RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously endorsed the proposed sale of a town-owned property at 29 Lakeview Drive on Oct. 13, with conditions addressing neighbors' concerns about retaining walls, drainage and other unresolved property issues.
The commission also learned that First Selectperson Rudy Marconi was withdrawing a referral application involving the potential purchase of land for a new public safety headquarters at 221 Danbury Road because negotiations remain unresolved.
The commission voted unanimously to issue a favorable referral for the proposed sale of 29 Lakeview Drive, which the town acquired following years of litigation and efforts to address blight.
Marconi said the town hopes to recover approximately $130,000 in back taxes and legal expenses associated with the property, including about $60,000 in unpaid taxes and $70,000 in attorney fees.
The property previously contained a house that has since been demolished.
Marconi said the town has no pending purchase agreement and that proceeds from a sale would go into the general fund.
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Neighbor Kevin Murphy, speaking on behalf of nearby residents, told commissioners that the neighborhood does not oppose selling the property but wants outstanding concerns addressed.
Murphy questioned the condition of a retaining wall, the placement of fill, possible contamination from demolition materials and changes in drainage patterns. He also raised concerns about previous work near a neighboring well.
Commission Chairman Rob Hendrick suggested approving the referral while documenting the neighbors' concerns and emphasizing that potential buyers should be informed of the property's condition.
The commission agreed, voting unanimously to issue a positive referral with the discussed conditions and disclosures.
Commissioner Ben Nneji made the motion, which was seconded by Chris Molyneaux.
Marconi said the town could ultimately decide against selling the property if the costs and conditions make a sale impractical.
The application and related correspondence are available in the town's 29 Lakeview Drive referral file.
Marconi withdrew the town's application seeking Planning and Zoning Commission review of a potential purchase of 221 Danbury Road for a new public safety building.
The proposed facility would accommodate police, fire, emergency medical services, the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department and a communications center.
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Marconi said the town was not prepared to proceed because property negotiations were continuing.
Hendrick explained that under the state referral process, failure to act within 35 days would result in a favorable referral. Marconi said withdrawing the application would avoid that outcome while the town considers its options.
The proposal is documented in the town's public safety building referral application.
The commission also reviewed an ongoing zoning enforcement matter involving 225 Bennetts Farm Road.
The dispute involves modifications to a stormwater detention basin originally approved as part of a 2013 subdivision. A neighboring property owner at 227 Bennetts Farm Road has complained that changes to the basin caused flooding.
Planning and Zoning Director Aarti Paranjape said a town-hired consulting engineer inspected the property Sept. 29 and was reviewing the original subdivision plans.
The engineer also requested access to the neighboring property to evaluate the reported flooding.
Marconi said the town was investigating the matter because alterations to the drainage system raised concerns about compliance with municipal stormwater requirements.
He acknowledged that the town had not adequately fulfilled its maintenance responsibilities under a drainage easement.
Marconi said he would meet with the subdivision's original engineer, Frank Fowler, and that the Board of Selectpersons would monitor the situation alongside the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Engineering reports could be presented at the commission's Oct. 27 meeting.
Commissioners expressed preliminary support for a proposed adult day care program at 6 Ivy Hill Road, while identifying traffic, parking and operating hours as issues requiring further review.
Eric Berkley, a member of Ridgefield's Commission on Aging, presented the concept for a nonmedical adult day care program serving people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory impairment.
The proposed program would operate in the older building at the Lutheran church property.
Berkley said an independent nonprofit organization is being formed to operate the program, which would provide social activities and respite for caregivers rather than medical treatment.
He described plans to begin with approximately eight to 12 participants, potentially operating two days per week, with an eventual capacity of about 20 people.
Proposed hours would be approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with participants dropped off and picked up rather than driving themselves.
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Berkley said the program would serve people who need more support than traditional senior activities provide but do not yet require full-time care.
Commissioners asked about parking, traffic, staffing, signage and possible changes to the building.
Hendrick said the proposal would require a special permit or modification of an existing permit and would likely be subject to a public hearing.
The commission postponed a public hearing on a proposed golf driving range at 0 Ethan Allen Highway until Oct. 27.
Applicant Robert Jewell, representing property owner EAP Property, has proposed a driving range, parking area and related improvements in the B-2 zone.
Hendrick said the applicant needed additional time to prepare materials, including information about the proposed netting structures.
The commission did not discuss the merits of the application or take a vote.
The plans are available in the golf driving range application file.
The commission unanimously accepted a special permit application for an in-ground swimming pool in the front yard of 6 Ritch Drive.
The property is owned by Anne-Marie Clifford and Bennett Covino, with Samantha Brant listed as the applicant.
Commissioners scheduled a site walk for Nov. 8 and a public hearing for Nov. 10.
The commission also unanimously accepted a village district application for a building sign and awning for Fieldhouse Kitchen and Bar at 439 Main St..
The property is owned by Addessi Center II LLC, and John Gazzola is the applicant.
Commissioners scheduled discussion of the sign and awning application for Oct. 27.
Neither application received final approval.
The commission postponed discussion of native plant regulations until Oct. 27 and did not take up the Branchville Strategic Review.
Members also unanimously approved the Sept. 22 meeting minutes after correcting a property address.
The commission subsequently entered executive session for a personnel performance review and adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
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