RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed preliminary plans for a proposed affordable housing development on Abbott Avenue and the restoration of the historic Branchville Schoolhouse, while unanimously approving two zoning text amendments and a downtown storefront improvement during its July 28 meeting.
The commission spent much of the meeting reviewing a conceptual proposal for a three-story, 14-unit affordable housing development at 27 Abbott Ave. that would be submitted under Connecticut's 8-30g affordable housing law. The proposal includes associated parking, utilities, landscaping and stormwater management improvements.
Engineer Brian Carey told commissioners he was seeking early feedback before formally submitting the application. He said the proposal has been before the Inland Wetlands Board and that the project team intends to continue refining the plans before filing with the commission.
See Also: Ridgefield IWB Approves Barrack Hill Septic, Advances Abbott Ave. Resolution
Commissioners questioned several aspects of the proposal, including guest parking, fire access, ADA accessibility, stormwater management, traffic, snow removal, delivery vehicles and whether the site's density was contributing to circulation and safety concerns. Commissioner Mariah Okrongly expressed concern about possible impacts on flooding near Gilbert Street and whether the development provided enough parking for residents with more than one vehicle. Commissioner Joe Sorena questioned emergency vehicle access and peak stormwater discharge, while Commissioner Elizabeth DiSalvo raised concerns about runoff, parking capacity and whether modifications to the garage layout could accommodate additional vehicles.
Chair Robert Hendrick advised the applicant to meet with the town's fire department and other municipal departments before filing a formal application. He said the proposal would require independent peer review of its traffic and stormwater analyses and would also be evaluated for site circulation, snow removal, deliveries and accessibility. Hendrick said the commission currently believes the property is near its maximum development capacity, while Commissioner Ben Nneji suggested the applicant evaluate whether fewer units could address some of the concerns raised during the discussion.
Commissioners also reviewed conceptual plans to restore the Branchville Schoolhouse at 302 Old Branchville Road. The town-owned, one-room schoolhouse would be rehabilitated for use by the Ridgefield Historical Society as an exhibition and meeting space while preserving the historic structure.
The proposal includes removing an existing shed, restoring the original schoolhouse, constructing a small addition to provide ADA accessibility, upgrading building systems and creating a permeable parking area with seven standard spaces and one accessible van space. Historical Society representatives told commissioners the building would have a maximum occupancy of about 35 people and would primarily host exhibits and small educational gatherings rather than outdoor events. They said neighboring property owners have expressed support for the project.
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Commissioners asked about lighting, landscaping, parking, HVAC systems, septic improvements, traffic, sustainability measures and whether electric vehicle charging requirements would apply if the parking lot is reconstructed. Hendrick encouraged the applicants to continue discussions with neighboring property owners before submitting a formal application. Okrongly said a traffic study could be warranted if the property were proposed for rental use, while Town of Ridgefield Planning Director Aarti Paranjape said the formal application should further define the building's intended institutional and educational uses because they could affect traffic patterns.
The commission unanimously approved two commission-initiated zoning text amendments following public hearings that drew no public comment.
One amendment revises Section 7.5 of the zoning regulations governing excavation, filling and grading. The second updates Section 9.3.L regarding mailed notice requirements for public hearings.
Commissioners also unanimously approved a Village District Compatibility application for exterior improvements at 7 Bailey Ave., where Teresa Meyer plans to open "Lilia," an interior design studio and retail business. The approved work includes repainting the building, installing a new awning and adding window lettering. The Village District Conservation Commission had recommended approval.
As part of the commission's ongoing zoning regulation review during the town's temporary multifamily housing moratorium, commissioners discussed draft regulations for data centers. Topics included noise, energy consumption, visual buffering and water usage. Commissioners also discussed future work on steep-slope regulations after receiving feedback from the Conservation Commission. No action was taken.
Paranjape also presented the Planning and Zoning Department's annual report covering July 2025 through June 2026 before the commission approved minutes from its July 14 regular meeting and July 26 site walk. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
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