Newington meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Newington Town Council weighs police contract, senior housing; zoning hearing set for Aug. 26

The Newington Town Council this month considered a tentative four-year contract with the police union that would raise wages and add about $242,371 in costs this fiscal year, along with a proposal for senior housing at 40 Mill St. Extension. The council also took up veterans' tax exemptions, facility naming, and appointments. Meanwhile, the Conservation Commission approved a deck application, and a zoning public hearing was rescheduled to Aug. 26.

Town Council

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the council reviewed a proposal to develop 13–14 units of elderly and disabled affordable housing at 40 Mill St. Extension, funded by a state SHARE grant. The plan would require a zoning change and a 99-year ground lease. The council also considered a resolution to adopt all five local veterans' tax exemption options, which would reduce revenue by an estimated $80,270. Other items included renaming the Senior Center information center to the "Karen Halpert Information and Referral Center" and the Mortensen gym to the "William A. DeMaio Gymnasium," appointing William McCarthy to the Central Connecticut Health District Board of Health for a three-year term, and approving $8,549.93 in property tax refunds.

At a special meeting Aug. 18, the council considered a tentative four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Nutmeg Independent Public Safety Employees Union, covering police officers and dispatchers. The agreement includes wage increases of 2.5% retroactive to July 1, 2026, 2.0% on Jan. 1, 2027, 3.5% on July 1, 2027, 3.25% on July 1, 2028, and 3.25% on July 1, 2029. It also eliminates three "giveback days" for patrol officers, expands retiree health insurance eligibility for early retirees hired after Oct. 1, 2013, reduces employee health insurance premium share from 14.5% to 13.5%, and increases pension contributions for new hires from 9% to 10%. The town expects about $242,371 in additional costs this fiscal year, funded from the Special Contingency line item.

Planning and Zoning

The Town Plan & Zoning Commission's Aug. 12 public hearing was rescheduled to Aug. 26, and the regular meeting that day was cancelled. The upcoming Aug. 26 hearing will consider a petition to rezone 180 Carr Avenue from R-20 (Residential) to I (Industrial), submitted by Tunxis Road, LLC. The commission will also receive a zoning enforcement officer report, consider scheduling special permit petitions for 227 Maple Hill Ave. and 69 Culver St., and review minutes from July 22.

Other boards and meetings

• The Conservation Commission approved application IW-26-9 for a 10' x 13' deck in the Upland Review Area at 55 Coles Ave. The applicant is Deinner Loja; the owner is Goldstone Properties LLC, Waldemar Bucior. The property is in the R-12 Zone.
• The Economic Development Commission reviewed chapters 8 and 9 of the Plan of Conservation and Development on opportunity areas and economic development, and discussed updating its bylaws. It also heard reports from the Chamber of Commerce and the Newington Center Business Collective.
• The Board of Fire Commissioners discussed appointing a new Fire Marshal, space needs for Companies 3 and 4, a new truck, fire house exhaust systems, and a 25th anniversary of 9/11 ceremony.
• The Town Council's Boards and Commissions Review Subcommittee reviewed possibly disbanding three committees: the Affordable Age-Restricted Housing Study Committee, the Newington Housing Needs Study Committee, and the PMBC Ordinance Review Subcommittee.
• The Rules of Procedure Subcommittee reviewed proposed changes to the Town Council's rules.
• The Parks & Recreation Board discussed the 2026 Fall Program Guide, a public/private partnership at The Chapel, a donation from the Kiwanis Club, and a public member for the Town Pools Project Building Committee. It also noted the Candlewyck Park Grand Opening on Sept. 10.

Coming up

• **Aug. 26, 7:00 pm** – Town Plan & Zoning Commission public hearing on the 180 Carr Ave. rezoning petition, in Council Chambers, Room 103, Town Hall, 200 Garfield Street. The meeting is hybrid via Zoom.
• **Sept. 3** – Zoning Board of Appeals meeting cancelled.

All recent meeting minutes have not yet been published, so no votes or final decisions are available for the items listed above.

Zoning Board grants variances, denies pool rental appeal; council to weigh housing, police contract

The Zoning Board of Appeals granted two setback variances and denied an appeal of a zoning violation at its Aug. 6 meeting. The board approved a variance at 98 Thornton Drive for a second-story addition and bay window, reducing the side yard setback from 10 to 6.8 feet and the front yard setback from 35 to 34.8 feet. It also granted a variance at 259 Robbins Avenue for a two-story addition and elevated deck, reducing the rear yard setback from 30 to 20.3 feet. The board denied an appeal by Christopher Barsa of 82 Pfister Drive, upholding a notice of violation for operating an unpermitted private pool rental business.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board acted on three petitions at its Aug. 6 meeting. It granted the two variances for residential additions and denied the appeal, which concerned a July 14, 2026 notice of violation at 82 Pfister Drive. The denial upholds the zoning enforcement officer's finding that the property was used for an unpermitted pool rental business in an R-20 zone.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission's agent approved an application to build a 10' x 13' deck within the Upland Review Area at 55 Coles Ave. The applicant is Deinner Loja; the owner is Goldstone Properties LLC, Waldemar Bucior. The property is in the R-12 Zone. The approval includes standard conditions and was an administrative action, not a public hearing.

Other recent meetings

The Town Council's Boards and Commission Review Subcommittee met Aug. 3 and discussed recommendations to disband up to 15 town boards, including the Affordable Age-Restricted Housing Committee, the Newington Housing Needs Study Committee, and the PMBC Ordinance Review Subcommittee. No formal votes were taken. The subcommittee also discussed giving the Open Space Committee authority to review parcels and requiring final reports before disbanding.

The Permanent Municipal Building Commission's Aug. 6 meeting was cancelled. The Town Plan and Zoning Commission's Aug. 12 meeting was also cancelled, and its public hearing was rescheduled to Aug. 26.

Meetings held Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 covered agenda items only, with no decisions reported. The John Wallace Middle School Project Building Committee reviewed project updates and invoices. The Economic Development Commission discussed POCD chapters 8 and 9 and bylaw updates. The Board of Fire Commissioners discussed appointing a new Fire Marshal and space needs for Companies 3 and 4.

Coming up

The Town Council will hold a special meeting Aug. 18 to consider a tentative four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Nutmeg Independent Public Safety Employees Union, covering police officers and dispatchers. The agreement includes wage increases (2.5% retroactive to July 1, 2026; 2.0% Jan. 1, 2027; 3.5% July 1, 2027; 3.25% July 1, 2028; 3.25% July 1, 2029), eliminates three giveback days for patrol officers, expands retiree health insurance eligibility, reduces employee health insurance premium share from 14.5% to 13.5%, and increases pension contributions for new hires from 9% to 10%. The town expects about $242,371 in additional costs this fiscal year, funded from the Special Contingency line-item.

The Town Council's regular meeting Aug. 11 will consider a proposal for 12-15 units of elderly/disabled affordable housing at 40 Mill St. Extension, funded by a state grant, which would require a zoning change and a 99-year ground lease. The council will also vote on adopting all five local veterans' tax exemption options, estimated to reduce revenue by $80,270, and on facility naming recommendations, appointments, and $8,549.93 in property tax refunds.

The Parks & Recreation Board meets Aug. 18 to review the 2026 Fall Program Guide, a public/private partnership at The Chapel, and a donation from the Kiwanis Club. The Town Plan and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing Aug. 26 on a zoning map amendment for 180 Carr Avenue, changing the zone from R-20 to Industrial. The applicant is Tunxis Road, LLC.

Newington Roundup: Naming Recommendations, School Payment, and Council Agendas

The Facilities Naming Subcommittee unanimously recommended renaming two town facilities at its July 27 meeting. The recommendations, which now go to the Town Council for final approval, would name the Information and Referral Center at the Senior and Disabled Center after Karen Halpert and the double gymnasium at the Mortensen Community Center after William A. DeMaio.

Facilities Naming Recommendations

The subcommittee approved two unanimous recommendations:

• Rename the Information and Referral Center at the Senior and Disabled Center to the Karen Halpert Information and Referral Center.
• Name the double gymnasium at the Mortensen Community Center the "William A. DeMaio Gymnasium."

The subcommittee also reviewed and revised goals for future updates to the town's naming policy.

School Project Payment Approved

The Anna Reynolds School Project Building Committee approved a $53,962.00 invoice from Sonitrol at its July 28 meeting. The committee also approved the minutes from its February 19, 2026 meeting. Both actions were unanimous. A project update indicated that a final reimbursement request will be submitted following a deposit.

Town Council Agenda: Succession, Tax Exemptions, and Tower Sites

The Town Council met on July 28 with several agenda items. The council was scheduled to enter executive session to discuss succession planning for the Town Manager position.

In open session, the council considered a resolution to adopt five local options for veterans' property tax exemptions authorized under Public Act No. 25-168. The resolution would reduce town revenue by an estimated $80,270, based on the October 1, 2025 Grand List and a 29.41 mill rate, with exemptions effective for the 2027-2028 assessment year. The options include capping the exemption at the median assessed value, extensions for surviving spouses, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and Gold Star spouses. Staff recommended deliberation over at least one more meeting before a vote.

The council also received a presentation from Blue Wing Services on candidate sites for a public safety communications tower. The research included coverage analysis and a short list of eight sites, including Callahan 2, Cedar Mountain Water Tank, and DOT Parcel Site. The proposed timeline calls for site design completion in Q3 2026, construction beginning in Q2 2027, and site completion in Q3 2027.

Pools Project Committee Reviews RFP

The Town Pools Project Building Committee met on July 27 to review an updated Request for Proposals (RFP) for conceptual designs and cost estimates for pool reconstruction and splash pads at Mill Pond Park and Churchill Park. The RFP requires line-item cost estimates to allow "a la carte" project scope decisions. The agenda referenced a failed November 2024 referendum for an $11.7 million pool and splash pad project. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Boards and Commissions Review Subcommittee

On August 3, the Town Council Boards and Commission Review Subcommittee met to review existing resolutions for possible disbanding of certain bodies. The group also discussed prior disbanding actions involving the Downtown Revitalization Committee, Newington School Improvements, Open Space Committee, and School Code Compliance Committee.

Zoning Board of Appeals Hearings

The Zoning Board of Appeals held public hearings on August 6 on three petitions:

• Petition ZBA-26-2: 98 Thornton Drive – request for 3.2' side-yard and 0.2' front-yard setback variances for a second-story addition and bay window (continued from July 2).
• Petition ZBA-26-5: 259 Robbins Avenue – request for a 9.7' rear-yard setback variance to enclose a deck and add a second story and elevated walkway.
• Petition ZBA-26-06: 82 Pfister Drive – appeal by Christopher A. Barsa of a July 14, 2026 notice of violation for operating an unpermitted private pool rental business in an R-20 zone.

The board also considered minutes from its July 2 meeting and conducted a work session.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Newington Roundup: $7.8M Fire Station Funding, Theater Permit Approved, Facility Renamings Recommended

The Newington Town Council moved to fund a new fire station at 84 Fifth Street with $7.8 million in general obligation bonds, and the Town Plan and Zoning Commission approved a special permit for a performing arts facility at 50 Rockwell Road, highlighting a busy two weeks of municipal meetings.

Fire Station #4 Funding

The Town Council took up a resolution to appropriate $7,800,000 for construction of Fire Station #4 at 84 Fifth Street, to be financed through general obligation bonds or notes not exceeding that amount. Minutes for the July 23 meeting have not yet been published, so the vote tally is not available.

Theater Permit Approved at 50 Rockwell Road

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to approve a special permit (TPZ-26-12) for a theater and performing arts facility at 50 Rockwell Road in the Planned Development Zone. The applicant is Christopher O'Neill, owner 50 Rockwell Road LLC, c/o Reno Properties. The approval requires striping of parking spaces in the southeasterly corner of the lot and removal of stockpiled material from that same corner.

The commission also approved a three-year renewal of special permit 34-17 for a home occupation business at 172 Indian Hill Road in the R-12 Zone, with conditions: a maximum of 5 client dogs on the property and no more than 2 overnight dog stays. The July 8, 2026 meeting minutes were approved 7-0.

Facility Renaming Recommendations

The Facilities Naming Subcommittee voted unanimously on two recommendations for the Town Council:

• Renaming the Information and Referral Center at the Senior and Disabled Center to the "Karen Halpert Information and Referral Center."
• Naming the double gymnasium at the Mortensen Community Center the "William A. DeMaio Gymnasium."

The subcommittee also reviewed and revised goals for future updates to the town's naming policy.

Anna Reynolds School Project Payment

The Anna Reynolds School Project Building Committee unanimously approved a $53,962.00 invoice from Sonitrol and approved the minutes of its February 19, 2026 meeting. A project update indicated a final reimbursement request will be submitted following a deposit.

Boards and Commissions Review

The Town Council Boards and Commission Review Subcommittee considered a resolution to establish a three-member subcommittee to evaluate and consolidate town boards and commissions. The town clerk recommended removing 19 commissions from the town website and limiting the online archive to the current year plus two years of minutes. Council members accepted the resignation of Jerilyn Nagel from the Central CT Health District on an 8-0 vote. An appointment was made to the Development Commission, which has 9 members and 3 alternates serving staggered three-year terms. Members also discussed an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD) RFP.

Other Items Discussed

• **Conservation Commission:** Discussed the presence of the spotted lantern fly in Newington, considered accepting Town GIS Wetlands Mapping as a resource, and discussed joining the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. Minutes not yet published.
• **Town Pools Project Building Committee:** Reviewed an updated RFP for conceptual designs and cost estimates for pool reconstruction and splash pads at Mill Pond Park and Churchill Park. The agenda referenced a failed November 2024 referendum for an $11.7 million pool and splash pad project.
• **Town Council (July 28):** Scheduled an executive session on Town Manager succession planning. Blue Wing Services presented research on candidate sites for a public safety communications tower, with a short list of eight sites including Callahan 2, Cedar Mountain Water Tank, and DOT Parcel Site. The council also considered adopting five local veterans' property tax exemption options under Public Act No. 25-168, with an estimated revenue reduction of $80,270 based on the October 1, 2025 Grand List and 29.41 mill rate. Staff recommended deliberation over at least one more meeting before a vote.

Meetings Cancelled

The Parks and Recreation Board (July 21), Fire Department Facilities Project Building Committee (July 23), and Library Renovations/Additions Project Building Committee (July 23) all cancelled their regularly scheduled meetings.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Town Council Boards & Commission Review Subcommittee:** Will review existing resolutions for possible disbanding of committees, including the Downtown Revitalization Committee, Newington School Improvements, Open Space Committee, and School Code Compliance Committee.
• **Aug. 6 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearings on a 9.7-foot rear yard setback variance at 259 Robbins Avenue (Petition ZBA-26-5) and an appeal by Christopher A. Barsa of 82 Pfister Drive regarding a notice of violation for operating an unpermitted private pool rental business (Petition ZBA-26-06).

Newington zoning board approves kids' gym, restaurant liquor permit; firehouse referral issued for 84 Fifth Street

The Town Plan & Zoning Commission approved two special permits unanimously on July 8, clearing the way for an indoor kids' gymnastics facility at 1581 Southeast Road and the sale of alcoholic beverages at 2551 Berlin Turnpike. The commission also issued a favorable referral for the demolition of Firehouse #4 and construction of a new two-story firehouse at 84 Fifth Street — the same project the Town Council is now considering for a $7.8 million appropriation.

Zoning approvals

The commission voted 7-0 to approve a special permit for an indoor kids' gym facility at 1581 Southeast Road, and 7-0 to approve a special permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages at 2551 Berlin Turnpike, associated with Sloppy Waffle LLC (also referenced in agenda materials as Sloppy Waffle I.G.). The gym permit was approved with conditions, according to one agenda summary.

Commission members also approved minutes from the June 17, 2026 special meeting 7-0, and the June 24, 2026 regular meeting minutes 6-0 with one abstention. A pre-application discussion was held regarding a proposed truck driving school on Day Street.

Fire Station #4 funding proposal

The Town Council held a public hearing July 14 on a resolution to appropriate $7,800,000 for construction of a new Fire Station #4 at 84 Fifth Street. The resolution would also authorize general obligation bonds or notes not to exceed $7,800,000. If the Council approves the measure, it would go to a town-wide referendum on November 3, 2026.

The Council's July 14 agenda also included a town-wide assessment of departmental space and storage needs, and a proclamation recognizing Jack Gagnon for community assistance. The Council also moved into an executive session to discuss pending litigation regarding a zoning issue.

Minutes for the July 14 Town Council meeting have not yet been published, so no vote tallies on the appropriation or other items are available.

Housing Authority

The Newington Housing Authority met July 7 to approve May minutes and review financial statements, including bank balances and a maturing TDCDM. The agenda listed correspondence on RSC renewal funding and a DOH letter. Project updates covered hallway painting at Cedar Village, Keleher Electrical work, and sidewalk repairs at all sites. Members also discussed possible future development with the town. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other meetings

The Economic Development Commission met July 9, with agenda items including a fundraising and budget discussion, a town planning update, an FOI discussion with the Town Clerk, and reports from the Chamber of Commerce and the Newington Center Business Collective. Minutes are not yet available.

The John Wallace Middle School Project Building Committee met virtually July 16 to hear updates from the owner's project manager, architect, and construction manager, and to act on invoices and change orders. The Permanent Municipal Building Commission met the same day to discuss the Chapman Street assessment with TLB Architecture.

Two meetings were cancelled: the Fire Department Facilities Project Building Committee's July 15 meeting (cancelled by Town Manager Jonathan Altshul) and the EMS Committee's July 16 meeting (cancelled by the committee membership).

Coming up

• **July 20 — Town Council Boards & Commission Review Subcommittee:** Will consider a resolution to create a three-member subcommittee to evaluate and consolidate town boards and commissions. The town clerk recommends removing 19 commissions from the website and limiting the online archive to the current year plus two years of minutes. The agenda also lists acceptance of Jerilyn Nagel's resignation from the Central CT Health District (8-0 vote noted in materials), discussion of automated traffic-enforcement safety devices and a potential RFP, and an appointment to the Development Commission with nine members and three alternates on staggered three-year terms.
• **July 21 — Conservation Commission:** Will discuss the presence of the spotted lantern fly in Newington, consider joining the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and accept Town GIS Wetlands Mapping as a resource.
• **July 22 — Town Plan & Zoning Commission:** Public hearing on Petition TPZ-26-12, a special permit for a theater/performing arts facility at 50 Rockwell Road in the Planned Development zone. Applicant is Christopher O'Neill; owner is 50 Rockwell Road LLC c/o Reno Properties. The commission will also consider a home-occupation business permit renewal at 172 Indian Hill Road, a pre-application discussion for 847 Main Street, and will note a pending zoning map amendment petition to change 180 Carr Avenue from R-20 residential to I industrial, with a hearing scheduled for August 28, 2026.
• **July 23 — Fire Department Facilities PBC:** Meeting cancelled.

Newington roundup: Zoning board grants two variances; TPZ approves kids' gym, restaurant alcohol sales; Council to weigh $7.8M firehouse

Newington's land-use boards made several decisions in the past two weeks, while the Town Council prepares to take up a $7.8 million appropriation for a new Fire Station #4 at its July 14 meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals grants two variances

The Zoning Board of Appeals granted two variance requests on July 2, 2026.

• **Variance ZBA-26-3:** A 28-by-24-foot attached garage on Edmund Street with a 13.8-foot setback. The applicant is the Buska family.
• **Variance ZBA-26-4:** A 10-by-11-foot sunroom on Kenlock Street with a 6.3-foot sideyard setback. The applicant is the Rosa family.

Both variances were granted with conditions requiring removal of an encroaching fence and garden.

A third petition, for a second-story addition and bay window at 98 Thornton Drive seeking a 3.2-foot west side yard setback reduction and a 0.2-foot front yard setback reduction, was on the agenda; the available record does not include a vote outcome for that item.

Town Plan & Zoning Commission approves two special permits, refers firehouse

On July 8, 2026, the Town Plan & Zoning Commission took three actions:

• **Approved** a special permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages at 2551 Berlin Turnpike (Sloppy Waffle I.G.).
• **Approved with conditions** a special permit for an indoor kids' gym facility at 1581 Southeast Road.
• **Issued a favorable referral** for demolition of the existing Firehouse #4 and construction of a new two-story firehouse at 84 Fifth Street.

The same agenda included a pre-application discussion for a truck driving school in the Industrial zone and scheduling of future hearings for a zone change at 180 Carr Avenue (R-20 to Industrial) and a performing arts theater at 50 Rockwell Road.

Rules of Procedure Subcommittee recommends updated council rules

The Town Council Rules of Procedure Subcommittee unanimously approved a motion on June 29, 2026, to recommend a redlined version of the Town Council's Rules of Procedure to the full Town Council for review and potential adoption. Proposed changes include removing the consent agenda, updating public participation regarding written correspondence, and adding a new section for items requiring council consideration such as grants and donations.

Open Space Committee approves minutes, reviews StoryMap

The Open Space Committee unanimously approved its April 1, 2026, meeting minutes on July 1. Members discussed creation of an ArcGIS StoryMap to inventory town-owned open spaces and a community feedback survey. The committee plans to analyze town parcels to suggest future property purchases to the Town Council.

Cancelled meetings

Two regular meetings scheduled for July 2 were cancelled: the John Wallace Middle School Project Building Committee and the Permanent Municipal Building Commission. No business was conducted at either.

Housing Authority, Economic Development Commission meet

The Newington Housing Authority met July 7 to approve May minutes, review financial statements including bank balances and a maturing TDCDM, discuss correspondence on RSC renewal funding, and receive project updates on hallway painting at Cedar Village, Keleher Electrical work, and sidewalk repairs at all sites. The agenda also listed discussion of possible town/Housing Authority development.

The Economic Development Commission met July 9 with procedural items including approval of minutes and public participation, plus a fundraising and budget discussion, a town planning update, an FOI discussion with the Town Clerk, a Chamber of Commerce report, and a Newington Center Business Collective report. Minutes for both meetings have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 14 — Town Council:** Public hearing on a resolution to appropriate $7,800,000 for construction of Fire Station #4 at 84 Fifth Street, with authorization of general obligation bonds or notes not to exceed $7,800,000. If approved by the Council, the matter goes to a town-wide referendum on November 3, 2026. The agenda also includes a town-wide assessment of departmental space and storage needs, a proclamation recognizing Jack Gagnon for community assistance, and an executive session regarding pending litigation on a zoning issue.
• **July 22 — Town Plan & Zoning Commission:** Public hearing on Petition TPZ-26-12, a special permit for a theater/performing arts facility at 50 Rockwell Road in the Planned Development Zone. The applicant is Christopher O'Neill; the owner is 50 Rockwell Road LLC c/o Reno Properties. The hearing is hybrid via Zoom and in-person.

Newington zoning board approves middle housing amendments; Town Council eyes $7.8M fire station bond

The Town Plan & Zoning Commission approved zoning regulation amendments addressing middle housing requirements under Public Act 25-1, while the Town Council moved to introduce a $7.8 million bond resolution for a new Fire Station #4 — the two most consequential items from a busy two weeks of Newington meetings.

Zoning amendments approved for middle housing

The Town Plan & Zoning Commission approved amendments to the town's zoning regulations to address middle housing requirements under Special Session Public Act 25-1. The approved changes, listed under Petition TPZ-26-10, include updates to parking requirements and amendments to multiple zoning sections, including sections 2.1, 3.10, and 6.0. According to official minutes, the commission had earlier continued a public hearing on the same topic without taking a vote; staff had presented proposed changes to parking, mixed-use, and lot requirements before the hearing was left open.

Town Council proposes $7.8 million fire station bond

The Town Council introduced a resolution to borrow $7.8 million for construction of a new Fire Station #4 at 84 Fifth Street. The proposal is subject to a November 2026 referendum, with a public hearing on the bonding scheduled for July 14. The same meeting agenda included a demonstration of the new Police Department Crime and Safety Portal, consideration of an EMS contract with AMR, and proclamations recognizing Lisa Rydecki's retirement and NCTV's 40th anniversary. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Council rules subcommittee recommends updates

The Town Council Rules of Procedure Subcommittee unanimously approved a motion to recommend a redlined version of the Town Council's Rules of Procedure to the full council for review and potential adoption. Proposed changes include removing the consent agenda, updating public participation rules regarding written correspondence, and adding a new section for items requiring council consideration, such as grants and donations.

Library committee notes resignation, approves minutes

The Library Renovations/Additions Project Building Committee unanimously approved minutes of its May 21 meeting. The committee noted the resignation of Erik Hinkley from the committee. Discussion focused on next steps for a Town Council presentation, including fundraising, a library survey, and outreach flyers. No substantive decisions were made.

Zoning Board hears three setback variance requests

The Zoning Board of Appeals held public hearings on three residential setback variance requests: a second-story addition and bay window at 98 Thornton Drive seeking a 3.2-foot west side yard and 0.2-foot front yard variance; an attached garage at 91 Edmund Street seeking a 20.6-foot front yard setback reduction; and a sunroom at 19 Kenlock Street seeking a 3.7-foot west side yard setback reduction. Minutes have not yet been published.

Cancelled meetings

Four meetings were cancelled with no business conducted: the Town Pools Project Building Committee (June 22), the Fire Department Facilities Project Building Committee (June 25), the John Wallace Middle School Project Building Committee (July 2), and the Permanent Municipal Building Commission (July 2).

Coming up

The Town Plan & Zoning Commission meets July 8 with a full agenda, including public hearings on a special permit for an indoor kids' gym at 1581 Southeast Road and a permit for alcohol sales at Sloppy Waffle LLC, 2551 Berlin Turnpike. The commission will also discuss a pre-application for a truck driving school in the Industrial zone and a referral to demolish the existing Firehouse #4 and construct a new two-story firehouse at 84 Fifth Street. Future hearings are being scheduled for a zone change at 180 Carr Avenue and a performing arts theater at 50 Rockwell Road.

Newington approves zoning changes for middle housing, parking; $7.8M fire station bond proposed

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission approved amendments to Newington’s zoning regulations at its June 24 meeting, updating rules for middle housing and parking requirements. The action came as the commission also continued a public hearing on related middle housing changes without taking a vote that same evening.

Zoning changes approved for middle housing

The commission approved petition TPZ-26-10, which amends zoning regulations to comply with Special Session Public Act 25-1 on middle housing. The changes update multiple sections, including 2.1, 3.10, and 6.0, and revise parking requirements. The agenda summary stated the amendments were approved, though official minutes have not yet been published. A separate public hearing on middle housing zoning amendments was continued and remains open; no vote was taken on that matter.

Town Council proposes $7.8M fire station bond

The Town Council introduced a resolution on June 23 to borrow $7.8 million for the construction of a new Fire Station #4 at 84 Fifth Street. The measure, which requires a November 2026 referendum, will be the subject of a public hearing on July 14. The council also announced the launch of the Newington Crime and Safety Portal, scheduled proclamations for the retirement of Lisa Rydecki and NCTV's 40th anniversary, and considered an EMS contract with AMR.

Council rules changes recommended

The Town Council Rules of Procedure Subcommittee voted unanimously on June 29 to recommend a redlined version of the council’s Rules of Procedure to the full Town Council. Proposed changes include removing the consent agenda, updating public participation procedures regarding written correspondence, and adding a new section for items requiring council consideration such as grants and donations.

Library committee meets, notes resignation

The Library Renovations/Additions Project Building Committee approved the minutes of its May 21 meeting unanimously on June 25. Members discussed fundraising strategies, a library survey, and outreach flyers for an upcoming Town Council presentation. The committee also noted the resignation of member Erik Hinkley.

ZBA hears three variance requests

The Zoning Board of Appeals conducted public hearings on July 2 for three residential setback variances:

• 98 Thornton Drive: Variance of 3.2 feet for a west side yard setback and 0.2 feet for a front yard setback to allow a second-story addition and bay window.
• 91 Edmund Street: Variance of 20.6 feet for a front yard setback along Edmund Street for construction of an attached garage.
• 19 Kenlock Street: Variance of 3.7 feet for a west side yard setback to build an 11-foot by 11-foot sunroom on an existing deck.

Decisions on the variance requests are expected once minutes are published.

Coming up

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission meets again on July 8 to consider:

• A special permit for an indoor kids' gym facility at 1581 Southeast Road.
• A special permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages at 2551 Berlin Turnpike (Sloppy Waffle LLC).
• A referral for the demolition of the existing Firehouse #4 and construction of a new two-story firehouse at 84 Fifth Street.
• A pre-application discussion for a truck driving school in the Industrial zone.
• Scheduling future hearings for a zone change at 180 Carr Avenue and a performing arts theater at 50 Rockwell Road.