PZC Approves Zone Change for Laurel Road Property

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a zone change for a vacant lot at 45 Laurel Rd. from waterfront to business park Wednesday night.

A presentation was made to the commission by Kenneth R. Slater, who represents the applicant, Ralph D. Govoni Sr., and the "potential occupant," Thirau. He stated his client has been looking for a new place for a couple of years and has outgrown their facility on Castillo Road in Newington.

“In this tough economy, their business is growing,” Slater, who is a partner with Halloran and Sage LLP, said. “And they are looking for a bigger site. And they are really excited about this particular property.”

Slater said his clients have a concept of what they want to do with the property, but no specific development plan was presented. 

The developer is expected to use the existing facility on the property and expand it by possibly double, Slater said.  There would be commercial office space and storage for trucks on the site, which is “consistent with the land uses that surround the property,” Slater added.

From a physical standpoint, waterfront zoning “does not make sense” because it does not border the waterfront, Slater stated. He added that the zone change was consistent the plan of conservation and development.

During the public hearing, the Economic Development Chairman Michael Bocchini said “a zone change speaks out” for this property. 

“We think there will be a development, an economic development that will be beneficial for the town,” he said. “This is not a horrendous change. This is a positive change.”

Town Manager Barbara Gilbert said the town “has been trying to market this property for a long time” and spoke in favor of a zone change.

“We need a zone change in order to market this property,” Gilbert said. “To bring a quality business to Rocky Hill.”

Before the commission voted, vice-chairman Barry Goldberg said the zone change did “comply with proper zoning in this area of town.”

“It is in accordance with proper planning. Business park is the dominant in the area,” Goldberg said. “There are no adverse effects to this part of town."