Lively debate on home business regulations

CORNWALL — Having heard residents’ comments during two public hearings and having received many written comments reacting to suggested changes to regulations governing home businesses, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) concluded its hearing on the matter on Tuesday, May 11.  

The second hearing attracted an audience of about 35 on Zoom.

Rather than beginning deliberations on the regulation changes that night, the P&Z decided to schedule a special meeting for the purpose to be held on Tuesday, May 25, beginning at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

“The prime duty of the P&Z,” Chairwoman Anna Timell observed, “is the health, safety and welfare of Cornwall residents.”

The amount of discretion and the application of such discretion on the part of the P&Z was a frequent focus of discussion throughout the hearing process.

Feeling that precise standards need to be specified within the regulations, David Colbert urged that the P&Z retain discretionary powers within the special permit application process.

Several residents who spoke favored setting specific limits that could be enforced, including limits to noise emanating from a business or art studio, or other intrusive stressors such as traffic.

The current set of proposed changes is in its seventh draft form, Timell noted. Richard Bramley reviewed the history of the regulations, recalling that they were created in the 1950s and amended in the 1980s. He said that no one objects to home offices, but rather the concerns arise over home businesses.

Another resident had counted the written responses posted on the town website, finding that 110 people had written in opposition to the regulation changes and nine letters had been received in support. He said that no one had objections to existing home businesses, and wondered why the changes are necessary.

There was general agreement that working from home is becoming a trend, with concern arising over the possibility of home businesses becoming intrusive to neighbors or neighborhoods.

Resident Joanne Wojtusiak spoke of a prevailing local wish to preserve the rural and residential character of the town. 

Many residents would prefer limits to activity and definition of “What is excessive?” In the case of noise, how many decibels should be allowed?

Resident Maggie Cooley suggested that housing is an aspect of the issue, with small businesses likely to provide essential services to residents, and likely to be provided by younger people with families.

“The social fabric is at stake,” Ian Ridgway said, supporting the regulation changes.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway referenced the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. It highlights the need to promote the growth of business and the underlying need for jobs.

Ridgway said 25% of homes in town operate some kind of business now. He added that most people who own businesses are conscious of their neighbors.  “There are controls in place,” he said.

“We need to trust that there aren’t a lot of people interested in beginning an industrial enterprise. We are not a good location for industry,” resident Ann Trowbridge said. 

“Most of us are good neighbors,” she added.

Resident Caroline Nastro felt that most residents are mostly in agreement, that everyone wants small businesses to thrive and they also want to protect their neighborhoods.