On Tuesday, September 1, Suffield’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) held a Special Meeting at Suffield Middle School to hear a presentation by LADA Land Planners and Selective Development Group who had applied to the Commission for a change in the text of Suffield’s zoning rules. The Special Meeting was called because there was such a crowd that came to the previously scheduled P&Z meeting that it was rescheduled to accommodate the large crowd expected.
More than 350 people came to hear the presentation and/or express their opinions on the matter before the Commission. The original plan was to also have available a live-stream option for interested citizens, but shortly after the meeting started the live-stream stopped working. After about 20 minutes’ work to correct the problem the result was a Zoom audio option where anyone online could listen only. The meeting was recorded and posted on the Town website.
LADA Land Planners and Selective Development made their case for a text change in Suffield’s Zoning Laws. They want to build units in the Town Center District on Fflyer Place. There are seven parcels in this area available for building. The original zoning text allows for no more than 45 housing units per parcel, no matter what the acreage. The applicants were asking the Commission to allow them to build 15 units per developmental acre which would exceed the limits currently set by the Town.
After the presentation and questions by the Commission members, Bill Hawkins, the Town’s Economic Development Director, gave a synopsis of what had happened to this point in the process. The Commission then opened up the floor for public comment. About 24 people chose to express their opinions about the project, many more against the proposal than in favor. Those in favor touched on the need for more available housing that was more affordable, that the central location of the building would be advantageous and that there was a need for choices in town for housing. Those against the proposed change spoke to what they believed would be the result of having more housing in the center of town; increased traffic, more children in school, crime and parking issues to name a few.
The result was a 6-0 vote by the Commission not to change the text. The meeting adjourned about 10:15 p.m.