By Susan MacEachron

The Planning & Zoning Commission (“P&Z”), at its meeting on April 12, heard about plans for two projects to renovate facilities owned by the Ellen Battell Stoeckel Trust (Trust) and used by the Yale School of Music for its summer programs. 

Ken Hrica, a civil engineer and owner of Hrica Associates LLC, representing the Trust, described the plan to remove a portion of the back side of the music shed.  The new addition will include restrooms and a larger lounge area backstage for performers.

The second project being undertaken by the Trust is converting the Eldridge Barn to student housing.  Hrica said there will be no cooking facilities in the building, and no additional outdoor lighting is planned. Hrica said the plan does not include creating any additional parking since the summer students are not allowed to bring cars to Norfolk.  He noted that educational uses in a residential zone require a special permit, which includes a public hearing.  P&Z scheduled a public hearing for May 10.  

Hrica next presented a site plan modification being requested by the Foundation for Norfolk Living. Additional details are  included in the Wetlands article on this page. P&Z approved the request after deciding it was a minor modification and did not warrant a public hearing.  

First Selectman, Matt Riiska introduced Kirt Mayland, president of Reservoir Road Holdings LLC, a renewable energy developer, who has been advising the town regarding the installation of solar panels at the Town Farm, on land surrounding the transfer station.  Mayland described a connectivity agreement with Eversource and highlighted the benefit of being able to utilize the upgraded utility poles installed for the wind turbines to transmit power from solar panels.  He introduced several representatives from Lodestar Energy who described the project to P&Z members.  While there is no zoning approval required for this project, P&Z, in its planning role, will consider whether this project is the best possible use for town-owned land.  The expectation is that the plan will be presented at the P&Z meeting on May 10.