55 Valley Rd, Groton, CT 06340

Waterfront Business Residence District

The Waterfront Business Residence District as delineated on the Zoning Map is intended to encourage a mixture of land uses that will enhance the unique qualities of the Thames Street area with emphasis on waterfront access and water-dependent and related uses and retention of the historic character and scale of the Groton Bank. The overall intent is to promote and enhance this area as a walkable, pedestrian-friendly area with a variety of uses on sites and in buildings contributing to a vibrant village atmosphere. Due to the unique characteristics if this area and the varying property configurations, the Regulations are intended to allow for flexibility in a number of regulatory standards provided that the development objectives and design guidelines are achieved.; Development within the Waterfront Business Residence District shall be consistent with the following objectives: Public access to the Thames River is a major consideration in the Waterfront Business Residence District and establishment / extension of a continuous riverfront walkway is encouraged as is establishment of boat slips.; Preservation and creation of views from public access to the riverfront strongly is encouraged.; Maintenance of the character and ambience of the area is strongly encouraged. Rehabilitation of structures, where feasible, is encouraged to preserve and enhance the historic and diverse qualities of the Thames Street area.; Water-dependent uses are specifically encouraged to locate along the river as primary uses or in combination with other permitted uses.; Development within the Waterfront Business Residence District shall be consistent with the City of Groton Plan of Conservation and Development and the Thames Street Study as adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission.