Madison ZBA Delays Taylor Avenue Variance Request Until August Meeting

MADISON, CT — The Madison Zoning Board of Appeals voted Tuesday to postpone consideration of a variance request for a proposed carport at 51 Taylor Ave. after reduced board attendance meant any approval would require a unanimous vote.

The board opened its July 14 meeting at 7:06 p.m. with Chair Richard Gilbert seating alternate Kit Wilcox as a voting member because two regular members, Dennis Crowe and Steve Bischoff, were absent. Vice Chair Dylan Stella and member John Zaaijer were also present.

The board's only public hearing concerned an application from property owner Cathy Y. Szeto seeking variances to construct a carport on the side of her home. The application requested relief from setback requirements to allow a 1.14-foot setback where 12 feet is required, and permission to increase building coverage to 869 square feet where 800 square feet is permitted. The application also included a Coastal Site Plan.

Maria Pettola, the town's land use official, said the applicant had been notified the day before the meeting that only four voting members would be present, meaning the application would require a unanimous vote for approval. Pettola said the applicant emailed the town requesting that the hearing be continued until August.

Gilbert moved to continue the application to the board's Aug. 11 meeting. Wilcox seconded the motion, and the board approved it unanimously.

The board also unanimously approved the minutes of its May 12, 2026, meeting as submitted, following a motion by Gilbert and a second by Wilcox.

Before the meeting concluded, Pettola said several applications are now scheduled for the board's August meeting and noted that full board attendance would be appreciated.