Planning & Zoning Commission (linked)

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
 
MEMORANDUM 
 
TO:  
 
Planning and Zoning Commission 
FROM:  
Mark Wujtewicz, Planner 
DATE:  
June 25, 2024 
TITLE:  
Staff Report: CGS 8-24 
Application PL-24-10 
School Safety Improvements  
Great Neck, Oswegatchie, Quaker Hill, Clark Lane Middle and Waterford High 
Schools 
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §8-24, the above application is forwarded to the 
Planning and Zoning Commission for municipal improvements to each of Waterford’s Public 
Schools in order to enhance and implement physical safety measures. In accordance with CGS 
§8-24, prior to any agency of the Town taking action on implementing these improvements, an 
action by the Planning and Zoning Commission is required in order to determine whether the 
improvements to the school properties as identified in this application are consistent with the 
stated goals and policies of the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). 
 
BACKGROUND 
Pertinent Regulations 
CGS §8-24 
Town of Waterford 2012 Plan of Preservation Conservation and Development 
 
DISCUSSION 
The Town of Waterford Board of Education has identified specific physical improvements to be 
implemented in order to enhance the safety of the students and staff at each of the public schools. 
These measures include the installation of bollards and/or heavy planters near the entrances of all 
the schools where students and staff tend to congregate. Additional fencing is proposed along the 
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD 
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886 

playgrounds at the three elementary schools in order to limit egress to driveway and parking 
areas and to eliminate the potential for snatch and grab scenarios.  
A stated goal of the Community Facilities Section of the 2012 POCD is to “Provide adequate 
services and facilities to meet community needs” and to Monitor and Adapt to Changing 
Community Facility Needs. The improvements to the Waterford Public School properties 
presented in this application are consistent with the stated goal and policies of the Community 
Facilities Section. The safety enhancements proposed to be implemented will provide for the 
safety of the students and staff in support of school security plans.  
 
RECOMMENDED ACTION 
Based on the information provided in the record, staff recommends the Planning and Zoning 
Commission find that: 
 
Findings: 
1. That the proposed improvements to the Town of Waterford school properties qualify for a 
CGS §8-24 review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
2. The five schools listed in the application are Community Facilities as identified on the 
Community Facilities Map contained in the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development 
(pg. 67)  
3. The improvements proposed are consistent with the stated goal in the 2012 Plan of 
Conservation and Development, Community Faculties chapter to “Provide adequate 
services and facilities to meet community needs.” (pg. 66) 
4. The improvements proposed are consistent with the 2012 Plan of Conservation and 
Development, Community Facilities chapter Section A. Monitor and Adapt to Changing 
Community Facility Needs. (pg. 67)  
 
Proposed Motion: 
To approve Planning and Zoning CGS §8-24 Application #PL-24-10 for improvements to each of 
the Town of Waterford School Properties as presented in the application 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