Motoriot is in a parking pickle
KENT—It was reported during the recent Planning and Zoning Commission that the commercial property at 21 Bridge Street is again in violation of building codes.
The building houses several businesses, including Motoriot, a car dealership that had difficulty gaining permits from several town agencies because it failed to comply with regulations. The owners received approval from Planning and Zoning last August but still needed to obtain a state license.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Tai Kern told the PZC members that property owner Guy Mauri had finally painted lines for parking spaces, including designated handicap parking, consistent with the parking plan approved by the PZC. Building Official Joe Manley signed off on the property.
“They needed one final thing, providing acceptable striping,” said Kern. “It took them a long time, but as soon as Joe signed off, the handicap accessible sign came down and they are now using those spots for regular parking. They said the sign fell down.”
The building official has pointed out the violation of the site plan and building code and the resident state trooper is ticketing violators.
PZC member Chris Harrington asked if a cease-and-desist order could be issued. “For a site plan, it would be a notice of violation of code and the state trooper [issuing tickets],” Kern said.
“We spent hours talking to the Motoriot owners and then they turn around and do this. It speaks volumes,” said member Anne MacAndrew.
While Motoriot is using the parking spaces, Kern noted that as owner of the site it is Mauri’s problem to correct it.
Kern said she has also received complaints about loud music being played by a Main Street business for hours at a time. She said Planning and Zoning does not have a regulation covering noise.
Members were reluctant to impose a regulation on noise but recognized that having to listen to loud music for long periods of time could be irritating to neighbors. It was suggested the Chamber of Commerce intervene as a first step.
Bisenius re-elected chairman of Zoning Board of Appeals
KENT—In a short meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Zoning Board of Appeals members voted to return Anne Bisenius to her seat as chairman and elected John Johnson as the vice chairman.
Bisenius, who had announced her desire to step down as chair, agreed to continue for another year but asked that someone volunteer to take over in 2026. It was noted, however, that Johnston, Steve Pener, Nicholas Downes and Justin Potter will all be up for re-election in November.
“I can’t guarantee that we will be able to take over,” Pener noted.
The terms for Elizabeth Aviles, Daniel Schiesel, Bisenius end in 2027.
Dan Murray, who had been vice chair and would have been up for re-election in November, stepped down and an interim member will have to be found. Zoning Enforcement Officer Tai Kern said the commissioners should think about a replacement before the March meeting and said she would reach out to some former members of the Planning and Zoning Commission to see if they would serve.
Board of Finance sets aside funds for Swift House report
KENT—The Board of Finance allocated $15,500 Wednesday, Jan. 15, to be held in reserve to pay for an architectural historian’s report on the Swift House. The money would be used to pay the historian until money could be reimbursed through a state grant.
First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer said that $15,500 is the maximum for the grant and the bill could be smaller. If no grant is allocated, the money won’t be spent.
The Swift House was the subject of intense discussion in 2024, as the town tried to decide what to do with the more than 200-year-old structure, which needs extensive repair and upgrades. Considered to be one of the oldest buildings on the plain, it has been owned by the town since the 1970s.
Lindenmayer said the architect’s report could open the door to other grants to help with restoration, as well as helping to obtain state and federal historical recognition.
