Stonington meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Stonington board approves 10-unit condo site plan and dealership expansion

The Stonington Architectural Design Review Board on Aug. 10 approved a site plan for a 10-unit condominium development at 33 Prospect Street in Pawcatuck and a special use permit for a 4,589-square-foot addition to the Valenti dealership at 72 Jerry Brown Road in Mystic. Both votes were 4-0. The board also approved minutes from its March and July meetings.

Architectural Design Review Board

The board closed the site plan application (PZ2626SPA) for the condominium project after providing design feedback, and approved the special use permit (PZ2628SUP) for the dealership addition. Paul Dickson was introduced as the new Director of Land Use. All votes were unanimous.

Other board actions

Board of Selectmen (Aug. 12) unanimously approved minutes from July 22 and July 29 meetings and reappointed Hannah Cedermark and Monica Sutcliffe to the Housing Opportunities Commission and Robert Ulrich to the Water Pollution Control Authority. No appointments were made to the Planning and Zoning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals after interviews.

Harbor Management Commission (Aug. 10) approved July minutes and the treasurer's report. It heard public comment about unreported collisions with moored boats, with repair costs reported up to $40,000, but took no formal action. Members will review the concerns with the Harbormasters at the September meeting. Proposed changes to mooring tackle specifications and a 20-day transient anchorage limit were discussed but not voted on.

Cemetery Commission (Aug. 11) approved July minutes and requested a Ground Penetrating Radar survey at the Burdick-Frink Cemetery to verify unmarked graves.

Cultural District Commission (Aug. 10) approved June 8 minutes and discussed its $9,450 budget, the website launch, and the Poet Laureate's first-year report. No formal votes were taken; discussions on the JMH Centennial Festival and the sculpture committee were tabled to September.

Beautification Committee (Aug. 17) approved June 15 minutes and agreed to pursue new Donahue Park signs using the design of the recently installed "Welcome to Historic Mechanic Street" sign. The committee will fundraise for the signs because no budget funds are available. It also discussed a planter donation to the Mystic Boat House.

Cancelled or no-action meetings: The Economic Development Commission cancelled its Aug. 18 meeting due to lack of quorum. The Waterfront Commission cancelled its Aug. 26 meeting. The Old Mystic Fire District held meetings on Aug. 10 and Aug. 13 with only procedural agendas; no decisions were reported. The Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 14) and Planning and Zoning Commission (Aug. 18) had agendas with no listed items.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 24, regular meeting to discuss open space, conservation easements, the 2026 Plan of Conservation and Development, and invasive species.
• **Recreation Commission** – Aug. 24, to elect a chair and vice chair, review summer programs and finances, and get updates on town recreation sites.
• **Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission** – Aug. 29, site walk for two permit applications: a residence and driveway extension at 186 Flanders Road and a building addition, decks, and new septic system at 523 Taugwonk Road.
• **Planning and Zoning Commission** – Sept. 1, special meeting (agenda not yet published).

All meetings are open to the public. Check the town website for agendas and participation details.

Stonington board approves Route 1 bike path design funding, appoints planning director

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on July 29 to use $181,600 in bond funding for the design and engineering of a multimodal path along Route 1, pending approval from the Board of Finance. The board also unanimously appointed Paul Dickson as Director of Planning.

Board of Selectmen

At its July 29 meeting, the board approved two items:

• Appointment of Paul Dickson as Director of Planning (unanimous).
• Use of bond funding for Route 1 bike path design and engineering, totaling $181,600, contingent upon Board of Finance approval (unanimous).

Other recent meetings

Several other boards and commissions met over the past two weeks. Unless noted, these were agenda items only, with minutes not yet published.

• **Conservation Commission (July 27):** Discussed the 2026 Plan of Conservation and Development, open space plan adoption, and invasive species.
• **Mystic Fire District (July 28):** Considered appointing Brad Bernier as Fire Chief/Fire Marshal and authorizing the chief to fill three vacant Firefighter/EMT positions.
• **Water Pollution Control Authority (July 28):** Meeting canceled.
• **Board of Police Commissioners (July 28):** Discussed proposed new entrance and exit plans for the Boathouse and Delmar Hotel.
• **Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission (Aug 1 and Aug 6):** Conducted site walks and held public hearings on residential construction and subdivision permits, including a six-lot subdivision at 770 Pequot Trail and a single-family residence on Green Avenue.
• **K-12 School Building Committee (Aug 4):** Heard a presentation from Gilbane Construction on school facilities.
• **Pawcatuck River Harbor Management Commission (Aug 5):** Discussed a plan/ordinance submitted to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
• **Board of Finance (Aug 5):** Meeting canceled due to unavailability of the Police Department Meeting Room.

Coming up

• **Architectural Design Review Board (Aug 10):** Will review a site plan for 10 residential condominium units at 33 Prospect Street, Pawcatuck, and a special use permit for a 4,589 sq ft addition at a car dealership at 72 Jerry Brown Road, Mystic.
• **Cultural District Commission (Aug 10):** The regular meeting has been canceled. A separate meeting is scheduled to review budget, discuss website launch, way-finding signage, and volunteer support for PorchFest, Make Music Day, and JMH Centennial Festival.

Stonington Roundup: Board Approves $181,600 for Route 1 Bike Path Design; Paul Dickson Named Planning Director

The Stonington Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to use bond funding for the design and engineering of a multimodal path along Route 1, totaling $181,600, contingent on Board of Finance approval. The same meeting formally appointed Paul Dickson as Director of Planning, also by unanimous vote.

Board of Selectmen

At its July 29 meeting, the Board appointed Paul Dickson as Director of Planning (unanimous) and approved $181,600 in bond funding for the Route 1 bike path design and engineering, contingent upon Board of Finance approval (unanimous). Earlier, on July 22, the Board had appointed Dickson as Director of Land Use and Development (unanimous), reappointed Marya Ursin and Matt Beaudoin to the Cultural District Commission (unanimous), reappointed Eugene Pfiefer to the Waterfront Commission (unanimous), and reappointed Chris Delaney to the Architectural Design Review Board (unanimous). The Board also approved street number 14 Barnes Road for Map 73, Block 2, Lot 7A (unanimous), acknowledged the resignation of Lisa Patrerno from the Commission on Aging, and acknowledged the resignation of Liz Wood from the Cultural District Commission.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Commission approved two bond releases for AJ Holdings, LLC — PZ2616BR with no stipulations (4-0-1) and PZ2617BR with stipulations (4-0-1). It approved Coastal Area Management reviews for residential reconstructions at 50 Ashworth Avenue with stipulations (4-0-1) and at 28 Chippechaug Trail with stipulations (4-0-1). A public hearing for PZ2619ZC, Readco Holdings, LLC, was opened and continued to August 4 (4-0-1). All new business items were accepted (4-0-1), and June 16 minutes were approved (5-0).

Waterfront Commission

The Commission approved the 'Meet the Fleet' event (unanimous) and the 'River Glow' event at Donahue Park on August 1, 2026 (unanimous). It authorized moving funds from the wharfage account to the working account to pay an $8,150.00 bill for five safety ladders at the town dock (unanimous). Members also approved a motion to write a letter summarizing the commission's role in plan review (unanimous), accepted the treasurer's report (unanimous), and accepted May minutes (unanimous). Discussion items included safety concerns regarding a squid tank and a sinkhole near the American Seafood building.

Climate Change Task Force

The Task Force approved a revised POCD comment letter on clean energy (5-1 with one abstention), approved April 2026 minutes (unanimous), and approved June 2026 minutes (unanimous). Members agreed to develop a 25-year community-wide energy plan and discussed strategies to recruit residents for an August 4 public meeting.

Meetings With No Decisions Yet

Several bodies met or were scheduled with agendas only, meaning minutes have not yet been published and no decisions are confirmed. The Charter Revision Commission on July 20 was set to vote on gender-neutral charter language and charter definitions, review papers on constables and referenda, and discuss term limits. The Quiambaug Fire District and Masons Island Fire District held regular meetings July 20–21. The Flood Prevention, Climate Resilience and Erosion Control Board met July 21 to elect a new chair and discuss adding a new member. The Economic Development Commission discussed the Liberty Crossing Development and a Tax Incentive Program. The Housing Opportunities Commission received an SLR Project update July 23. The Housing Authority reviewed funding for a new 8-unit building July 23. The Conservation Commission discussed the 2026 Plan of Conservation and Development July 27. The Mystic Fire District's July 28 special meeting addressed the possible appointment of Brad Bernier as Fire Chief/Fire Marshal and authorization to fill three vacant Firefighter/EMT positions. The Board of Police Commissioners discussed proposed entrance and exit plans for the Boathouse and Delmar Hotel July 28. The Inland Wetlands Commission conducted site walks August 1 for two residential permit applications.

Cancelled Meetings

The Stonington Beautification Committee's July 20 meeting was cancelled. The Water Pollution Control Authority's July 28 meeting was cancelled. The Board of Finance's August 5 meeting was cancelled due to room unavailability. The Cultural District Commission's August 10 regular meeting was cancelled.

Coming Up

• **August 4 — K-12 School Building Committee:** Special meeting with a presentation by Gilbane Construction on school facilities. No formal decisions listed.
• **August 10 — Architectural Design Review Board:** Will review a site plan for 10 residential condominium units at 33 Prospect Street, Pawcatuck, and a special use permit for a 4,589 sqft. addition at a car dealership at 72 Jerry Brown Road, Mystic.
• **August 10 — Cultural District Commission:** A separate meeting will cover budget review, website launch, way-finding signage, and arts events including PorchFest, Make Music Day, and the JMH Centennial Festival.

Stonington police board approves eight community events and parking changes; harbor commission sets 2027 mooring fees

The Stonington Board of Police Commissioners approved permits for eight community events and several parking and traffic-sign changes at its July 9 meeting, while the Harbor Management Commission unanimously adopted the 2027 mooring fee schedule on July 13. Both votes passed with no opposition.

Police Commissioners approve event permits and parking changes

The Board of Police Commissioners voted to approve permits for FarmFest 2026 at Highland Homestead, the Mystic Aquarium Annual Penguin Run, the St. Michael School 5K at Spellman Park, the Stonington Small Boat Association 50-year anniversary celebration, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Columbus Day Parade, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day Parade, and the Stonington Borough Art Walk. Each motion passed with all in favor.

The board also approved a speed hump petition for Old North Road, forwarding it to the Department of Public Works; two handicap/mobility parking spots at the Quambaug Fire Department; mirroring 15-minute parking signs on East Main Street; weekend and event parking signs on side streets near Route 1; and two no-parking signs on Stanton Place. All motions were seconded by Commissioner Balestracci and passed with no opposition.

Harbor Management Commission sets 2027 mooring fees

The Stonington Harbor Management Commission approved the 2027 mooring fee schedule unanimously on July 13. The commission also approved the May 11 meeting minutes and the Treasurer's financial report, each with all members in favor. The Harbormaster was assigned to explore parameters for an EMS sign at the Commons dock and to contact East Lyme regarding its late-payment process; both items remain pending.

Architectural Design Review Board discusses Liberty Street technology campus

The Architectural Design Review Board held a special meeting July 13 to discuss the proposed Liberty Street technology campus, covering building sizes, drainage, landscaping, signage, solar panels, and siding colors. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded. The project will receive preliminary feedback before a Planning and Zoning submission. The meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

Other boards and commissions

The Cemetery Commission voted unanimously July 14 to approve the June 9 meeting minutes and adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

The K-12 School Building Committee met July 7 to review Stonington Public Schools facilities and receive a presentation from DRA Architects. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Old Mystic Fire District Board of Directors met July 9 to consider June minutes, receive the treasurer's and tax-collection reports, review bills, and approve tax refunds. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continued public hearing July 14 on ZBA#26-03, a variance request from Grace Mountain Church to formalize existing parking at 67 Prospect Street, Pawcatuck (Map 4 Block 16 Lot 2, Zone RA-15). No decision was recorded in the available agenda.

The Shellfish Commission met July 16 to review water quality testing for Outer and Lower Quiambaug Cove and East Mason's Island recreational shellfishing areas, an aquaculture license agreement with Stonington Farms Shellfish, a license transfer from Little Narragansett Bay Oyster Co. to Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm, and a draft update to the Shellfish Management Plan. Minutes have not yet been published.

Cancelled and rescheduled meetings

The Board of Selectmen's July 8 regular meeting was cancelled. The Housing Authority's July 9 meeting was rescheduled to July 23 at 4:30 p.m. at 45 Sisk Drive in Pawcatuck. The Cultural District Commission's July 13 meeting was cancelled, as noted by Chair R. Douglass Rice. The Climate Change Task Force's July 16 meeting was cancelled.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Charter Revision Commission:** Votes scheduled on gender-neutral charter language and charter definitions, plus review of papers on constables and referenda.
• **July 20 — Quiambaug Fire District Board of Directors:** Regular monthly meeting with updates on the HFM transition and reserve account.
• **July 21 — Flood Prevention, Climate Resilience and Erosion Control Board:** Election of a new chair and discussion of adding a new member or alternate.
• **July 22 — Waterfront Commission:** Discussion of dock signage, the Connecticut Port Authority SHIPP Grant Award event on August 4, Blessing of the Fleet, and use of Donahue Park for a River Glow event on August 1.
• **July 23 — Housing Authority:** Update on funding for a new 8-unit building.

Inland Wetlands Commission Approves $700,000 Bridge Reconstruction and Three Other Permits; Several Boards Cancel July Sessions

The Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission unanimously approved a $700,000 reconstruction of Preservation Bridge no. 137002 on Wolfneck Road and three other permits at its July 2 meeting, while several other Stonington boards canceled sessions or have not yet published minutes.

Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission — July 2

The commission took the following unanimous votes:

• Approved barn construction at 190 Farmholme Road.
• Approved $700,000 reconstruction of Preservation Bridge no. 137002 on Wolfneck Road.
• Approved replacement of Preservation Bridge no. 137003 on Wolfneck Road with a pre-cast box culvert.
• Approved a single-family residence and drainage pipe repair at 215 Pequotsepos Road Ext.
• Approved minutes from June 4, 2026 and June 27, 2026.

The commission also accepted a permit application for a 6-lot subdivision at 770 Pequot Trail and scheduled a site walk for August 1, 2026.

Meetings Canceled or Rescheduled

Five boards did not meet as scheduled:

• Pawcatuck River Harbor Management Commission (July 1): canceled.
• Mystic Harbor Management Commission (July 2): canceled.
• Shellfish Commission (July 2): canceled.
• Board of Selectmen (July 8): canceled.
• Housing Authority (July 9): rescheduled to July 23 at 4:30 PM at 45 Sisk Drive, Pawcatuck.

Meetings Held; Minutes Not Yet Published

Three boards met earlier this month, but minutes are not yet available, so outcomes are not confirmed:

• **K-12 School Building Committee (July 7):** Scheduled to discuss updates on Stonington Public Schools facilities and receive a presentation from DRA Architects.
• **Board of Police Commissioners (July 9):** Scheduled to vote on event permits for FarmFest 2026, the Mystic Aquarium Penguin Run, and several parades; vote on a petition for speed humps on Old North Road; vote on accessible parking spaces at the Quambaug Fire Department; vote on parking signs for East Main Street, Cottrell Street at Route 1, and Stanton Place; and discuss the speed limit on Rossie Pentway.
• **Old Mystic Fire District Board of Directors (July 9):** Scheduled to approve June 2026 minutes, receive the treasurer's report and tax-collection report, review bills, approve tax refunds, and hear reports from the fire chief and president.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Architectural Design Review Board:** Preliminary application review for 511 Liberty Street and one unaddressed parcel in Pawcatuck (applicants: Readco Holdings, LLC and Readco Hookset, LLC). A separate routine procedural meeting will approve March 9, 2026 minutes.
• **July 13 — Stonington Harbor Management Commission:** Discussion of a mooring fee revision adding a late payment penalty after March 31, the East Side Inner Breakwater Project, the Transient and Dinghy Access Project, and Sandy Point Channel dredging.
• **July 13 — Old Mystic Fire District:** Board of Directors and regular membership meetings, including departmental reports and community program updates.
• **July 14 — Cemetery Commission:** Updates on the America 250 Patriot Project and August Village Fair planning; discussion of grants, a Garden Club award, and site visits.
• **July 20 — Stonington Beautification Committee:** Meeting canceled.
• **July 23 — Housing Authority:** Update on funding for a new 8-unit building; public comment will be taken.

Stonington Board of Selectmen awards $315K in contracts for 2027 property revaluation

The Stonington Board of Selectmen awarded contracts totaling $315,000 for the 2027 residential and commercial property revaluation projects at its June 24 meeting, the most consequential action taken by a town body over the past two weeks. The residential revaluation bid went to Melissa Baer Appraisal for $180,000, and the commercial revaluation bid went to Lawrence Revaluation Services for $135,000. Both votes were unanimous.

Board of Selectmen — June 24

In addition to the revaluation contracts, the Board unanimously approved street number assignments for 857/859 Pequot Trail and 36 Nautilus Way. The Board also unanimously reappointed Jennifer Norcross to the Recreation Commission and Eric Garofano to the Flood Prevention, Climate Resilience and Erosion Control Board.

Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission — June 27

The commission held a site walk for four permit applications and took no votes. All four applications were received for record only: bridge reconstruction permit IW#26-06, bridge replacement permit IW#26-07, a residence and drainage permit IW#26-08, and a barn permit IW#26-05.

Conservation Commission — June 22

The commission reviewed a zoning map amendment for Readco Holdings and Readco Hookset to add office and light manufacturing buildings at 511 Liberty Street. The agenda also included discussion of the 2026 Plan of Conservation and Development, the process for adopting a new Open Space Plan, installation of signs on town open space properties, and invasive species in Stonington. Minutes have not yet been published.

Shellfish Commission — June 25

The commission considered a new aquaculture application by Stonington Farms, Inc. for 3.2 acres west of Ram Point, and a pier and dock construction application by Shadblow North LLC on Masons Island. The agenda also included water quality review for Outer/Lower Quiambaug Cove and East Mason's Island, a draft Shellfish Management Plan update, and training for the new shellfish warden. Minutes have not yet been published.

Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission — July 2

The commission's agenda included a subdivision of 11.4 acres into six residential lots at 770 Pequot Trail, reconstruction of Preservation Bridge no. 137002 on Wolfneck Road, reconstruction of Preservation Bridge no. 137003 on Wolfneck Road, new single-family residence construction on Green Avenue, and a barn construction permit for 190 Farmholme Road. Minutes have not yet been published.

Recreation Commission — June 27

The commission held a special meeting to dedicate the Stonington High School softball field at Spellman Park. Minutes have not yet been published.

Canceled meetings

Five meetings were canceled over the past two weeks: Water Pollution Control Authority (June 23), Waterfront Commission (June 24), Housing Opportunities Commission (June 25), Pawcatuck River Harbor Management Commission (July 1), and Mystic Harbor Management Commission (July 2). The Shellfish Commission's July 2 meeting was also canceled.

Coming up

• **K-12 School Building Committee** — July 7: Update on Stonington Public Schools facilities and a presentation by DRA Architects on school building matters.
• **Board of Selectmen** — July 8: Canceled.
• **Housing Authority** — July 9 meeting rescheduled to July 23 at 4:30 PM at 45 Sisk Drive in Pawcatuck.
• **Stonington Beautification Committee** — July 20: Canceled.

Stonington Board of Selectmen awards $315K in contracts for 2027 property revaluation

The Board of Selectmen on June 24 unanimously approved two contracts totaling $315,000 to carry out the town’s 2027 residential and commercial property revaluation, the most significant financial decision in a week that also saw several commission agenda reviews and multiple meeting cancellations.

Board of Selectmen

The board awarded a $180,000 bid to Melissa Baer Appraisal for residential revaluation and a $135,000 bid to Lawrence Revaluation Services for commercial revaluation. Both votes were unanimous.

In other business, the Selectmen approved street number assignments for 857/859 Pequot Trail and 36 Nautilus Way, reappointed Jennifer Norcross to the Recreation Commission and Eric Garofano to the Flood Prevention, Climate Resilience and Erosion Control Board. All actions were taken by unanimous vote.

The next regular meeting of the board, scheduled for July 8, was later canceled.

Conservation Commission reviews office and manufacturing expansion

The Conservation Commission on June 22 took up a zoning map amendment for 511 Liberty Street that would allow Readco Holdings and Readco Hookset to add office and light manufacturing buildings on the site. The commission also discussed the 2026 Plan of Conservation and Development, the process for adopting a new Open Space Plan, installation of signs on town open space properties, and invasive species management. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are available.

Inland Wetlands Commission conducts site walk, accepts permits

The Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission held a site walk on June 27 for four permits: two bridge reconstructions on Wolfneck Road (permits IW#26-06 and IW#26-07), a single-family residence and drainage project (IW#26-08), and a barn construction (IW#26-05). All four permits were received for record only; no votes were taken. The commission is set to review those items, along with a proposed six-lot subdivision at 770 Pequot Trail and other single-family home projects, at its July 2 meeting.

Shellfish Commission considers aquaculture and pier applications

On June 25, the Shellfish Commission had an agenda that included a new aquaculture application from Stonington Farms, Inc. for 3.2 acres west of Ram Point, and a pier and dock construction application from Shadblow North LLC on Masons Island. Members were also scheduled to review water quality data for Outer/Lower Quiambaug Cove and East Mason’s Island, continue updating the Shellfish Management Plan, and discuss training for the new shellfish warden. Minutes have not been published. A follow-up meeting scheduled for July 2 was canceled.

Other meetings

Several regular meetings were canceled in late June and early July: the Water Pollution Control Authority (June 23), Waterfront Commission (June 24), Housing Opportunities Commission (June 25), Pawcatuck River Harbor Management Commission (July 1), and Mystic Harbor Management Commission and Shellfish Commission (both July 2). The Recreation Commission held a special ceremony on June 27 to dedicate the Stonington High School softball field at Spellman Park.

Coming up

The K-12 School Building Committee meets July 7 at 6 p.m. Agenda items include a facilities update and a presentation by DRA Architects on school building matters. The Housing Authority meeting originally set for July 9 has been rescheduled to July 23 at 4:30 p.m. at 45 Sisk Drive, Pawcatuck. Check the town website for location details of the School Building Committee meeting.