Groton Planning and Zoning Commission - 5/12/26

The Groton Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on May 12, 2026, primarily focused on two public hearings regarding zoning text amendments. The first hearing addressed a proposed amendment to create a new open space common interest community use within residential zones (R, RS, and RU), which would allow for innovative residential developments governed by Connecticut's Common Interest Ownership Act. The discussion included detailed presentations by the applicant's attorney and extensive public comments expressing concerns about increased density, environmental impact, infrastructure capacity, and timing relative to the town's ongoing Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The commission discussed potential modifications to the text, including building height limits, open space requirements, buffer zones, and commercial use restrictions. The public hearing was ultimately closed to begin deliberations. The second hearing concerned a zoning text amendment to allow drive-through restaurants by special permit in the MTC and CR districts, with conditions addressing traffic, parking, and pedestrian access. This amendment was approved by the commission, citing consistency with the town's economic development goals and municipal coastal program. The meeting also included procedural discussions about public comment limits and upcoming regulatory compliance updates.