Editorial: A legal victory with complications

The Connecticut Superior Court ruling Tuesday validated State Rep. John Santanella's complaint. This is a clear win, and allows him to avoid an August 11 Democratic primary against his challenger, former town attorney Tom Tyler. Tyler can appeal, but absent that, Santanella can shift his focus to November. But a winning legal outcome is not the same as a winning narrative outcome. This was an honest mistake by the Tyler campaign, a consequence of some flawed official guidance and a decision to rely on that guidance. The court found that the Democratic registrar provided petition sheets four days before state law allowed, and that the state-supplied forms lacked a legally required statement from circulators on the number of signatures gathered — a defect that invalidated all of Tyler's petitions. The ruling also notes that there was no evidence the Tyler campaign exercised due diligence to confirm the official guidance. Connecticut election law doesn't allow for honest mista...
Post a Comment

Car Wash to Replace Former 99 Restaurant

Russell Speeder's Car Wash design presented to PZC at its Sept. 25 meeting.

The Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a Russell Speeder's Car Wash at the former site of the 99 Restaurant and Pub, located at the corner of Hazard Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard. The restaurant building, which closed last year, will be demolished to make way for a car wash and vacuum station area

Two-Step Approval Process

The project advanced in two stages. In April, the Norwalk-based company sought a zoning text amendment to allow car washes in the Business Regional (BR) zone, which covers shopping centers such as the Stop & Shop plaza. Until then, car washes were only permitted in the Business General (BG) zone.

The amendment was approved on a 5–2 vote, but only after debate. One commissioner warned of a potential “proliferation” of car washes, noting Enfield already has two on Elm Street. To address that concern, the commission added a requirement that car washes in BR zones must be at least 1,000 feet apart.

There was also discussion about whether a car wash fit the intent of the BR zone, which also allows higher-end retail uses. It was pointed out that the zone already permits gas stations and auto repair with special permits, and that the Stop & Shop plaza already has two auto-related uses, a gas station and Advance Auto Parts.

Final Approval Last Week

Russell Speeder returned to the PZC on Sept. 25 for site plan and special permit approval. The proposal won approval on a 5–1 vote, with one abstention. Opponents raised concerns about the layout and internal traffic circulation.

Location: Enfield, CT 06082, USA

Comments

New comments are not allowed.