Charter panel defers vote on electing planning board
Other Committee · Meeting of March 24, 2026
New Canaan's Charter Revision Commission stalled a vote on electing Planning and Zoning while a member defended refusing to recuse herself from an active Supreme Court case. Commissioner Jennifer told the panel "a request was recently made for my recusal, which I declined," disclosing the town has spent about $22,000 in legal fees on the litigation, more than half in 2025. Commissioner Joe reported roughly 133 survey responses split about 25 percent for an elected Planning and Zoning Commission, 25 percent for keeping it appointed.
Commissioner Judy moved to recommend putting the question to voters, seconded by Commissioner Chris, but Chair Kathleen deferred the vote to Wednesday, citing the agenda. Attorney Nicholas Bonte of Berchem Moses told members the Zoning Board of Appeals cannot legally gain authority to hear Planning and Zoning appeals.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 896 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of March 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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