Litchfield Planning Board conditionally approves conversion of two duplexes on Talent Road into four condominiums

The Litchfield Planning Board on June 2 conditionally approved a subdivision application to convert two existing duplex properties on Tax Map 3, Lots 29-1 and 29-2 (addresses 1 and 3 Talent Road; 5 and 7 Talent Road) into four condominium units.

The vote followed a presentation by Pete Matson, project manager at Kee Nordstrom Associates, who represented owner K&M Developers LLC and said the built units stem from a prior subdivision approved in March 2025 and now need condominium declarations, bylaws and covenants recorded before individual sales. "We have condo declaration, everything required there," Matson said, adding he was present to answer questions from the board.

Staff and board members clarified legal and practical points about condominium conveyances. Planning staff advised that "under state law, a condominium conveyance is technically considered a subdivision," and therefore the board must approve the plan before the developer records the condominium documents with the registry of deeds. Developer Manny Susa said the condominium wording was adapted to meet FHA underwriting and insurance requirements so the units can be financed and insured individually.

Board discussion focused on which elements would be common property versus limited common areas. The plans designate utilities and the shared leach field as common areas while identifying individual tanks and specific features (for example, HVAC units and rear decks) as limited common areas assigned to each unit. When a board member asked how a failing leach field would be handled, the developer responded, "If the leach field goes, they got to work it together," describing common repair and expense provisions in the condominium declarations.

The board confirmed fees and application completeness before taking action. A member moved to conditionally approve the subdivision to convert the two duplexes into four condominium units; Jesse seconded the motion. The board voted in favor (recorded as unanimous by roll call) and attached the standard conditions of approval. The vote clears the way for the developer to have counsel record the condominium declarations and bylaws at the registry of deeds; staff noted the recording step is required before individual units are conveyed.

The packet submitted to the board included the condominium declarations, bylaws, and the narrative explaining common expense assessments (maintenance, replacement, snow removal, insurance, landscaping) and the association’s role in operating common areas. Developers and staff emphasized that while interior damage or owner-specific liabilities remain the responsibility of individual owners, the association is initially responsible for common-area maintenance and can assess owners for needed repairs.

The meeting also included routine business: committee reports on upcoming meetings and events, approval of the May 19, 2026 minutes, and a brief discussion about proposed stormwater regulations and the need for road-agent-approved maintenance plans for nonstandard road types. The planning board adjourned and confirmed its next meeting for Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Next steps: the developer will finalize recording of the condominium declarations with the registry of deeds, subject to the conditions of approval the board attached. The planning board’s standard conditions must be satisfied before any individual unit sales are recorded.