West Hartford PZC OK's New YMCA Summer Camp At Local Church

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local church last week was given the green light to open up a new summer camp for area children.

The West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special permit Feb. 4 allowing a summer day camp for children to operate at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Boulevard.

The 5–0 vote clears the way for the church, at 2080 Boulevard, to expand its approved use to include an accessory child day care center.

The permit allows the YMCA to run a summer camp for children ages 3 to 15 at the site.

West Hartford PZC Chairman Kevin Ahern and commissioners Liz Gillette and Andrea Gomes voted in favor, along with alternates Olaleye Onikuyide and Nancy Grassilli, who were seated for absent members. There were no dissenting votes.

The approval came after a required public hearing on the application, which was formally submitted to the commission on Jan. 5.

The commission found the proposal met the standards of the town’s zoning regulations, including compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, adequate parking and traffic circulation, and appropriate site design.

As conditions of approval, the commission required the applicant to submit a trash management plan and a traffic management plan to the town planner for review before camp operations begin.

The trash plan must outline daily inspections by camp staff and include a point of contact for town officials.

The traffic plan must detail how vehicle flow will be managed during drop-off and pick-up times.

The commission also required the applicant to return for a follow-up review by February 2028.

At that time, the commission may impose additional conditions if operational concerns arise.

All materials submitted as part of the application were incorporated into the approval, which must be noted on the final site plan.

Town staff present at the meeting included Associate Planner Robert Gosselin and Planning and Zoning Technician Finn Ashworth.

For the minutes of the Feb. 4 West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission, click on this link.

From Jan. 27: 'West Hartford PZC Mulls Plan For YMCA Summer Camp At Church'