Middlebury Economic Development Commission Reviews Zoning Changes, Weighs Main Street Membership

MIDDLEBURY, CT — The Middlebury Economic Development Commission plans to seek clarification of proposed zoning regulation changes that could affect commercial and industrial development, following a discussion at its Oct. 26 meeting.

Commission Chairman Jesse Langer said the proposed regulations, recently released for public review, had been extensively reorganized, making it difficult to identify substantive changes without a comparison to the existing rules.

Commissioners agreed to focus their review on economic development issues, particularly permitted uses and approval procedures in the town's commercial and industrial districts.

Langer will contact Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Terry Smith to request a document comparing the existing and proposed regulations, or a summary of significant changes. He also plans to seek clarification of the public hearing schedule.

The Economic Development Commission may submit comments before the hearing.

Zoning Changes And Town Planning

Commissioners discussed the relationship between the proposed zoning regulations and Middlebury's Plan of Conservation and Development, which was last updated in 2015.

Langer expressed concern that the zoning revisions were moving forward before the town updated its development plan.

Members noted that the existing plan identifies commercial districts with different characteristics and development needs. They discussed using those distinctions to evaluate the proposed zoning changes.

The commission also reviewed its previous coordination with Planning and Zoning on village-center improvements and streetscape planning.

Members agreed that their comments should address economic development priorities while recognizing the Planning and Zoning Commission's responsibility for zoning regulations and the development plan.

No formal vote was taken on the proposed zoning changes.

Commission Considers $750 Membership

Langer reported that First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr had suggested the commission consider joining Connecticut Main Street Center.

The proposed annual membership would cost approximately $750.

The commission has a $2,000 annual budget and had not reported any expenditures as of the meeting.

Commissioners discussed whether membership could provide assistance with economic development planning and projects.

Rather than immediately authorizing the expense, members agreed to invite representatives of the organization to explain its services and potential benefits to Middlebury.

Members also suggested contacting other municipalities that participate in the organization to learn about their experiences.

Langer will coordinate with Mahr to arrange a presentation, potentially at the commission's next regular meeting.

No money was authorized for the membership.

Commercial Property Inventory Remains Pending

The commission also reviewed its effort to develop a more comprehensive inventory of Middlebury's commercial and industrial properties.

Langer said he had contacted Mahr about obtaining information on all commercially and industrially zoned properties, including parcels not currently advertised for sale.

Mahr agreed to contact the town assessor, but the requested information had not been received by the Oct. 26 meeting.

Langer said he would follow up with Mahr.

The commission intends to use the information to expand its preliminary commercial property index.

Discussion of the commission's website and Development Handbook was postponed.

Commission Approves 2027 Meeting Schedule

The commission unanimously approved its regular meeting schedule for 2027, continuing to meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., with adjustments for holidays or scheduling conflicts.

Commission Secretary Terrence McAuliffe made the motion, which Mark Petrucci seconded.

The commission also approved its Sept. 28 meeting minutes without opposition, with David Cappelletti abstaining. Petrucci made the motion, and Nicole Griffin seconded it.

No members of the public spoke during the meeting.

The meeting was held in the Town Hall conference room and adjourned at approximately 7:03 p.m.