Council sends $511 million school rebuild to November voters

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  The Enfield Town Council voted unanimously to approve a $511 million school project, supported by an $89 million town share. Voters will have final say in November.  The Town Council voted Wednesday unanimously to send a $511 million plan to Enfield voters to rebuild the town's elementary school system. The town's cost is $89 million, and that's what voters will be asked to approve in November. The plan builds four new PK-5 schools on the sites of Hazardville Memorial, Prudence Crandall, Edgar H. Parkman and Henry Barnard, and converts Eli Whitney into a new home for Eagle Academy. Work runs in two phases. The entire project will take seven to eight years. Mayor Gina Cekala said Enfield doesn't have much choice. "$89 million is a lot of money. It sounds like a lot of money. It is a lot of money," she said. But she put the town's share in proportion. Of the $511 million, "Enfield is going to be responsible for a maximum of 17% of this project."...
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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

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