Judge Upholds Shelter Ridge Development Approval

SHELTON, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of the Shelter Ridge development was upheld by a Superior Court judge after he dismissed an appeal.

John and Judith Tillman sued the commission, but the judge ruled that the plaintiffs didn't establish the decision was, "illegal or contrary to law, that the Commission acted arbitrarily or in abuse of discretion or that the Decision was not supported by substantial evidence," according to a court ruling.

The development is on a 121-acre parcel on Bridgeport Avenue and Mill Street. The commission approved the project in 2017 and created a planned development district. The Tillmans argued the P&Z decision was arbitrary, illegal and an abuse of discretion, according to a court filing.

Dozens of area residents opposed the development, but the Commission voted 4-2 in favor of it. The project could take 10 years to complete.