A Split Vote Blocks South Windsor Church Housing Rules

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — A proposal to allow religious campuses with housing in South Windsor’s rural residential zone failed in a split vote, after supporters described a need for clergy housing and neighbors questioned the development’s scale and location.

The Planning and Zoning Commission rejected Golden Lampstand Association’s zoning amendment Oct. 27, with four members opposed and three in favor, according to the meeting’s draft minutes.

The association presented a campus concept for 401 King Street, including a ministry building, an eight-room retreat center and housing for current and retired clergy and returning missionaries, according to the Oct. 13 hearing minutes.

The proposed rules would have allowed up to 12 housing units at qualifying religious campuses. Half would have been required to meet affordability standards. Buildings could cover up to 15 percent of a property, while buildings, pavement and other surfaces that limit water absorption could cover up to 50 percent.

As Patch previously reported, the application sought changes to the town’s zoning rules. Those changes would have applied beyond Golden Lampstand’s property.

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The public record includes support and opposition from residents. In a letter submitted to the commission, a resident and former school board member backed the campus and its housing mission.

“I applaud their heart to support retired and returning missionaries with affordable housing,” the resident wrote.

In the same collection of hearing exhibits, two King Street neighbors raised concerns about the campus’s size, access to services and a proposed sewer connection. Their letter described the vision as “worthy in intent but overly ambitious.”

At the Oct. 27 hearing, one of those neighbors said she supported the organization’s goals but considered the rural location inappropriate, according to the minutes.

Commissioner Kevin Foley questioned how future applicants might use the rules, noting that a dwelling-unit limit would not cap bedrooms or guarantee retired occupants. Chair Paul Bernstein supported the amendment as another way to address the housing shortage.

Wayne Kilburn, Patrick Kupchunos, Ryan Welch and Foley opposed approval. Cesar Lopez, Stephanie Dexter and Bernstein supported it. The motion failed, denying the application.

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