Kent P&Z reviews unlicensed motor business, cannabis regulations

KENT — On July 11, Kent Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting to discuss the illegal business status of a current applicant seeking an extension to a lot on Bridge Street. The applicant, Guy Mauri and Jason Doornick with Motoriot, failed to achieve certain permits from the Sewer Commission and the Fire Department.

Mortoriot is a vintage car company that sells historical vehicles. For the Bridge Street site, the owners expect to have 15 to 20 cars at a time. There have been issues with plans for the parking lot, in that the amount of spaces for cars is inconsistent across applications to P&Z.

Tai Kern, Land Use Clerk said, “Every month it seems like there’s such great hope that they’re gonna just come in and wrap it up that you’d hate to shut them down.”

Kern said she made it clear to them that after next month, the nature of site plan approvals would leave the applicant with no more room for delay. They will be denied for “lack of information.”

Motoriot has also run into issues with the Sewer Commission. Concerns over the content of the company’s waste is of interest due to the nature of a motor vehicle business.

Currently, the applicant’s business is operating without a state license in Kent. Motoriot has locations in other towns. The Sharon location is also unlicensed.

P&Z member Sarah Chase expressed the commission’s pro-business stance while acknowledging that Motoriot has had a hard time getting approvals.

Kern said she would send the applicant a letter with the commission’s concern, warning a “cease and dismiss order” if the permits are not sorted out. Thus, a motion passed for the extension approval, and the Commision will return to the application next month, Aug. 8.

Kern advised P&Z to reconsider its definition of new cannabis regulations effective July 1, 2024.

The current “very light” definition only addresses retail licenses. Kern suggested expanding the regulations to include manufacturing and farming. She also suggested creating clear distinctions between THC and CBD.

The change will help the commission better regulate the new industry as businesses apply for licensure.

Latest News

Celebration of Life: Michael R. Tesoro, M.D.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.

A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keith Raven Johnson

SHARON — Keith Raven Johnson, a long-time resident of Sharon, died on April 26, 2025, a month after his 90th birthday, at Geer Rehabilitation and Long -Term Care facility in Canaan.

He was born on March 21, 1935, in Ithaca, New York, the son of John Raven Johnson and Hope Anderson Johnson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sue Ann Miller Plain

NORTH CANAAN — Sue Ann Miller Plain, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. Sue Ann faced her illness with incredible strength, grace, and determination, never losing her spirit or her love for those around her.

Sue Ann was born on April 21, 1957, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She lived in North Canaan for 50 years where she built lasting friendships and began a life rooted in community and family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Anderson Turnure

SALISBURY — Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.

Joan was born July 29, 1933, in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of the late Lawrence Anderson and Barbara (Ryan) Anderson. She grew up in Mexico and Maryland, later attending the Shipley School in Pennsylvania and earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vassar College.

Keep ReadingShow less