Commission approves zone change for parcels at 96 Albert St. and 86 Wilson Ave.

Torrington — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 17 to rezone two parcels at 96 Albert Street and 86 Wilson Avenue from R-6 residential to LB local business.

Applicant Matt O’Nelia, representing O and G Industries, told the commission the request is a map change only and that the company has no immediate plans to rebuild the former warehouse that burned in 2014. City planner Jeremy Leifer said the parcels (0.34 and 0.6 acres) abut existing local-business zoning, are served by public water and sewer, and that the Torrington Plan of Conservation and Development generally supports this type of infill and mixed use. Leifer recommended approval and said the change does not constitute spot zoning.

Neighbor Jeff Plaka, owner of the adjacent 94 Albert Street lot, asked what would be developed there; staff noted a 25-foot landscaped buffer would be required between future commercial development and neighboring residences and that allowed uses would be regulated by standard site-plan and bulk rules. Donna Greco moved to approve the requested zone change as consistent with the POCD; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The zone change becomes effective the day after publication of the legal notice of decision.