KENT, Conn.—The Planning and Zoning Commission last week continued the public hearing on High Watch Recovery Center’s request for modification of its special permit at the applicant’s request.
High Watch CEO Andrew Roberts told the commission that the rehabilitation center had received the town attorney’s opinion about its application and that an extension is necessary “so we can give a reasonable response.”
In a statement, Roberts again apologized for “events in the past and High Watch’s role in those disagreements.”
“We’re trying to the good neighbors,” he said.
The special permit, granted seven years ago, allowed the center, which treats people with substance abuse issues, to expand its facilities to include a secure 12-bed detox facility.
The Planning and Zoning Commission imposed 34 conditions on its approval, including that clients cannot trespass on abutting properties; that Connecticut State Police and town officials be immediately notified if any client is absent without leave; that no client be accepted who is under the jurisdiction or custody of the Department of Corrections or whose admission to the detoxification facility was mandated by a state or federal court, and that the detox center be separate from the rehabilitation facilities and secure against unauthorized entry or exit.
Under the special permit, a new lecture hall was constructed and the PZC restricted its use to AA programs and programs held in conjunction with client treatments.
At a November meeting of the PZC Roberts explained that modification is sought because since the special permit was granted some of the conditions are no longer appropriate and are, in some cases, illegal.
The requested modifications alarmed some town residents, however, who feared that a criminal population might be treated at the site and who complained about past interactions between the town and the facility.
Roberts, who has been CEO of High Watch for slightly more than a year, was taken aback by the reaction. He told the PZC members on Thursday, Dec. 11, that he has since had “some positive meetings with the fire department and the first selectmen.”
“The first selectman asked that we alter the application and that he be notified if anyone is absent without leave. I agreed to do that if it does not violate privacy laws,” he said.
He said the town’s attorney has “made some great suggestions” about language in the application, some of which will be incorporated.
Nevertheless, he wanted to make “crystal clear” that the secure detox wing is not to protect the public from potentially dangerous guests, but rather to protect the guests themselves. “It is for their medical safety,” he asserted. “Everyone is there on a voluntary basis.”
He told the commission that the modification request is “meant to be a conversation between us and the town. We want to start with an open discussion, but this body can decide the impact of our suggestions.”
In other business, the commission approved an application from Chris Elkow of 63 Howland Road to build a storage barn within 100 feet of the frontline setback in front of the primary residence. The storage barn will shelter tractors and other equipment.
Commission members concurred that the building would be barely visible, especially as evergreen trees are proposed as a visual barrier, but decided that the access drive should be brought up to town specifications for grade.
The commission also approved the draft cannabis regulation governing retail sales in the town and moved to make it effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Finally, the commission considered a request that Woodford Market be allowed to use its previously permitted signage to indicate its temporary location over the House of Books. The business suffered fire damage last month but expects to be restored to its original location in five months.
The commission decided it is permissible to move the sign but that as “temporary signs” can only be installed for 45 days, a site plan application should be filed.
Commissioners also agreed that some regulatory provision should be made in the town’s zoning code for emergency situations when businesses have to move.
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