East Lyme Zoning Commission Approves 3 Coastal Home Rebuilds, Forms Data Center

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.

Three Coastal Home Projects Approved

The commission approved, by separate 6-0 votes, Coastal Area Management site plan reviews for three projects in Niantic's Black Point area:

• 60 Sunrise Ave. — Margaret C. Sullivan received approval to demolish an existing home and construct a new single-family residence. Commissioners found the proposal consistent with the Connecticut Coastal Management Act and concluded the applicant had taken reasonable measures to mitigate adverse impacts on coastal resources and future water-dependent uses.
• 68 East Shore Drive — Carolyn Redmond received unanimous approval to replace an existing home with a new flood-compliant single-family dwelling. Project engineer James Bernardo told the commission the proposed structure would comply with flood regulations and that construction would remain landward of the seawall, avoiding impacts to the coastal barrier.
• 19 East Shore Drive — Paul and Jean Privitera received unanimous approval to demolish an existing home and construct a replacement residence. Zoning Official William Mulholland said the application was similar to the previous coastal reviews and characterized it as a housekeeping matter.

Public Hearing Held on Affordable Housing Moratorium

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.

Data Center, Zoning Studies Authorized

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.

Other Business

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.