EAST LYME — The East Lyme Zoning Commission unanimously approved three coastal site plan applications for replacement single-family homes during its July 9 meeting and created two subcommittees to study future zoning issues involving data centers and a portion of Black Point Road.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chair Anne Thurlow and adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
The commission approved, by separate 6-0 votes, Coastal Area Management site plan reviews for three projects in Niantic's Black Point area:
Earlier in the meeting, the commission conducted a public hearing on a proposed application to the Connecticut Department of Housing seeking a four-year moratorium from certain affordable housing appeal provisions under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-30g.
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Town Attorney Tim Bleasdale told attendees the hearing was intended to gather public input and that the commission was not voting on whether to submit the application. He said the comments would become part of the record for town officials to consider before deciding whether to proceed.
Several residents spoke in support of pursuing the moratorium.
Mark Christensen of Grassy Hill Road said additional large multifamily developments could affect industrial land, traffic and infrastructure, while Jan Grosskopf of Lincoln Street cited research she said showed residential development can cost municipalities more in services than it generates in tax revenue. Other residents raised concerns about development, water resources, traffic and wildlife habitat. No speakers opposed or offered neutral comments on the proposal.
The commission unanimously closed the public hearing after public comment concluded.
Commissioners unanimously voted to establish a subcommittee to examine potential regulations related to data centers after Commissioner Debbie Jett-Harris asked whether the town should consider a moratorium while additional research is conducted. Commissioner Norman Peck suggested prohibiting the use through zoning regulations instead. Jett-Harris and Secretary Nancy Kalal were appointed to the panel.
The commission also unanimously created a second subcommittee to explore changing the zoning designation for a portion of Black Point Road between the West Main Street and McElaney Drive intersections from Commercial Area to residential zoning. Peck and Commissioner Denise Markovitz were appointed to that group.
Commissioners approved the June 18 meeting minutes by a 5-0-1 vote, with Kalal abstaining.
During public comment, Colleen Horia-Harthan said she rents her home and expressed opposition to a previously discussed requirement that short-term rentals have a minimum 14-day stay.
Mulholland reported the zoning office remains busy and noted a new Coastal Area Management application for 48 Brainerd Road would be scheduled for a future meeting. Commissioners also discussed future training requirements and other administrative matters.
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