Ledyard Zoning Commission Reviews Subdivision, Solar Farm, Farm Expansion and More

On Thursday, September 10, the Ledyard Planning and Zoning Commission will open its council chambers at 6 p.m. for a packed agenda that includes a 23‑lot subdivision, a few renewable‑energy projects, some agricultural upgrades, and even a restaurant request for a historic inn.

The subdivision comes from 84 Silas Deane LLC and would carve up land on 84 Silas Deane Road, 58 and 59 Seabury Avenue into 23 open‑space lots. The filing is thorough – it comes with a traffic impact study, wetlands evaluation, cultural‑resource review and an archaeological reconnaissance. Even the Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission has already sent an approval letter, so the commission’s discussion will focus on the extension of Seabury Avenue and any lingering community concerns. The hearing must close by Oct. 14, with a final decision due 65 days after that.

Also on the docket, Clark Cove Real Estate LLC is seeking permission for two ground‑mounted solar arrays, each about 1,263 sq ft, at 55 Chapman Lane. The commission will formally receive the application on the same day and aims to issue a decision by Nov. 13.

In a separate item, Gales Ferry Intermodal LLC wants to move a previously approved 6,000‑sq‑ft building – slated for office space and a marine‑maintenance operation – to a new spot on Route 12. Attorney Harry Heller is handling the request; the project was first approved in 2023 and modified again in 2024, so the commission will be weighing the latest site‑plan changes.

Agricultural interests are represented, too. Rick Souza, on behalf of Three Sons Ledyard LLC, is asking for site‑plan approval to add a one‑acre irrigation pond, hoop houses and related improvements at 691 Shewville Road and 230 Iron Street. The Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission already deemed the expansion an “as‑of‑right” activity under state wetlands rules.

Lastly, the commission will set a date – likely Oct. 8 – for a public hearing on a request to turn the country inn at 515 Pumpkin Hill Road into a full‑service restaurant. Applicant James Prenetta hopes the special‑use permit can be modified to allow the public eatery.

Beyond the project reviews, the board will chew over a draft amendment to Ledyard’s housing‑zoning regulations, intended to bring local law in line with Public Act 25‑1 (HB 8002). No formal vote is listed, but the discussion signals a possible shift in how the town handles future residential development.

Residents can join the meeting in person or tune in remotely, and any comments will be recorded for the official minutes. As always, the commission’s work reflects the town’s balancing act between preserving open space, encouraging sustainable growth, and supporting local businesses.