West Hartford PZC OK's School For Deaf's Greenhouse Plan

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Zoning officials have approved plans for The American School for the Deaf to build a greenhouse on its campus to increase horticultural education programs at the school.

The West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission voted 5-0 earlier this month in favor of the school, which operates at 139 N. Main St., and its plan for a new, 12-foot-by-25-foot greenhouse.

Approval came after a public hearing, which was closed, allowing for the PZC's final approval Sept. 7.

The PZC said the special permit application for the greenhouse project meets all necessary town zoning conditions.

One of the conditions of approval, according to the PZC, is the ASD return before the commission by August 2024 for "further review and evaluation."

If there are any "operational concerns," the PZC could implement further conditions.

ASD officials said they're lookign to take the school's horticulture lessons beyond growing seeds on window sills.

"Gardens remind us that the best things in life do not happen instantly but take time to grow with nurture and care," wrote the ASD to the PZC. "ASD has been building the Horticulture Program in incremental steps over the past several years."

A greenhouse, they said, would help grow the program as students can better grow all sorts of plants.

To help pay for the project, the ASD is seeking a $20,000 grant from the New Hampshire-based Dorr Foundation.

For the minutes of the Sept. 7 West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From Sept. 1: 'School For Deaf To Build Greenhouse Site In West Hartford'