East Lyme commission denies zoning change intended to allow housing units

East Lyme - The Zoning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to deny an application to change a parcel zoned for light industrial use into an affordable housing district and build 69 residential units.

JAG Capital Drive LLC, based in Mystic, had proposed to develop the Rocky Neck Village project on 24 acres of land, about a half mile from the Rocky Neck Connector, with entrances on West Main Street and Capital Drive.

At their last meeting, the commissioners reached a consensus that the development's proposed location in one of the town's industrial zones was not suited for residences. The commission discussed how public interest and safety concerns could arise if residences were placed near the light-manufacturing and industrial businesses in this zone.

The commission voted to deny the application citing an exemption in the state affordable housing law for areas "zoned for industrial use and which do not permit residential uses."

The resolution also cited testimony from a Feb. 7 public hearing in which some business and property owners located in the light industrial zone spoke against the proposal. Businesses currently in the light industrial zone include "manufacturing processes, truck travel and chemical storage and transportation," according to the commission's resolution.

k.drelich@theday.com