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Dennis I. Elpern
Director |
Address:
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155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810 |
| Telephone: |
203-797-4525
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About us:
The mission of the Department of Planning and Zoning is to protect and improve the Danbury’s neighborhoods, business centers, community resources and our natural environment, while planning for sustainable development that will enhance the quality of life for all our residents. To that end, the department has been instrumental in the preparation of plans, projects and land use regulations for the city. City-wide plans have included the Plan of Conservation and Development, and the city’s Transportation Plan. Major projects have included the creation of the Ives Trail concept, restoration of Elmwood Park, and construction of the 9/11 Memorial.
A primary task of the department is the enactment and enforcement of zoning, and subdivision regulations designed to ensure that proposed developments are constructed in accordance with the Plan of Conservation and Development. The department reviews site plans and assists the Planning Commission in the review of special exception and subdivision applications. Our department also assists with referrals from the City Council for requests for extensions of sewer and water service, dedication of roads, and offers to buy, sell, or lease city land. The department also assists the Zoning Commission by reviewing all requests for zoning amendments and the rezoning of land.
The department prepares the annual Capital Improvement Program to schedule major capital expenditures over time, reviews all applications under the Deferral of Assessment Increases program, and updates and corrects street addresses in the city.
The Planning Director serves as Executive Director of the Danbury Redevelopment Agency, as the City’s alternate representative. Responsibilities for downtown redevelopment have been important to our department and include the recruitment of new business development, the coordination of streetscape improvements on Main and White Streets, construction of the Patriot Garage, and the creation of the Danbury Green, the site of many community events including the Summer Concert Series and the Taste of Greater Danbury.
The Planning Director also serves as a member of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials, as a member of the Danbury Housing Partnership, and as an ex-officio member of the CityCenter Danbury Board of Directors.
Professional and clerical staff provide support services to the Planning and Zoning Commissions, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Main Street Renaissance Task Force, and the Redevelopment Agency; and clerical support is provided to the Environmental Impact Commission.
Our accomplishments:
This year the department completed the “Downtown Danbury: Issues & Recommendations 2010” report for the Main Street Renaissance Task Force. The report analyzed current conditions and made recommendations on ways to revitalize downtown Danbury. The final report included strategies and incentives to (1) foster economic development and housing, (2) strengthen urban design and preserve historic buildings, and (3) improve public property and infrastructure. It concluded with a management strategy to implement the recommendations over time. Major revisions to the Zoning Regulations were prepared in accordance with the report to provide incentives for downtown development and to protect historic properties. The number of uses eligible for tax deferrals will be expanded and a new commission was created to coordinate and promote downtown economic development.
The department managed the preparation of a report by JCJ Consultants on the future use of the Palace Theater. The study focused on four concerns: (1) an analysis of the theater’s site in downtown Danbury, (2) an assessment of needs and costs for its restoration, (3) operational and management considerations for successful programming, and (4) the impact a restored and operational theater will have on the downtown, city and region.
New zoning amendments were also enacted to encourage private redevelopment of deteriorated housing in older neighborhoods. A five-year Capital Improvement Plan was prepared and submitted to the Planning Commission for approval and forwarding to the City Council.
The Planning and Zoning Department continues to review and prepare revisions to the city’s Zoning Regulations and other land use regulations to address changing conditions which threaten the city with undesirable development that may intrude upon residential neighborhoods, harm the environment, or create unacceptable traffic congestion. All current zoning and subdivision regulations are available to the public on the city’s website under the Planning and Zoning Department entry.
Despite the economic problems facing the country, we can anticipate new development to continue in Danbury. Recent approvals include, among others, redevelopment of the old police department site into housing, professional offices and a bank; a new shopping center at Marcus Dairy, and additional new development at the corner of Lee Hartell Drive and Crosby Street.