Planning & Zoning Commission (linked)

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
 
MEMORANDUM 
 
TO:  
 
Planning and Zoning Commission 
FROM:  
Mark Wujtewicz, Planner 
DATE:  
February 11, 2025 
TITLE:  
Staff Report: CGS 8-24 
Application PL-25-2 
Demolition of Single Family Dwelling and Accessory Structure  
8 Goshen Road 
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Sec 8-24 (CGS 8-24), the above application is 
forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the proposed demolition of a 
single family dwelling and accessory structures located at 8 Goshen Road. In accordance with 
the above statute, prior to the work being proposed, an action by the Planning and Zoning 
Commission is required in order to determine whether the proposed demolition of the single 
family dwelling and accessory structures located at 8 Goshen Road would be consistent with the 
stated goals and policies of the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). 
The Planning and Zoning Commission previously approved a CGS 8-24 application PL-24-1 for 
the acquisition of this property on January 23, 2024. This property is located ted on Goshen Road 
adjacent to the Great Neck Elementary School. A single-family dwelling with a detached garage 
is located on the parcel containing 19,796 square feet or approximately .46 acres. It is located 
within the R-20 (Medium Density Residential District).  
BACKGROUND 
Pertinent Regulations 
CGS §8-24 
Town of Waterford 2012 Plan of Preservation Conservation and Development 
 
 
 
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD 
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886 

DISCUSSION 
This parcel was acquired by the Town of Waterford for the purpose of providing for additional 
property to be incorporated into the Great Neck School parcel in order to enhance school security 
and to provide for an opportunity to improve traffic circulation and parking for the school. The 
demolition of the structures on the property will assist in facilitating those improvements. The 
parcel is surrounded by the Great Neck School parcel on all three sides with the front of the 
property along Goshen Road.  
The site plan for the above improvements regarding traffic circulation and parking is currently 
being prepared. A site plan is required and will be submitted for the Commission’s review and 
approval when it is ready. Meanwhile, the buildings on the property remain vacant and are an 
attractive nuisance and security liability. The demolition of the structures prior to submission of 
a complete site plan application is warranted in order to eliminate the liabilities that the vacant 
structures pose.   
The stated goal of the Community Facilities Section of the 2012 POCD is to “Provide adequate 
services and facilities to meet community needs” with the Task to “Monitor and Adapt to 
Changing Community Facility Needs”. The demolition of the structures on the property would 
be consistent with the stated goal and policies of the Community Facilities Section in that it will 
provide for the development of the parcel to accommodate for additional buffering associated 
with the implementation of school security plans and improvement to the parking and traffic 
circulation at the school. 
If the Commission finds that the demolition of the structures on the parcel in preparation for a 
site development plan integrated with the  Great Neck School property is consistent with the 
above stated goals of the 2012 Plan of Development, a site plan will then be submitted the 
Commission for review.   
 
RECOMMENDED ACTION 
Based on the information provided in the record, staff recommends the Planning and Zoning 
Commission find that: 
 
Findings: 
1. 
That the proposed demolition of the structures at 8 Goshen Road for municipal purposes qualifies 
for a CGS §8-24 review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
2. 
Great Neck Elementary School is a Community Facility as identified on the Community Facilities 
Map contained in the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development (pg. 67)  
3. 
The demolition of the structures on this parcel in preparation for a site plan development integrated 
with the Great Neck School is consistent with the stated goal in the 2012 Plan of Conservation and 
Development, Community Facilities chapter to “Provide adequate services and facilities to meet 
community needs.” (pg. 66) 
4. 
The demolition of structures on this parcel is consistent with the 2012 Plan of Conservation and 
Development, Community Facilities chapter listed Task to “Monitor and Adapt to Changing 
Community Facility Needs”. (pg. 67)  
 
Proposed Motion: 
To approve Planning and Zoning CGS §8-24 Application #PL-25-2 for the demolition of the 

structures located on the parcel known as 8 Goshen Road by adopting the findings 1 thru 4 of the 
staff report and to find that the proposal is consistent with the Town of Waterford 2012 Plan of 
Preservation Conservation and Development. 


January 1, 2012 
 
 
66
 
SUPPORT 
 
 
Community Facilities 
 
GOAL 
 
 
 
Provide adequate services and facilities to meet community needs.   
 
 
 
A Plan of Preservation, Conservation and Development reviews the physical aspects of community ser-
vices (such as education, public works, public safety, social, and recreation) to ensure that they are ap-
propriately located and sized to meet community needs.  These services and facilities contribute to Water-
ford’s character and quality of life.  
 
Since the 1998 Plan, Waterford has undertaken a school consolidation and modernization program, built 
a community center, and upgraded some buildings and systems to meet community needs. 
 
In the survey, residents indicated that they were very satisfied with quality and quantity of the following 
Town services: 
 
Service 
Good And  
Very Good  
Not Sure / 
Don’t Know 
Poor And  
Very Poor  
Fire services 
 93% 
5% 
2% 
Schools 
82% 
12% 
6% 
Park/recreation facilities such as fields 
80% 
8% 
12% 
Park/recreation activities such as classes or programs 
78% 
11% 
11% 
 
Town Hall 
 
Community Center 
 
 

January 1, 2012 
 
 
67
A. Monitor And Adapt To Changing Community Facility Needs  
 
Overall, people are living longer and healthier lives and the increasing portion of the population in older 
age groups will affect the services communities provide.  Waterford actually preceded this broader trend 
(perhaps due to the fiscal benefits of Millstone) and is in the process of adapting to this new reality.    
 
Waterford will continue to configure its community services and facilities to meet the needs of the com-
munity of the future rather than for what has been done in the past.  This may include more senior hous-
ing, more social services, different types of transportation, and program activities for older residents.   
 
 
See the “Implementation Element” of the Waterford Plan of Preservation, Conserva-
tion and Development for information on tasks and actions currently programmed for 
implementation of these Community Facility strategies.  
 
 
Community Facilities Map