Stratford commission delays vote on disputed modification tied to settlement agreement

The Stratford Zoning Commission on June 22 declined to approve a contested development modification and instead kept the item on the table pending a signed settlement agreement between the developer and the town.

Commission discussion centered on whether the commission could safely approve a change allowing additional three‑bedroom units when the broader settlement terms — expected to narrow changes to a conversion rather than footprint increases — had not been finalized and signed by both parties. Planning and zoning administrator Jay Habanske told the commission he had spoken with Attorney Kevin Kelly earlier and that the settlement was not finalized.

Opponents of immediate approval warned that voting before a signed agreement could unintentionally permit broader changes (for example, footprint expansions) that the commission did not intend. Supporters of immediate approval argued the developer had already presented plans that showed no footprint change and that the applicant had waited months with the item on the agenda.

After a roll-call vote conducted during the meeting, the commission recorded a majority decision to keep the item on the table pending execution of the settlement agreement and any clear, signed modification language. The transcript records commissioners urging the parties to finalize the agreement promptly and noting the commission’s jurisdiction would be preserved as needed.

The commission did not adopt the modification at this meeting; it signaled that a signed settlement agreement would be required before a final zoning action on the modification.