The Planning and Zoning Commission set two public hearings for its August 13 meeting during a session held Tuesday. Slated for discussion in August are an application from William G. Gridley for a subdivision of land at 59 Sandisfield Road, and an application for a text amendment to the zoning regulations from the Friends of Norfolk Community Dog Park, Inc.
The text amendment requested by the Friends seeks reduction of the area required for the dog park from 20 to two acres. When the original application was considered in May 2023, there was no provision in the zoning regulations for a dog park. The commission considered the dog park to be a recreational facility, which carries with it the requirement for 20 contiguous acres.
The approval stipulated, however, that while 20 acres must be set aside, only the two acres detailed in the site plan can be used for the dog park.
Members concurred with P&Z member Jordan Stern’s suggestion that the Friends be required to submit a definition of a dog park in the application. After the meeting, P&Z chairman Tom Fahsbender explained that it would be up to commission members whether to accept the provided definition, amend it or devise their own.
The Gridley application seeks to divide a plot of slightly less than 15 acres into two lots. There is currently a large home on the land.
An application for a zoning permit/special permit for construction of a new maintenance shed at the Norfolk Country Club was removed from the agenda because Zoning Enforcement Officer Karl Nilsen had issued a zoning permit for the project.
Neighbors of the Manor House, an inn located at 69 Maple Avenue in a residential zone, brought their concerns about expansion on the property to the P&Z. The Manor House owners have sought a zoning permit to construct a garage and install a hot tub.
Joseph Kelly, who lives opposite Manor House, said he was unclear about what was being accepted or approved despite efforts to meet with Nilsen. “I do have concerns and want more clarity,” he said.
He contended that as “a large business in our residential neighborhood” operating under a special permit, changes should require a public hearing.
Fahsbender said that a special permit allows certain uses and that operation within the original permit does not require another second hearing. Nilsen, who issued a zoning permit for the garage, explained that it would be for residential and not business use and is replacing one that will be razed.
Also questioned was the addition of a hot tub. Nilsen said he considered it to be a recreational use allowed within the special permit. He issued a zoning permit for that as well. Both projects are pending.
Both Fahsbender and Nilsen advised the neighbors that they should take their concerns to the Zoning Board of Appeals.