The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) will hold a public hearing on Monday, Dec. 12 over a proposed zone change that would allow a new house to be built on the property at 39 Waterside Lane, something neighbors fear will detract from the character of the neighborhood.

At a meeting on Nov. 14, the PZC opened a public hearing over an application from owner John G. Rowland that if approved would change the zoning of 39 Waterside Lane to an R-10 zone from an R—20 zone. Greg Fedus, an agent for the application, explained that the zone change would allow the owner to build a new house on the property . Architect Matt Williams said that any new home built on the site would blend in with the existing character of the neighborhood. At the same time, Fedus said the owner would preserve a historic house and barn already on the property. According to records the house was built in 1800.

Waterside Lane is the road that leads to the town beach and is a popular destination for runners, bikers, and walkers. The street is lined with multiple historic houses, so any proposed change to properties on the street is something that people take note of.

For example, earlier in 2022 an application that sought to demolish a house at 69 Waterside Lane received tremendous pushback in the form of a petition. The house was ultimately saved.

Even though the application for 39 Waterside Lane would preserve the house and barn, some neighbors are not happy with the proposed zone change. Three letters of opposing were submitted by neighbors. In general, those opposed to the application fear that the zone change would disrupt the charm of the neighborhood by allowing further development on the street.

The public hearing was continued to December so that the language of a proposed deed restriction that that would preserve the house and barn could be reviewed by the commission. The PZC also asked for a site plan for the property. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

New to the Neighborhood

The name John G. Rowland, the owner of the property, might ring a bell for Connecticut residents of a certain age. Rowland was the governor of Connecticut from 1995 -2004 who resigned from being the governor in 2004 in the midst of a corruption investigation. Rowland would later serve two separate stints in prison on corruption charges.

According to land use records, Rowland purchased the property in Clinton in September for a price of $800,000.