Planning & Zoning Approves “Art Studio” Amendment to Regulations

06/25/24

The public hearing on a proposed amendment to Goshen’s Zoning Regulations Article 3, Section 3.3.2 and to add a new section 3.3.2.10 was continued from May’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC). This amendment would allow people to apply for special permit applications for art studios in town. After a brief reintroduction of the proposed amendment by Torrington Attorney Brian McCormick, PZC Secretary Cynthia Barrett read a letter from the Northwest Hills Council of Governments (NHCOG) in response to a referral request from the commission last week. “Referral comment by Rista Malanca, AICP, the Northest Hills Council of Governments Director of Community and Economic Development,” Barrett read. “...The Northwest Hills Council of Governments staff finds the proposed amendment does not have any apparent conflicts with the Northwest Hills Plan of Conservation and Development or any inter-municipal impacts.”

Town Planner Janell Mullen clarified that the hearing is just for the proposed amendment, not for a specific property in town to become an art studio, as yet. If approved, people could then apply for the amendment’s exception for an art studio through Goshen’s common public hearing, public notice, and public proceedings processes, “I just want to make that very clear that the action being taken is actually a precursor to what a special exception would then be…”

Following a brief discussion on matters that could be addressed in art studio permit applications, the PZC opened the floor to Public Comment for residents to respond to the proposed amendment. Renee Kujawski expressed discouragement that some residents would want to restrict what art could be made in art studios, “What I have been reading from the minutes and everything really discouraged me on what’s going on in this town… Art is protected by the first amendment and we need to remember that and that it’s creative and that it is something that is inspiring and also something that is vibrant.” Land Use Enforcement Officer Spencer Musselman then read correspondence from Chris Kowalski who claimed that this amendment is bad for Goshen’s future. “[It] sets a precedent for anyone to come with a new business without having residence or property,” Kowalski wrote. “...In my opinion, I do not think this type of spot zoning is good for Goshen’s future.” Barrett then motioned to close Public Comment for the proposed amendment. This was unanimously approved.

The PZC then reviewed the amendment in relation to Goshen’s current Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). Barret motioned to approve the amendment. Most of the PZC voted to approve the amendment while PZC Chairman Jonathan Carroll recused himself from the vote. The motion carried.

Mullen then presented a brief introduction to the POCD for the PZC and attending residents. The PZC plans on scheduling meetings outside of their regularly scheduled monthly meetings to review the current POCD ahead of the POCD update deadline of August, 2026. Mullen suggested PZC members identify parts of the POCD they perceive as outdated as well as recommend maps or other documents that should be added to the new POCD.

38 Pound Ridge Drive, courtesy of Google Earth

For New Business, the PZC received an application from Nicholas Speziale for a home-based business at 38 Pond Ridge Drive. “We purchased a parcel on Pond Ridge,” Speziale explained. “It’s a little over 10 acres. I own a small excavating business… Our goal was to build our home there and also have my small home business there as well so I can store my equipment, leave and go to work and come back.” Speziale plans on having his wife, his father, as well as himself live at this location. If approved, this application will have a house and a barn garage used for storage constructed on the property. The house will be built first followed by the garage. He has no plan on dumping or storing any material or fuel here and it won’t be visible from the street due to nearby trees. Speziale is the owner of the Winsted-based Special's Excavating LLC which is registered to work in the state according to the Connecticut State Business website. PZC Vice Chairperson Lu-Ann Zbinden motioned to accept Speziale’s application. This was unanimously approved. A public hearing for Speziale’s application was set for Tuesday, July 23rd.

Musselman then conducted a brief Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) report. Aside from meeting with Speziale at 38 Pond Ridge Drive to review his application, Musselman reported that the Land Use Office will be moving upstairs in Goshen Town Hall soon. Despite the move, office hours will remain the same. Shilo Garceau then motioned to accept Musselman’s ZEO report. This was unanimously approved.