The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recently completed a multi-year project to update zoning regulations in the town. These were recently open to public comment, and when I took a closer look at what all these changes encompass, I was shocked. I had falsely assumed that the committee would be adhering to what residents have asked for, such as limits on big-box retail. Even more alarming, the special permit process, which requires public hearings for applications for large developments, both commercial and residential, seems to have been eliminated.

Removal of the special permit process would potentially allow for some huge commercial projects in town – buildings up to six times the size of the Branford Walmart – as well as large multi-unit housing complexes, all without an opportunity for public input. It seems that the PZC is interested in making it easier for developers to do what they would like rather than what Guilford residents would prefer.

I am not against development in our town, but let’s be smart about it. The choices we make now cannot be undone. And rather than develop the town piecemeal, such as with the 100-unit apartment complex on Hubbard Road, let’s create a plan for the town to grow sustainably—a plan that includes public transportation, green space, and growth that makes sense.

I moved to Guilford because I love the community. I don’t want to see it ruined. We need development, but we need a plan for that growth that will work for us all.

The proposed zoning regulations are available on the town website. I hope that residents look at them to understand their potential impact. This is a beautiful historic town - let’s take care of it. Keeping the special permit process for large developments is a start.

Robin Freund

Guilford