Date: Fri 24-Jan-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Ashlar-zone-change-expansion

Full Text:

P&Z Amends Regulations For Ashlar Expansion Plan

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have unanimously approved

amendments to the zoning regulations requested by Ashlar of Newtown intended

to allow Ashlar to proceed with plans to expand its Toddy Hill Road facility.

P&Z members, however, had some reservations about approving the two zoning

amendments requested by the Masonic geriatric home, questioning the

implications such amendments might have in the future.

Ashlar requested the zoning regulations be customized to allow elevator shaft

enclosures to protrude four feet above the roofline of an elderly housing

building, and also to allow a parapet wall on such a building to rise four

feet above the roofline.

As written, the zoning amendments only pertain to Ashlar of Newtown, Elizabeth

Stocker, the town's planning consultant, told P&Z members at a January 16

session.

But P&Z member Stephen Koch said making such amendments to the zoning

regulations could have a "ripple effect" in the future. He asked whether there

is any way the town could approve Ashlar's request but not amend the zoning

regulations to do so. He suggested Ashlar obtain a variance to the zoning

regulations.

Member James Boylan also suggested a zoning variance be issued.

Member Heidi Winslow pointed out P&Z is not empowered to issue zoning

variances. The Zoning Board of Appeals can do that, she said.

Ashlar's request for customized zoning regulations for its expansion project

probably would not qualify for a zoning variance, according to Ms Winslow,

because the request does not constitute a "hardship," a necessary element for

a zoning variances.

"I don't like changing regulations, because you don't know what's going to

happen down the road," said P&Z Chairman John DeFilippe.

Members' reservations aside, P&Z then unanimously approved the two requested

zoning amendments for Ashlar.

The regulation changes precede Ashlar's plans to submit an application to

build another three-story building for elderly housing, according to Attorney

Robert Hall, who represented Ashlar before the commission.

Ashlar now operates a nursing home on Toddy Hill Road. It wants to add an

"assisted living" building at the site.

For mechanical reasons, elevator shafts must be taller than the roofline of

the building where they are installed, Mr Hall explained. A parapet wall would

enhance the look of the planned "assisted living" building, having it

architecturally match the nursing home there, Mr Hall told P&Z members at a

public hearing earlier this month.

Architect David Neal, representing Ashlar, said allowing a parapet roof to be

constructed on the proposed new building would visually balance the two

structures.

The proposed addition to the Ashlar complex would be smaller than an expansion

project sought by Ashlar two years ago.

The zoning amendments will apply only to the Ashlar property, Mr Hall

stressed.