Planning & Zoning roundup: banners, church accessibility, pool approved; Parade Hill decision pending

At its May 26 meeting the New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission recorded votes on multiple routine and contested items.

What the commission approved:
- 63 Park Street (ONERO Foundation): The commission approved a site‑plan sign application allowing two 8x4 ft banners for ONERO, limited by the Historic District Commission to blue and white backgrounds and restricted to exhibition periods. Vote recorded as unanimous in favor.
- 178 Ono Ridge (First Presbyterian Church): The commission granted a special permit under Section 7.7 to designate the Bliss House portion of the First Presbyterian property as historic and to allow a 500 sq ft increase in building coverage for a covered, ADA‑compliant ramp and accessible bathroom. Conditions include submission of exterior elevations and photographs and a requirement that future façade changes receive commission approval; the motion passed unanimously.
- 1313 Smith Ridge Road (Garrett residence): The commission approved a special permit under Section 34C6 to construct a swimming pool and patio in a technical front yard on a flag lot; conditions discussed included maintaining a gravel fire‑pit area and locating pool equipment consistent with setbacks; vote recorded in the affirmative.
- Grace Farms summer schedule (June 1–Aug 31, 2026): Approved as submitted; staff noted the schedule matched previously approved event intensity.

Court‑ordered approval:
- 751 Weed Street: The commission formally approved the 102‑unit transit‑oriented project as ordered by a July 2025 court remand; the remand required removal of a sidewalk connection, relocation of a sewer tie through a private easement and drainage updates. The board recorded a roll‑call vote consistent with the court order; one commissioner voted no.

Pending/continuing items:
- 30 Parade Hill (8‑30g application): The commission held an extensive hearing and indicated by straw poll it intends to draft a denial based on concerns that the proposal does not meet the moratorium exemption for assisted housing; staff will draft language for a formal vote on June 23.

Votes at a glance (recorded tallies):
- 63 Park Street (banner/site plan): approved (unanimous)
- 178 Ono Ridge (special permit/historic designation): approved (unanimous)
- 1313 Smith Ridge (special permit — pool): approved (unanimous)
- Grace Farms schedule: approved (unanimous)
- 751 Weed Street (court remand approval of 102 units): approved; recorded yes = 8, no = 1

Next steps: The commission will consider a denial resolution for 30 Parade Hill on June 23 and staff will monitor compliance tasks for the remanded 751 Weed Street approval.