The Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan Oct. 15 to convert the vacant Sports Palace at 25 Pine Ridge Road into an M&T Bank branch with a drive‑up ATM and night‑drop, imposing conditions on curbing, screening, lighting and signage.

Representatives for M&T presented plans showing a 1.6‑acre site layout with a drive‑up ATM/night‑drop on the north side of the building and a 15‑space parking lot on the south. "The bank is asking for 15 parking spaces to make the site viable for their employees and customers to use the property," architect Steve Movali said during the presentation.

City planner Jeremy Lightford reviewed staff and agency comments and recommended approval with conditions. Lightford noted the parcel contains both the former Sports Palace and an adjacent gas station, that the proposed use is permitted in the LB (local business) zone, and that on‑site parking exceeds the Zoning Regulation requirement (7 spaces required; 15 provided). Lightford also relayed comments from the assistant city planner and the city engineer, including requests for additional curbing along the Pine Ridge frontage, supplemental screening plantings between the bank drive lane and the neighboring gas station, and an adjustment to the lighting plan so that illumination measures 0 foot‑candles at property lines except at site entrances.

"The architectural review committee reviewed this application and made positive recommendations," Lightford said. ARC praised the proposed exterior colors and materials and recommended additional planting to improve screening. The city engineer requested full curbing be installed along the Pine Ridge frontage.

Staff listed required permits and submittals: sanitary sewer discharge permit from the Water Pollution Control Authority prior to final occupancy, building permits from the building official, final engineering submittals including stormwater calculations, and final mylar copies of the approved plan set for filing with the city clerk.

The commission approved the site plan with conditions that included: updating final plans to incorporate city engineer comments on curbing and ADA access; adjusting landscaping and lighting per assistant planner comments; removing or replacing an M&T branded flag with a non‑advertising flag consistent with sign regulations; adding additional planting along the gas station boundary to the assistant planner's satisfaction; providing conspicuous street address numerals; and maintaining anti‑tracking measures during construction. The commission waived the buffer requirement on the south property line from 20.5 feet to 15.5 feet on the final plan.

Mike Hyman, senior construction manager for M&T, said the bank anticipates six full‑time staff with additional part‑time workers and customers. The applicant indicated a target opening about a year from the meeting date. Several departments — including police traffic, fire marshal, economic development, and the Torrington Water Company — offered favorable or no‑comment reviews; the Inland Wetlands Commission found no regulated wetlands on the site.

The commission approved the motion and directed staff to finalize plan details and confirm required agency permits and final filings before issuance of zoning or grading permits.