Harwinton Zoning Commission approves three property applications, defers moratorium decisions pending more information

The Harwinton Zoning Commission approved three property applications and agreed to postpone final action on proposed moratoriums pending additional information.

Chairman Theodore Root called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The commission approved minutes from its June 8 meeting after a motion by Commissioner David Sawoska and a second from Alternate Julie Erwin; Commissioner William Ponte refrained from the vote because he had been absent from the June 8 meeting.

Peter Ledda, representing Residential Resorts for property owner Anthony Copertino, asked for a waiver of an engineered plan and presented a request for a 16-foot by 32-foot inground pool. Land use staff said the pool met setback requirements and had Inland Wetlands approval but required town health (TAHD) approval. Commissioner Deborah Kovall moved to grant the waiver and then moved to approve the application conditioned on receipt of TAHD approval; both motions passed.

Scott Alvarez presented plans prepared by Robert Green Associates for a new single-family dwelling and a 10-foot by 20-foot inground pool at 8 Steeple Chase Road. Land Use Coordinator Polly Redmond told Alvarez that four conservation markers must be posted 50 feet apart along the conservation easement and that those markers must be in place before a Certificate of Compliance can issue. Zoning Enforcement Officer Don Truskauskas noted that TAHD approval for the dwelling and pool and a driveway opening permit remain outstanding. Commissioner David Sawoska moved to approve the application conditioned on TAHD approvals and receipt of a driveway opening permit; the motion passed unanimously.

Nicholas Baldwin presented plans from Bodwell Engineering for an approximately 500-square-foot addition to a house at 20 Vista Drive and an existing 20-by-15-foot deck that had not been previously approved. The record shows TAHD and Inland Wetlands approvals have already been received; Baldwin stated the proposed addition will not be used as an accessory apartment. The commission approved the application after a motion by Sawoska and a second by William Ponte.

During the meeting the commission voted to amend the agenda to take up updates regarding Targa I, LLC and the Sunset Ridge development. Staff reported that an as-built drawing from engineer Tim Wyllie, P.E., has not been received; Lillian Busse, president of the Sunset Ridge association, said Wyllie has visited the site multiple times and staff will contact him for a status update.

On zoning policy, Land Use Coordinator Polly Redmond reported she had received a draft moratorium on PA25-1 ("An Act Concerning Housing Growth") prepared by Attorney Michael D. Rybak Jr. Commissioners agreed to discuss the draft further at their July 27 meeting when Attorney Rybak Sr. and Jr. can attend. Chairman Root said the commission needs additional input from the Northwest Hills Council of Governments and questioned whether state law permits a town to impose a moratorium; Redmond will send marked-up comments to Attorney Rybak. The commission also discussed proposed moratoriums on data centers, battery storage facilities and solar and signaled intent to set a September public hearing on those topics, but deferred action until the attorneys are present.

There were no complaints, other business, correspondence, or invoices. Commissioner William Ponte moved to adjourn at 8:05 p.m.; David Sawoska seconded and the motion passed.

Votes at a glance
- Minutes (6/8/2026): Motion by David Sawoska, second Julie Erwin — passed; William Ponte recorded as refraining.
- Ledda/Copertino (16'x32' pool; waiver of engineered plan): Motion to grant waiver and motion to approve conditioned on TAHD approval — mover: Deborah Kovall; seconder: David Sawoska — both motions passed.
- Alvarez (single-family dwelling and 10'x20' pool, 8 Steeple Chase Road): Motion to approve conditioned on TAHD approvals and receipt of a driveway opening permit — mover: David Sawoska; seconder: William Ponte — passed.
- Baldwin (approx. 500 sq ft addition and 20'x15' existing deck, 20 Vista Drive): Motion to approve — mover: David Sawoska; seconder: William Ponte — passed.
- Agenda amendment to take up Item 9 (Sunset Ridge/Targa I, LLC): Motion by Deborah Kovall; second William Ponte — passed.
- Adjourn: Motion by William Ponte; second David Sawoska — passed.

What’s next
- Staff will contact engineer Tim Wyllie for the outstanding as-built drawing for Sunset Ridge.
- The commission will continue review of a draft moratorium on PA25-1 and proposed moratoriums on data centers, battery storage and solar at upcoming meetings; a public hearing in September was discussed but not scheduled.