Norwich City Plan Commission To Hear Shelter, Charter School Proposals

NORWICH, CT — The Norwich Commission on the City Plan will continue a public hearing Sept. 15 on a proposal that includes a seasonal overnight shelter on Broadway and will consider a separate plan to convert a Laurel Hill Avenue storage building into classrooms.

Both special permit applications are scheduled for possible action following their respective public hearings.

Seasonal Overnight Shelter Proposed On Broadway

The commission will continue its hearing on a special permit covering properties at 248 Broadway and 26 Broad St..

Thames Valley Council for Community Action Inc. is seeking permission for several philanthropic and religious uses at the properties, including operation of a seasonal overnight shelter in Memorial Hall.

Under the application, the shelter would operate from Nov. 15 through April 1, with hours limited to 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The application also calls for continued use of the church hall for regular weekly worship, TVCCA office operations during regular business hours and continued use of the church space for community events, fundraisers, training and gatherings by TVCCA and affiliated organizations, including St. Marks Lutheran Church.

TVCCA CEO Joshua Kelly is listed as the applicant. The properties are owned by St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norwich, with Joseph M. Churney listed as president. The properties are in the R-10 zone.

The public hearing began July 21 and was continued to the Sept. 15 meeting. The commission could take action on the application following the continued hearing, according to the agenda.

Charter School Seeks Classroom Conversion

The commission will hold a separate public hearing on an application from Integrated Day Charter School to convert an existing storage building at 331 Laurel Hill Ave. into a classroom building.

The special permit application includes interior and exterior improvements associated with the conversion. Integrated Day Charter School is listed as both the applicant and property owner. The property is in the NC zone.

The commission could also act on that application following the hearing.

Dunkin' Donuts Bond Request Also On Agenda

Commissioners are also scheduled to consider a bond reduction or release request associated with a previously approved special permit for the Dunkin' Donuts property at 174 West Town St.

Members will also consider approval of minutes from their Aug. 18 meeting and receive a staff report.

The hybrid meeting and public hearings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Room 335 at 100 Broadway.