Trescott Hill given permit

NORTH CANAAN — A special permit for an illegally developed property was issued by the Planning and Zoning Commission April 21.

The decision followed a site inspection earlier in the day of 14 Trescott Hill Road, which Todd Vernali began using commercially several years ago. The property has driveway frontage and is in a residential/agricultural zone. A steel building was erected several years ago. A building permit would have been required, as well as the special permit to allow the nonconforming use. Unregistered motor vehicles were also stored there, in violation of zoning regulations.

Vernali, who owns a North Canaan-based concrete business, has appeared at a succession of Planning and Zoning meetings with his attorney, Linda Patz, as the two sides sought a way to sort out the matter.

In the meantime, Vernali has cleaned up the site and addressed some concerns about embankment cuts that appeared unstable.

Although neighbors were all notified of the public hearing planned for that night, there was no public comment.

The permit was issued with a long list of conditions set forth by Zoning Enforcement Officer Ruth Mulcahy, and aimed at keeping the property orderly, safe and as unobtrusive as possible. Patz objected to the condition that no materials could be stored outside.

Planning and Zoning member Norman Tatsapaugh agreed, saying Mulcahy “doesn’t understand the concrete business.�

Mulcahy was also criticized by both Tatsapaugh and Patz for not attending the site inspection, where she could have seen what progress had been made on improvements there.

Planning and Zoning Chairman Steve Allyn said there could be some leeway on conditions when Mulcahy follows up to see that Vernali is complying with conditions of the permit.

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