Ridgefield P&Z Approves Day Care On Grove, OKs Pickleball Courts On Danbury Road

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 24 unanimously approved a special permit revision to allow a child day care facility at 66 Grove St. and also approved the development of new pickleball courts at 195 Danbury Road.

Both applications were approved by unanimous votes following public hearings.

Day Care Approved at 66 Grove St.

The commission voted unanimously to approve Application SP-26-1, allowing a change in use from a fitness facility to a child day care facility on the upper level of the existing building at 66 Grove St., Unit 1. The applicant is Robert Jewell on behalf of the property owners.

The proposal includes an outdoor play area and related site modifications. During the public hearing, commissioners raised questions about traffic circulation, drop-off procedures, fencing design, landscaping and parking management.

Traffic engineer John Canning presented findings indicating that the change in use would not create significant traffic impacts, noting staggered drop-off times and 61 existing parking spaces on the upper lot. Staff parking would occur separately from parent drop-off areas.

Several commissioners expressed safety concerns about vehicle flow and child drop-off procedures. Vice Chair Mariah Okrongly asked for clarification on how parents would navigate the lot during peak periods. Jewell said parents would park and escort children into the building rather than use a drive-through drop-off system.

Neighbors voiced mixed views. Grove Street resident Joseph Ternullo raised concerns about deliveries, dumpster placement and fencing aesthetics but said he supports the business. Andrea Beebe of Main Street expressed traffic concerns. Others, including residents and parents, cited the need for additional preschool options in Ridgefield.

The commission attached conditions to its approval, including requirements for directional signage separating staff and visitor parking, a requirement that parents escort children into the building, fencing with a matte finish subject to staff review, delivery restrictions to the front entrance, and additional landscaping where feasible.

Commissioner Joe Sorena made the motion to approve with conditions, seconded by Commissioner Joe Dowdell. The motion passed unanimously.

Pickleball Courts Approved at 195 Danbury Road

The commission also unanimously approved Application SP-26-2, a revision to a special permit allowing the Town of Ridgefield to construct pickleball courts and related parking improvements at 195 Danbury Road.

Town representatives and project engineers presented site plans showing court layout, parking configuration, landscaping and sound attenuation fencing. A sound study presented during the hearing concluded the project would comply with the town’s noise ordinance.

Commissioners questioned fencing materials, hours of play and traffic circulation. Chair Robert Hendrick asked whether the town would consider limiting hours if noise concerns arise. Town representatives said they would revisit operations if issues develop. No lighting is proposed.

Public comment largely favored the project. Residents and pickleball players said demand exceeds current court availability and cited health and community benefits. Some nearby residents raised concerns about sound levels, traffic and visual impacts of the sound barrier.

Commissioner Sebastian D’Acunto moved to approve the application with standard conditions and conditions outlined in the staff report. Commissioner Ben Nneji seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

Additional Business

The commission voted unanimously to receive a floodplain application for replacement of Bridge No. 05510 over the Norwalk River and scheduled a site walk for March 8 with discussion set for March 10.

Commissioners also approved the Feb. 10 meeting minutes and announced plans for a future special meeting to address moratorium-related items and an executive session regarding 34 Bailey Ave.

The meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m.