SOUTHINGTON, CT — A major makeover at a prominent miniature golf facility in town has been approved by town officials, with practitioners of the National Pastime left out in the lurch.
The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission May 19 unanimously approved plans for a new 12,000-square-foot building at Cote Range on Jude Lane, clearing the way for a retail and virtual golf facility to replace existing batting cages at the site.
The commission voted 7-0 on May 19 to approve both a special permit and a site plan modification for the project at 65 Jude Lane in the town's I-1 industrial zone.
The approved development calls for demolition of existing batting cages and construction of a steel-frame building containing approximately 7,000 square feet of retail space and 5,000 square feet dedicated to a virtual golf facility.
Existing parking areas will continue to serve the site, while miniature golf operations will remain as a secondary use.
The special permit application was presented by Bill Stango, a professional engineer with Cedar Civil LLC, on behalf of applicant Cote Range 2.0 LLC.
Stango said the project would redevelop an underutilized portion of the property and improve stormwater management through the expansion of an existing detention basin.
He told commissioners the retail component is expected to generate more traffic during the summer months, while the virtual golf operation would attract customers year-round, particularly during winter.
Southington Planning and Community Development Acting Director David Lavallee said the proposal returned to the commission after questions were raised regarding potential impacts to nearby wetlands.
He said the Southington Conservation Commission reviewed the matter and determined that staff-level approval was appropriate because impacts would be minimal.
Lavallee said there is a minor incursion into the upland review area but no direct wetland impacts.
He noted that the building had been moved farther from the area of concern and that proposed pollinator plantings would provide an environmental benefit.
Commissioners also discussed whether separate parcels associated with the development should be combined into a single lot.
Southington PZC Vice Chairman Todd Chaplinsky raised the issue during the public hearing.
Applicant Chris Cote said he preferred to keep the properties separate because doing so could provide flexibility for future sales.
However, he said the applicant would work with the town if combining the lots was required.
As part of its site plan approval, the commission required the parcels to be merged into a single lot and directed the applicant to satisfy drainage-report requirements.
Commissioner Caleb Cowles asked about the building's appearance.
Stango said detailed architectural plans were not part of the site plan application but believed the structure would feature a steel exterior.
Lavallee noted that submitted materials included architectural renderings showing a cupola and siding elements.
Commissioner Robert Britton asked whether additional signage would be added to the rear of the building, noting the site's visibility from Interstate 84.
Stango said existing signage would remain and no additional signage changes are currently planned.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
Following the close of the public hearing, the commission unanimously approved both applications, allowing the project to move forward.
For the minutes of the May 19 Southington Plan and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.
From May 15: 'Major Expansion Planned At Miniature Golf Site In Southington'
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