Killingworth P&Z Backs Sale Of Two Town-Owned Beaver Dam Road Lots

KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously endorsed the proposed sale of two town-owned properties on Beaver Dam Road on Sept. 15, while raising questions about the properties and their compliance with current zoning requirements.

The commission voted 5-0 to approve the state-required 8-24 referral for the sale of the two vacant parcels, identified as Map 27, Lots 56AX and 56AY.

Commission members said their review was limited to determining whether the proposed sale was consistent with Killingworth's Plan of Conservation and Development and zoning. They clarified that assessed values for the properties should not be treated as proposed sale prices and said compliance with current zoning requirements would still have to be confirmed.

Chairman Paul McGuinness agreed to draft a letter of endorsement addressing the commission's concerns and consult with Zoning Enforcement Officer Linda Kieft-Robitaille and First Selectman Couture.

Katie Digianantonio, a Beaver Dam Road resident and Conservation Commission member, told the commission that one of the properties had been clear-cut and partially graded, apparently for construction, before being left with construction materials and equipment for about 15 years. She said Public Works had recently begun some cleanup, but the property had become largely overgrown with invasive vegetation.

Digianantonio said the second parcel remained forested and contained a large rock wall along the road. She asked whether the undisturbed property could potentially be conserved while acknowledging that it is buildable and taxable.

Town Shed Proposal Held For More Information

The commission held off on making a recommendation on a proposed 20-by-30-foot steel storage building at 13 Parker Hill Road.

The all-metal building, with 10-foot walls and a concrete pad, was donated by the Haddam-Killingworth Youth Football program and would replace a smaller existing shed. Commissioners said the materials provided did not include a photograph or enough information to determine the proposed building's placement and relationship to three structures shown on the site plan.

The commission requested updated plans and additional information before issuing a recommendation and continued the matter.

Commission Begins Updating Town Survey

Commissioners also began revising the questionnaire used for the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.

Members discussed reducing the survey to about 25 focused questions and eliminating questions considered less useful. Topics under review included demographics, schools, Town Hall facilities, senior housing and downsizing, transportation, infrastructure, utilities and sustainable energy.

Stephanie Warren suggested adding a public transportation question. Commissioners also agreed to review detailed responses from the previous survey, including recurring write-in answers, to determine whether additional questions should be included. McGuinness will prepare revised or alternative questions for a future meeting.

Kieft-Robitaille reported increased inquiries about subdividing property, building additional homes and constructing accessory dwelling units. The commission discussed whether accessory dwelling units, rental income and short-term rentals should be addressed in the upcoming survey.

During public comment, Lynn Walton and of Leona Browne of Steven Road asked about reported plans for a house and driveway at 11 Stevens Road. Kieft-Robitaille said no application concerning the property was before the commission that night.

The commission also approved its Aug. 18 minutes by a 5-0 vote. McGuinness adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:40 p.m.

The meeting was held at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, with remote access available.