Government

Legal Counsel to Zoning Board: Back Up Town Planner on ‘Sober House’ Decision

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After telling municipal officials that a “sober house” on West Road may operate without a permit in a residential zone, the town attorney is advising the volunteer body that will hear an appeal of that decision to uphold it. New Canaan must grant a “reasonable accommodation” under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act to the sober house “and cannot discriminate against handicapped or disabled persons,” town attorney Ira Bloom said in a letter filed Thursday with Planning & Zoning. “Even when the sober house reaches capacity of six or perhaps eight from time to time, the ADA requires a reasonable accommodation that would allow for such occupancy,” Bloom said in the letter. “[Town Planner] Mr. [Steve] Palmer has been working diligently with the proprietor of the sober house to craft a set of conditions for its ongoing operation, including provisions for inspections, reporting and supervision. His goal is to have such conditions become part of the official record—perhaps even part of the [Zoning Board of Appeals’] decision after the March 6 hearing.

Government

Town To Investigate Report of Spa Operating out of Oenoke Ridge Road Home

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Town officials said Tuesday night that they’re preparing to inspect a large and recently updated home and estate on Oenoke Ridge Road following reports that a spa is operating out of it. Set on more than six acres near the intersection of Oenoke at Hemlock Hill Road, the would-be spa is said to include health and wellness services such as nutrition and massage therapy, with various professionals overseeing different tasks, according to Town Planner Steve Palmer. He referred to a website that details goings-on at the spa. “I’m not sure if they [spa staffers] are all there at one time,” Palmer told members of the Planning & Zoning Commission during their regular meeting, held at Town Hall. Palmer said that he isn’t certain whether what’s happening at the property amounts to a violation of the New Canaan Zoning Regulations.

Government

Questions About Well Water Prompt P&Z To Postpone Decision on Proposed Two-Level Pond for Weed Street Estate

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Seeking more information about how a proposed well might affect neighbors, town officials on Tuesday night continued a public hearing regarding a Weed Street property owner’s dramatic plan to install a two-tiered pond behind a new house. One neighbor who spoke out against plans for a recently formed 22-acre estate at 386 Weed St. voiced concerns to the Planning & Zoning Commission about the removal of 426 trees on the property—a criticism that would appear somewhat hypocritical, according to a landscaping professional representing the applicant. Sean Keating of TLC Lawn and Landscaping conceded that the 6-acre section that’s been cleared “does look quite devastated at the moment,” though he noted that 4,000 shrubs and trees are planned for the property. “The six acres will be absolutely lush and luxurious when it’s done, and the neighboring properties actually are clear-cut,” Keating told P&Z members at their regular meeting, held in Town Hall.

News

‘A Great Fit for New Canaan’: Meet Steve Palmer, Our New Town Planner

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Officials on Wednesday approved the hiring of a longtime Planning & Zoning director in Bethel and, since in April, in Westport, to fill the recently vacated position of town planner for New Canaan. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor of hiring Steve Palmer for the job. He is scheduled to start Nov. 14. During an interview at his Westport office, Palmer said he was “very excited to begin” working in town.