RIDGEFIELD, CT / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2025 / A proposed zoning moratorium in Ridgefield has sparked significant legal concern, particularly from property owners and developers, who argue that the sweeping measure unfairly halts the town's growth and causes irreparable financial damage. The moratorium, which applies town-wide to freeze certain zoning applications for commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family developments, is being challenged by local property owners who have been caught in a prolonged bureaucratic process due to a lack of action from town committees.
The legal battle stems from delays caused by the Wetlands Committee, which held up the development of the 599 Branchville Road property for over a year. According to the legal team representing the owners, the Wetlands Committee caused significant delays in the review process, with the development just beginning to reach a conclusion when the blanket moratorium was introduced by the Zoning and Planning Board.
"This blanket moratorium has essentially frozen all development - both good and bad - across the town," said Moreton, one of the property owners involved in the legal action. "Zoning and Planning created this entire moratorium mess, and now we are unable to even get in front of them to present our case. The moratorium is preventing us from moving forward, and it has thrown the baby out with the bathwater."
The Binn family's 20-acre estate, located at 599 Branchville Road, was originally planned for a residential development, but it was later repurposed and registered by the State of Connecticut under license #CHR.0053641 as a rescue, sanctuary, and rehabilitation facility for abused farm animals. The sanctuary operated for several years but was relocated to Northern Virginia due to warmer weather conditions two years ago.
While the property was initially intended for a residential development, the owners were actively pursuing a plan to repurpose the land for housing, with careful attention to preserving its natural beauty. However, the prolonged review process and the subsequent introduction of the blanket moratorium have left the project in limbo, unable to move forward and create the much-needed housing.
"We've already faced enormous challenges getting through the Wetlands Committee, and now with the moratorium in place, it feels like we are at a standstill," Moreton explained. "The Wetlands Committee held us hostage for over a year, and now the Zoning and Planning Board has stopped the process before we could even present our case. The moratorium is not just a setback for our project; it's a roadblock for all development in Ridgefield, and the town's economy will suffer because of it."
The legal team is now pursuing action against the Wetlands Committee for the delays caused in their review process. The next step will involve challenging the moratorium and seeking to restore the development process, which they argue is critical for the town's economic health and future growth.
"This is a classic case of overreach," said the legal counsel representing the property owners. "The Zoning and Planning Board has gone too far with this blanket moratorium, freezing all development in Ridgefield without proper justification. The moratorium has caused unnecessary harm to both property owners and businesses in the town, and it needs to be overturned."
The 599 Branchville Road development, which would provide much-needed housing while preserving the land as open space, has been placed on hold, along with other projects in the town. The Binn family's proposal reflects a commitment to sustainable growth, with careful planning to minimize the environmental impact of the development. The property is intended to feature residential units while preserving the land's natural beauty, including walking trails and green space.
As the town of Ridgefield grapples with the fallout from the proposed zoning moratorium, it is essential for residents and stakeholders to understand the broader impact of these decisions. The legal challenge will focus on restoring the development process and protecting the future of Ridgefield's growth.
The 599 Branchville Road project serves as a model for how thoughtful development can work in harmony with the town's natural landscape. However, the blanket moratorium imposed by the Zoning and Planning Board threatens to undermine this balance and cause lasting damage to the community's economic vitality. Ridgefield must consider the long-term consequences of freezing development and weigh the potential harm against the broader vision for the town's future.
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SOURCE: DuJour Select
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
