the commission about the Odyssey Festival and how future special events should be processed. He reported that Great River Country Club submitted a bond for site work related to a new gazebo and that construction is expected to begin soon.
The commission approved its June 2 minutes, as amended, by a 5-0 vote. Chairman Paul Parente said a proposed text amendment related to Public Act 25-1 is expected to appear on the July 7 agenda.
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