Mount Southington Ski School Plans Clear Regulatory Mogul

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously endorsed a plan to replace the aged and outdated ski school building at Mount Southington.

The approval was rendered at the Jan. 19 PZC meeting. Mount Southington is located at 396 Mount Vernon Road in the Plantsville section of town.

The issue was tabled on Jan. 5, pending Inland Wetlands Commission approval, which was granted about a week later.

Mount Southington General manager Jay Dougherty said the new building would be placed close to the snowmaking retention pond. The current ski school is currently at the far left of the property, looking uphill, at the bottom of the beginner area.

The plans call for the removal of the existing ski school building and replacing it with a 2,810-square-foot, 2-story building.

Sev Bovino of the planning firm Kratzert, Jones & Associates told the PZC that the new building design is "more in keeping with the New England style architecture."

Dougherty said it would provide a more adequate space that includes teaching space for 30 children, additional storage and employee office space.

According to the plans, the building will sit on a slab. The second floor will be slightly smaller at 1,600 square feet, plans show.

In the summer months, the building will be used for the Fast Camp Program. Fast Camp traditionally takes place at Kelly School, but the ski area would permit campfires in the property.

The building will be served by public water and septic system.

Some additional parking will be required, according to the plans.