Stratford commission approves five‑person occupancy for religious order at 85 Arrowood Place

Stratford Zoning Commission members voted to allow a religious order to increase occupancy at a single‑family home at 85 Arrowood Place, approving a special-case request to permit up to five unrelated occupants in the dwelling.

Attorney Barry Knott, representing the Lovers of the Holy Cross, told the commission the order plans to use the 3,000‑square‑foot colonial as a residence for sisters who will perform charitable and educational work in the region. Knott said the health department submitted an email indicating no objection “as long as it remains a religious dwelling.” He also presented photographs, floor plans and site exhibits and agreed to administrative limits on vehicle parking and commercial vehicles.

The commission’s action came after owner Patricia Pavia spoke in favor, saying she had maintained the property’s wetlands for decades and believed the sisters would preserve the neighborhood’s character. With no opposition at the public hearing, commissioners approved the administrative conditions read by staff: no more than five unrelated occupants at any time; all motor vehicles to be parked in the garage or driveway to minimize on‑street impacts; compliance with section 4.1.0.8 on commercial vehicles; and use of the property solely for habitation, not for religious meetings or events.

The approval was framed as a limited, residential use: counsel and staff emphasized that the permit allows occupancy and living space, not assembly or ongoing religious services on the premises. The decision finalizes local zoning conditions; the applicant must follow the specified off‑street parking and vehicle restrictions moving forward.

The commission made the decision during its March public hearing and administrative session; no further local action is required unless a condition is violated.