Editorial October 6, 2003
	The single-family dwellings on Vanicek Avenue are currently a non-conforming use in a business zone. As a consequence of this listing, these homeowners must obtain zoning board variance approval for any significant alteration or addition to the property. A proposal is before the Town Council to change the zoning along this street and the surrounding property to a mixed-use district. This proposal is intended to create a village-style area on the 71-acre parcel of land with large amounts of open space, Town houses, and commercial buildings. To create that village-style effect, the Planning Board has proposed that no new single family dwelling be allowed; however, in a most curious proposal, the Planning Board recommends that the existing single-family dwellings be made conforming uses rather than non-conforming. While it is true that the existing single-family units cannot be destroyed and they must be given the grandfather right to continue to exist, why is the Planning Board desirous of making them conforming uses? Conforming use would allow these single-family units to make significant additions and alterations without Town approval thereby negating the village style area the Planning Board is seeking for the area. When this issue was raised at the Town Council meeting and the question was asked "Why is the proposal changing the existing single family dwellings from non-conforming to conforming uses and what benefit is there to the Town in doing this?" Town Planner Ron Wolanski simply responded that the Planning Board wanted to make these units conforming uses. But "Why" was the unanswered question. What is the answer to that question? Is there some hanky panky happening here?