A significant proposal for a recycling facility in Torrington took center stage at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 21, 2025. Attorney David Sherwood, representing AJK LLC, sought reapproval for an existing earth and construction material recycling operation located at 3350 Winston Road. This facility, spanning 62 acres, operates as a legal pre-existing nonconforming use in a restricted commercial zone.

Sherwood emphasized the importance of the facility, which processes construction materials and reduces the need for new excavation. The proposal aims to continue operations without any new excavation activities. The commission discussed previous concerns regarding wetlands boundaries, which were clarified after a thorough review by a soil scientist and surveyor. It was determined that most activities on the site do not encroach on regulated wetland areas, with only minor adjustments needed for tailings piles.

The Inland Wetlands Commission had previously approved a boundary change and granted a permit for regulated activities, indicating a positive trajectory for the proposal. Sherwood noted that the applicant is committed to addressing any remaining issues, including the removal of certain tailings from the buffer zone.

The commission's discussions highlighted the facility's role in sustainable practices within the community, as it recycles materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation. With the necessary approvals in place, the facility is set to continue its operations, reinforcing its significance in the region's recycling efforts.