Diana Stricker Photo
The eclectic village of Stony Creek is considering whether to adopt an official Village District designation that would help preserve the community’s unique character.
A series of meetings were held over the weekend, with about 75 people attending the Sunday afternoon session to listen to a consultant’s report and to ask questions. A total of about 50 attended Saturday sessions.
“This is a work in progress. This is the beginning,” said Betsy Wieland, who chairs the Village District Exploratory Committee. “We want this to be representative of what people in Stony Creek want or don’t want.”
From the questions and concerns expressed Sunday, it was apparent it may take time to determine what the Creekers do want.
The Stony Creek Association (SCA) received a $7,500 technical assistance grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation last year to hire a consultant to investigate the feasibility of a Village District. The association provided matching funds for the grant, and hired Robert Orr & Associates to begin the process.
Diana Stricker Photo
Orr (pictureed) told the gathering that simplified zoning codes or a zoning overlay could be adopted as part of the Village District that would reflect what the community already has. He outlined suggestions for new guidelines, and said they would help ensure that any new homes would keep the character and charm of the village.
“It gives you some control over what happens,” Orr said.
He speculated what could occur if someone bought three or four lots and wanted to tear down the houses and build a large home. “How do we deal with the potential monster house?” he asked.
He said a Village District designation would enable renovation or construction of a new home that would “keep the scale and character of Stony Creek without overwhelming its neighbors.”
Residents expressed reservations about how a new zoning code or guidelines would work, and asked about any potential effects on property taxes. Some questioned if a review board might add another layer of bureaucracy. There was also discussion about renovation projects and septic system regulations since Stony Creek has no sewer lines.
Wieland and Orr said they would find the answers. “This is all a feedback loop that’s going to be going on for a couple months,” Orr said.
“We’re trying to get your opinions so we know if we have your support,” Wieland assured the people. “We want this to reflect what Stony Creek residents want. If people don’t want it, we’ll drop it. .. We need to get the word out and get your comments.”
Stony Creek has no local control over zoning and relies completely on the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). About 50 years ago, Stony Creek relinquished its local zoning, unlike Short Beach and Pine Orchard which still maintain their individual zoning boards.
The Village District designation was enacted by a state statute in 1998 as a way for communities to help ensure that any new construction or major renovations retain the character of the area. There are currently 12 Village Districts in the state.
The concept was adopted by Branford when the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development was approved in 2008. The Town Center was the first of Branford’s neighborhoods to take advantage of the concept last year. Click here to read about it.
Stony Creek, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located on Long Island Sound and is noted for its pink granite quarry, closely clustered homes, views of the Thimble Islands, its former summer theater and the now-closed Puppet House.
Diana Stricker Photo
Wieland (pictured) recalled how she was impressed by the distinct character of the village when she moved to Stony Creek 43 years ago. “It is unique and we want to preserve the uniqueness but we don’t want to stifle it,” she said.
If the Village District concept is approved, Stony Creek would appoint a review board to make recommendations about local projects to the town’s P&Z.
Some residents spoke in favor of the new concept, including longtime resident Tim Snider who said that “By being pro-active, we might have a chance of preventing terrible things that could happen.”
Dan Bullard, chair of the Stony Creek Association, said discussions will continue at the group’s regular, which are typically held the first Tuesday of the month. “We welcome public comment,” Bullard said. “I can’t encourage you enough to come to the Stony Creek Association. We talk about the Village District every month.”
Wieland said the proposal is currently in the first step of a seven-step process, which includes:
• The consultant studies the community and holds meetings to find out what makes the community unique.
• The Stony Creek Association votes whether to continue with the project.
• Another public meeting is held.
• An attorney reviews the final amendment.
• The amendment is presented to the P&Z.
• The P&Z holds a public hearing.
• The P&Z votes on the proposal.
Josh Brooks, a member of the exploratory committee and of the Representative Town Meeting, said people will have ample time to review the proposals before they go to the P&Z for a vote.
Other members of the exploratory committee are Linda Reed, Greg Ames, and Attorney Ted Ells.
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