Old Saybrook meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Old Saybrook Zoning Commission approves Sheffield Cove fill and construction; multiple meetings ahead

The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission approved a special exception permit for 7 Sheffield Cove, LLC to bring in 1,500 cubic yards of fill and construct a house, walkway, and garage at 7 Sheffield Cove Road and 10 Mulberry Street. The vote was unanimous (5-0) and included four conditions related to drainage monitoring, engineer certification, and site plan revisions. The commission also continued public hearings for three other applications to its August 17 meeting.

Zoning Commission

At its August 3 meeting, the commission closed the public hearing for the Sheffield Cove application and approved it. It also continued hearings for Loukoumis coastal site plan review, TripleC Enterprises special exception and summary review, and a Marina Redevelopment Zone text amendment, all to August 17. The Marina Redevelopment Zone hearing was continued on a 4-0 vote; the others were 5-0. Minutes from July 20 were approved 5-0.

Other recent decisions

The Architectural Review Board, meeting August 10, approved a sign application for Delta Wealth Management at 102 Main Street (4-0), with the condition that the existing front sign be moved to the side of the building. It also reviewed two referral applications for special exception permits but took no action, deferring to the Zoning Commission. The board accepted minutes from July 27 by unanimous consent and adjourned to its next regular meeting on August 24.

The Acton Library Board of Trustees, meeting August 11, approved minutes, financial, non-town fund, and statistics reports, all unanimously (6-0). The board heard updates on the library renovation, including a posted bid for architectural services and a new Building Committee, and noted fundraising events and fund balances. It adjourned to September 8.

Cancelled meetings

Three meetings were cancelled in the past two weeks: the Economic Development Commission (August 4), the Board of Finance (August 4, due to no business), and the Planning Commission/Housing Task Force (August 5). The next regular meetings for these bodies are scheduled for September 8, September 8, and August 19, respectively.

Upcoming meetings

The Board of Selectmen will meet August 19 to discuss and possibly vote on calling a Special Town Meeting on August 25 for eight appropriations totaling about $1.87 million. These include $1,000,000 for Saybrook Point architectural landscape services and renovations, $288,391 for a new Freightliner truck for DPW, $91,660 as the town match for a $366,640 DEEP recreational trails grant, $42,000 to pave the back of the transfer station, and $20,000 for invasive species control in town parks.

The Zoning Commission meets today, August 17, to decide on a summary review application for two mixed-use middle housing units at 350 Middlesex Tpke, continue or close a special exception permit for TripleC Enterprises, continue a public hearing on the Marina Redevelopment Zone to September 9, and open a public hearing for Stonescape Co. to convert a restaurant to a landscape office/showroom at 744 Boston Post Road.

The Board of Finance meets August 18 to review investments, special education excess cost reimbursement, and a DEEP CT Trails grant. The Historic District Commission also meets August 18 for two public hearings on Certificates of Appropriateness at 100 and 60 North Cove Road. The Planning Commission meets August 19 to hear a presentation on data centers and review referrals for a restaurant at 155 & 145 College Street and a zoning map amendment for 300 & 302 Main Street. The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission meets August 20 to discuss a violation at 4 Fordham Trail and a new house/septic application at 38 Ayers Point Road.

Coming up

• **August 17:** Zoning Commission (today) – decisions on TripleC and other hearings.
• **August 18:** Board of Finance; Historic District Commission.
• **August 19:** Board of Selectmen (special town meeting call); Planning Commission/Housing Task Force.
• **August 20:** Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission.
• **August 25:** Special Town Meeting (if called) for $1.87M in appropriations.
• **August 27:** Mariner's Way Redevelopment Ad Hoc Committee (hybrid).

Old Saybrook approves funding for soccer field, trails; several meetings cancelled

The Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen approved funding for two capital projects at its July 28 meeting, including a $91,660 match for the Saybrook Point Trails and Education Project and a resolution for drainage and parking improvements at the Ferry Road Soccer Field. The board also established representative members for the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Advisory Board and released an encroachment permit bond.

Board of Selectmen

The board voted unanimously to approve a resolution for the Ferry Road Soccer Field Drainage, Parking Lot and Site Improvements project. It also approved $91,660 from the capital non-recurring fund for the Saybrook Point Trails and Education Project, also unanimously. Both actions were recorded as unanimous votes.

In other business, the board approved the establishment of board and commission representative members on the TIF Advisory Board (unanimous) and released Encroachment Permit Bond No. 2025-26 for 51 Atlantic Drive (unanimous). The minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting were approved by a vote of 2-0-1.

Mariners Way Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee

On July 30, the committee held a hybrid meeting to review progress on the Mariners Way revitalization project. According to the agenda, members discussed soils testing and wetlands assessments, business and property owner outreach, streetscape improvements, and design standards. No decisions were reported; minutes have not yet been published.

Police Commission

The Police Commission approved the minutes from its June 22, 2026 meeting by a 6-0 vote. The remainder of the session consisted of reports from Chief Onofrio on budget, personnel, and fleet updates, as well as discussions on inter-agency agreements.

Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board approved a sign application for Atlas Outdoors at 0 Old Middlesex Tpke. with modifications: the applicant must correct the address, change the text color to white, and reduce the sign height to six feet. The vote was 4-0-0. The board also accepted the July 13, 2026 minutes by unanimous consent.

Board of Finance (July 28)

The Board of Finance met on July 28 to discuss bonding for a DPW garage and the Kate expansion, as well as a recommendation for the FY26 year-end municipal reserve. The agenda indicates potential action, but minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Zoning Commission (August 3)

The Zoning Commission held public hearings on a petition to create a new Marina Redevelopment Zone by Ferry Landing LLC. The commission also reviewed applications for mixed-use housing and commercial uses on Middlesex Turnpike, including a deli, convenience store, auto repair, office, and auto detailer uses at 350 and 384 Middlesex Tpke., and two mixed-use middle housing units at 350 Middlesex Tpke. Other items included a special exception permit for a 3,111 s.f. house and 1,368 s.f. garage at 7 Sheffield Cove Road and 10 Mulberry Street, and a coastal site plan review for an accessory dwelling unit and 1,259 s.f. house at 28 Clinton Avenue. No decisions were reported.

Cancelled meetings

Three meetings were cancelled in early August. The Board of Finance meeting scheduled for August 4 was cancelled due to no business. The Economic Development Commission meeting on August 4 was also cancelled; its next regular meeting is September 8. The Planning Commission and Housing Task Force hybrid meeting on August 5 was cancelled; the next regular meeting is set for August 19.

Coming up

The Planning Commission and Housing Task Force will hold its next hybrid meeting on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room. No other upcoming meetings are listed within the next two weeks.

Old Saybrook roundup: Zoning approves parking change and special permits; Harbor Commission clears marina projects

The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission approved a parking rule change for the Saybrook Point District and granted two special exception permits for property conversions and additions at its July 20 meeting. The same night, the Harbor Management Commission found the Ferry Landing Marina Redevelopment Zone proposal and two dock projects consistent with the town's Harbor Management Plan.

Zoning Commission

The commission voted 5-0-0 to approve a text amendment to Section 37.1.17 allowing accessory off-street parking within 100 feet of a permitted use in the Saybrook Point District. Members also approved two special exception permits: one for DavLea Holdings, LLC to convert retail space to office at 1057 Boston Post Road (5-0-0), and another for home additions at 68 North Cove Road (5-0-0). June 22 meeting minutes were approved 5-0-0.

Two items were continued to August 3: a petition to create a new Marina Redevelopment Zone, and a special exception permit for 7 Sheffield Cove, LLC.

Harbor Management Commission

The commission voted 4-0-0 to find the Ferry Landing Marina Redevelopment Zone proposal consistent with the Harbor Management Plan. It also authorized signing of a Local Waterfront Revitalization Document (LWRD) for an Atlas Construction dock at 91 Sheffield Street (4-0-0) and found a project at 14 Bliss Street consistent with the plan (4-0-0).

The commission approved June 15 meeting minutes 3-0-1 and authorized payment of two $100 bills to United Restroom Rentals (4-0-0).

Police Commission

On July 27, the Police Commission approved minutes from its June 22 regular meeting 6-0. Chief Onofrio delivered reports on the budget, personnel, and fleet updates, and members discussed inter-agency agreements. No other votes were recorded.

Architectural Review Board

The ARB approved a sign application for Atlas Outdoors at 0 Old Middlesex Tpke (4-0-0), with conditions: the applicant must correct the address, change text color to white, and reduce sign height to six feet. July 13 minutes were accepted by unanimous consent.

Board of Selectmen — agendas pending

The Board of Selectmen's July 28 agenda included a resolution to accept a $667,948 state DECD grant for drainage, parking lot, and site improvements at the Ferry Road Soccer Field. The agenda also listed discussion on matching funds for a DEEP Trails Grant for the Saybrook Point Trails and Education Project, appointments to the TIF Advisory Board, and release of Encroachment Permit Bond No. 2025-26 for 51 Atlantic Drive. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

On July 30, the Mariners Way Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee met to review subgroup updates on soils testing, wetlands assessment, business outreach, streetscape improvements, and design standards. Minutes are not yet available.

Board of Finance

The July 21 Board of Finance meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum; no business was conducted. A July 28 agenda listed discussion and possible action on bonding for a DPW garage and the Kate expansion, plus a recommendation for the FY26 year-end municipal reserve. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

• **Zoning Commission, Aug. 3** — Public hearings on a petition to create a new Section 59A Marina Redevelopment Zone by Ferry Landing LLC, plus applications for mixed-use and commercial uses at 350 and 384 Middlesex Tpke, a special exception permit for a 3,111 s.f. house and 1,368 s.f. garage at 7 Sheffield Cove Road and 10 Mulberry Street, and coastal site plan review for an accessory dwelling unit and 1,259 s.f. house at 28 Clinton Avenue.
• **Board of Finance, Aug. 4** — Cancelled, no business.
• **Economic Development Commission, Aug. 4** — Cancelled; next meeting Sept. 8.
• **Planning Commission / Housing Task Force, Aug. 5** — Cancelled; next meeting Aug. 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room.

Old Saybrook roundup: Zoning Board acts on variances, ARB backs Kate addition and TripleC project

The Old Saybrook Zoning Board of Appeals approved three property variances and denied one height variance on July 8, while the Architectural Review Board forwarded favorable recommendations for a 7,500-square-foot addition at The Kate and a TripleC Enterprises mixed-use development to the Zoning Commission.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 8

The Board approved north and south side-yard setback variances for Patrick and Sonya O'Halloran at 100 Middletown Avenue (5-0-0) but denied the structure height variance for the same project (5-0-0).

The Board also approved a variance for Ernest and Beverly Squatrito for a patio, outdoor kitchen, and spa at 502 Main Street (5-0-0), and granted a one-year extension for Kenneth and Vickie Lavoie's garage variance at 23 & 26 Oyster Point Road (5-0-0).

A motion to approve the June 10, 2026 minutes failed (2-1-0); a subsequent motion to vote on those minutes passed (5-0-0). The meeting was adjourned by a 5-0-0 vote.

Architectural Review Board — July 13

The ARB recommended approval to the Zoning Commission for a 7,500 s.f. addition at The Kate, contingent on Dark Sky compliant lighting. The Board also issued a favorable recommendation for TripleC Enterprises' mixed-use development, with signage and directional sign guidance. June 8, 2026 minutes were approved by unanimous consent.

Economic Development Commission — July 7

The Commission approved an Art Hallway application for Nancy Harney to display art in Town Hall from September through December 2026 (5-0-0). June 2, 2026 meeting minutes were approved (4-1-0). Staff reported on Saybrook Point land swap due diligence and an extension of the landscape architecture RFP deadline to July 22.

Board of Selectmen — July 14

The Board of Selectmen called a special town meeting for residents to vote on two appropriations from the capital non-recurring fund: $7,982 for installing irrigation on the Town Green and $8,154 for relocating a backflow preventer at MacMurray Field.

A separate Board of Selectmen agenda lists several large-scale funding requests for consideration, including an $11,300,000 appropriation for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center addition and renovation, a $6,200,000 appropriation for Department of Public Works garage reconstruction, a modification to the Fire Department pension plan document, establishment of a Landscape Architecture Selection Committee for Saybrook Point redevelopment, establishment of an Acton Public Library Building Renovation Committee, and a $450 building permit fee refund for 29 Edmund Street. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Conservation Commission — July 14

The Commission approved minutes from June 9, 2026 (6-0-0) and adjourned until its next regular meeting on August 11, 2026 (6-0-0). No other formal actions were taken.

Planning Commission / Housing Task Force — July 15

The Planning Commission and Housing Task Force reviewed several land-use petitions, including a petition by Attorney David M. Royston to amend Section 37.1.17 of the zoning regulations to allow off-street parking accessories in the Saybrook Point District, and a petition by Ferry Landing LLC (Attorney Edward M. Cassella) to create a new Section 59A Marina Redevelopment Zone. Both are to be reported to the Zoning Commission for July 20, 2026. Two applications from TripleC Enterprises, LLC — for special exception permits at 350 and 384 Middlesex Turnpike and for summary review of two mixed-use middle housing units at 350 Middlesex Turnpike — are to be reported to the Zoning Commission for August 3, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.

Cancelled Meetings

The July 6 Zoning Commission meeting, July 7 Board of Finance meeting, July 16 Aquifer Protection Agency meeting, July 16 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission meeting, and July 16 Ethics Commission meeting were all cancelled. The July 8 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting was discussion-only; minutes have not been published. The July 13 Water Pollution Control Authority meeting agenda included a Saybrook Station permit renewal and a Fuss & O'Neill CEPA process update; minutes have not been published.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Zoning Commission:** Public hearings on the Saybrook Point off-street parking amendment, a 9,008 sq ft home addition at 68 North Cove Road, a continued hearing for DavLea Holdings at 1057 Boston Post Road, and a special exception for fill and a house at 7 Sheffield Cove Road/10 Mulberry Street. The Marina Redevelopment Zone petition is continued to August 3.
• **July 20 — Harbor Management Commission:** Review of the Ferry Landing LLC petition to create Section 59A Marina Redevelopment Zone, plus updates on North Cove dredging and the Ferry Road dredging and dock expansion project.
• **July 21 — Board of Finance:** Cancelled due to lack of quorum.
• **July 21 — Historic District Commission:** Cancelled.

Old Saybrook Roundup: Art Hallway Approved; Several July Meetings Canceled

The Old Saybrook Economic Development Commission was the only town body to take recorded action in the first week of July, approving an art display for Town Hall while several other boards canceled their meetings for lack of business or quorum.

Economic Development Commission — July 7

The Commission approved an application from Nancy Harney to display art in the Art Hallway at Town Hall from September through December 2026. The vote was 5-0-0. Commissioners also approved the June 2, 2026 meeting minutes on a 4-1-0 vote.

Staff reported on due diligence for the Saybrook Point land swap and noted that the deadline for the landscape architecture RFP has been extended to July 22.

Canceled Meetings

Four regularly scheduled meetings in the past two weeks were canceled:

• **Planning Commission / Housing Task Force** (July 1) — canceled; next hybrid meeting set for July 15.
• **Zoning Commission** (July 6) — canceled; no land use decisions or public hearings were on the docket.
• **Board of Finance** (July 7) — canceled due to no business to conduct.
• **Aquifer Protection Agency** (July 16, upcoming) — canceled; next meeting August 20.
• **Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission** (July 16, upcoming) — canceled.

Items Discussed, Not Yet Decided

The Zoning Board of Appeals met July 8 to review three variance requests: a house expansion at 100 Middletown Avenue, a patio, outdoor kitchen, and spa project at 502 Main Street, and an extension request for garage construction at 23 and 26 Oyster Point Road. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Parks & Recreation Commission met July 8 for a discussion-only session covering Ferry Road updates, summer facilities, a review of all parks, Harvey's Beach, and a strategic plan for parks. No decisions were scheduled.

Coming Up

Several consequential items are on upcoming agendas:

• **Board of Selectmen** (July 14) — A special town meeting will ask residents to vote on $7,982 for irrigation on the Town Green and $8,154 for relocating a backflow preventer at MacMurray Field, totaling $16,136 in capital improvements. A separate Board of Selectmen agenda includes proposed appropriations of $11,300,000 for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center addition and renovation and $6,200,000 for the Department of Public Works garage reconstruction, plus a potential Fire Department pension plan modification, establishment of a Landscape Architecture Selection Committee for Saybrook Point redevelopment, and establishment of an Acton Public Library Building Renovation Committee.
• **Architectural Review Board** (July 13) — Design review for an approximately 7,500-square-foot addition to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main Street, plus TripleC Enterprises applications for commercial uses and two mixed-use middle housing units at 350 and 384 Middlesex Turnpike.
• **Planning Commission / Housing Task Force** (July 15) — Review of petitions to amend zoning regulations for off-street parking in the Saybrook Point District and to create a new Marina Redevelopment Zone, plus TripleC Enterprises applications for special exception permits and mixed-use housing at 350 and 384 Middlesex Turnpike.
• **Water Pollution Control Authority** (July 13) — Saybrook Station permit renewal and an update on the Fuss & O'Neill CEPA process.
• **Conservation Commission** (July 14) — Open space monitoring, pollinator pathway initiatives, and planning for fall outreach materials.
• **Board of Finance** (July 21) — Canceled due to lack of quorum.
• **Historic District Commission** (July 21) — Canceled.

Old Saybrook Zoning Commission OKs 24% coverage, three-story buildings in Gateway Conservation Zone

The Old Saybrook Zoning Commission approved a petition by Gary Carabetta on June 22 to amend zoning regulations in the Gateway Conservation Zone, allowing up to 24% structure coverage and three-story buildings for residentially zoned properties. The change takes effect July 15, 2026.

The commission voted 5-0 to close the public hearing on the Carabetta petition and 5-0 to approve the amendment to Section 54.9.1. Commissioners also voted 5-0 to withdraw a previous motion that had included landscaping and parking provisions.

Zoning Commission: Public Works garage, retail-to-office hearing continued

In other business, the commission approved a special exception 5-0 for a 5,788-square-foot addition to the Public Works Garage at 499 Middlesex Turnpike.

A public hearing for DavLea Holdings regarding a retail-to-office conversion was continued to July 20, 2026, on a 5-0 vote. The commission also approved its June 1, 2026 meeting minutes with a correction, 5-0.

Police Commission: Minutes approved, no major decisions

The Police Commission approved minutes from its May 18, 2026 regular meeting on a 5-0-1 vote. No other substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting covered updates on budget, personnel, training, and operations.

Architectural Review Board: No items

The June 22 Architectural Review Board agenda contained no substantive review items. The document listed board members and served as a logistical notice for the next regularly scheduled meeting in July.

Board of Selectmen: Housing, open space, appointments on agenda

The Board of Selectmen's June 23 agenda included presentations on the Housing Task Force Report for affordable housing and the Conservation Commission's Open Space Plan. The board was scheduled to discuss calling a Special Town Meeting, releasing Encroachment Permit Bond No. 2026-2 at 68 Hartford Avenue, and making appointments to The Preserve AdHoc Committee and Shellfish Commission, including reappointments of Bonin, Colvin Jr., and Beyers. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Other committees

The Tree Ad Hoc Committee's June 23 agenda included updates on recent and planned tree plantings, discussion of new planting sites at the bocce ball court and Park Avenue, and review of tree removal permits from Hartford and Bridgeport. Minutes have not been published.

The Mariner's Way Revitalization Ad Hoc Committee met June 25 to hear subgroup updates on soils testing and wetlands, business and property owner outreach, and streetscape improvements, followed by review of design standards and next steps. Minutes have not been published.

The July 1 Planning Commission and Housing Task Force meeting was canceled. The next regularly scheduled hybrid meeting is July 15, 2026.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Economic Development Commission:** Quarterly marketing report by Miranda Creative, discussion of the CT Main Street Center Spotlight on Main Street, updates on town website and on-call economic development services funded by RiverCOG, and an alternate commission member appointment.
• **July 8 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Variance requests for a house expansion at 100 Middletown Avenue, a patio/outdoor kitchen/spa at 502 Main Street, and a garage construction extension request at 23 and 26 Oyster Point Road.
• **July 14 — Board of Selectmen / Special Town Meeting:** Residents will vote on two appropriations from the capital non-recurring fund: $7,982 for irrigation on the Town Green and $8,154 for relocating a backflow preventer at MacMurray Field, totaling $16,136.

The July 6 Zoning Commission meeting and the July 7 Board of Finance meeting are both canceled.

Zoning Commission approves taller, denser rules for Gateway Conservation Zone; Special Town Meeting set for capital items

In its most significant recent action, the Old Saybrook Zoning Commission voted unanimously to allow up to 24 percent structure coverage and three-story buildings on residentially zoned properties in the Gateway Conservation Zone. The petition by Gary Carabetta was approved 5-0 and takes effect July 15, 2026.

At the same June 22 meeting, the commission also gave a 5-0 green light to a 5,788-square-foot special exception for a Public Works Garage expansion at 499 Middlesex Turnpike. A public hearing for the Carabetta petition was closed, and a hearing for DavLea Holdings was continued to July 20.

Other recent town business

A handful of other boards met in late June. The Police Commission approved the minutes of its May 18 regular meeting 5-0-1, with no other substantive votes. The Architectural Review Board’s June 22 agenda contained only procedural items and no project reviews.

The Board of Selectmen held an agenda-only session June 23, with presentations slated from the Housing Task Force on affordable housing findings and from the Conservation Commission on the Open Space Plan. The board also discussed calling a Special Town Meeting, releasing an encroachment permit bond at 68 Hartford Avenue, and reappointments to The Preserve Ad Hoc Committee and Shellfish Commission.

The Tree Ad Hoc Committee met June 25 to review recent and planned plantings and consider new sites including the bocce ball court and Park Avenue, while also reviewing tree removal permits from Hartford and Bridgeport.

The July 1 joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Housing Task Force was canceled.

Coming up

A few cancellations mark the early part of the upcoming week: the Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for July 6 has been canceled, and the Board of Finance meeting on July 7 has been canceled for lack of business.

The Economic Development Commission will meet July 7 to receive a quarterly marketing report from Miranda Creative, discuss a CT Main Street Center Spotlight on Main Street, and take up website updates and on-call economic development services funded by RiverCOG. The commission also expects to fill an alternate member vacancy.

The Zoning Board of Appeals convenes July 8 to consider variance requests for a house expansion at 100 Middletown Avenue, a patio and outdoor kitchen with spa at 502 Main Street, and an extension request for garage construction at 23 and 26 Oyster Point Road.

The Board of Selectmen has scheduled a Special Town Meeting for July 14 to vote on two small capital appropriations: $7,982 for irrigation installation on the Town Green and $8,154 for relocating a backflow preventer at MacMurray Field. Both would be funded from the capital non-recurring fund. No other business has been announced for that meeting.