Groton Planning and Zoning Commission - 7/28/26

The Groton Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on July 28, 2026, primarily focused on a public hearing regarding proposed zoning regulation text amendments related to open space common interest communities. The applicant, Kevin Blacker, presented a proposal that included changes to definitions, residential density calculations, and the introduction of a mechanism for neighborhood input before zoning changes are applied. The discussion highlighted concerns about the legal validity of the proposal, particularly regarding the delegation of approval authority to nearby property owners, road and sidewalk standards, and potential impacts on farmland and water supply. The town attorney and staff raised issues about the completeness and legality of the application, and public comments reflected mixed views on density, infrastructure standards, and environmental protections. Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to deny the application due to unauthorized delegation of authority and incomplete information. The meeting concluded with plans to address public act 251 requirements in future regulations.