Vernon Patch Letter: Proposed Zoning Change For South Street

VERNON, CT — The following is a letter to Patch.

To The Editor:

On Aug. 20, Vernon's Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide if 6.27 acres at 195/209 South St. (across from Bancroft Road) should be re-zoned from R-22 Residential to Comprehensive Multi-Family Zone. Santini Real Estate wants to change the zone to build 56 apartments with more than 130 parking spaces.

The developer first tried to change the zone in 1996 but many residents voiced opposition and the Town Planner noted: "With more than 40 percent of the town's units being multi-family, there is a legitimate question as to whether more multi-family units are needed." Since then, the 2010 Census shows Vernon has more than 48 percent of rental units, and in the last few years, even more apartments have been built.

While Vernon certainly does not need any more apartments, we hope the PZC denies a zone change that includes these reasons:

Increased traffic and safety hazards, including sight lines that were found to be barely adequate – and that’s when vehicles drive the 30 mph speed limit. The traffic study found that the average speed is 44 miles per hour.

The zone change is not consistent with Vernon’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The POCD has a goal to "Increase Homeownership Opportunities," and to "Retain zoning patterns which reserve appropriate areas of the Town for single-family homeownership."

The town's zoning regulations require that an application must "not hinder the future sound development of the community." The impact of increased traffic and resulting safety concerns clearly threatens the future sound development of Vernon.

Those against this proposal can attend the virtual public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on August 20 using a computer, tablet, Smartphone or telephone. The Zoom link or Dial-In phone number, along with the entry pass code can be obtained by calling the Town Hall, or it should be posted on the town’s website.

Neighbors within 500 feet of the property have already signed a petition that requires, per state statute, a two-thirds vote for any zone change. An additional petition that all residents can sign will be submitted to the PZC. A petition-signing site established on the front porch at 224 South Street provides an opportunity to let your opposition be known. You can also write a letter to the PZC and email or mail it to Town Planner George McGregor, 55 West Main Street, Vernon or gmcgregor@vernon-ct.gov.

If Santini Real Estate wants to build residential homes on the property, they have every right since the land is zoned for that purpose. But they should not have the right to change zoning to increase personal profit while jeopardizing the quality of our neighborhoods.

Nancy Steffens

Bob Felber

Donna and Tom Barnas