Beth Bryan Critton practices land use, environmental and municipal law, representing developers (including both for-profit and not-for-profit developers of supportive and workforce housing), municipalities, property owners, condominium associations and neighbors of proposed developments.
As counsel to developers, Beth assembles teams of engineers, planners, architects, wetland scientists, geologists, blasting experts and other professionals in preparing applications for responsibly planned development to various private and municipal commissions. She prepares and handles administrative appeals of commission decisions, appellate litigation of land use appeals, and negotiation of settlements of land use disputes.
As counsel to municipalities, she provides counseling regarding legal procedures and standards as well as issues pertaining to land use applications. Beth defends commission decisions and assists with the drafting and enforcement of land use regulations, including injunction actions to stop zoning and wetlands violations.
As counsel to condominium associations and other neighbors concerned about proposed development near their homes, she provides legal representation during local agency hearings and prepares and pursues appeals to protect the rights of her clients.
Beth has been involved in the legal research, writing, and development of legal strategy in some of Connecticut's most significant zoning and wetlands decisions. She recently helped to draft an amicus brief on behalf of CCAPA and CAZEO in Chumnynski v. Bozrah, dealing with zoning enforcement procedures under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 8-12.
Beth has experience in the defense and negotiation of municipal tax appeals and in the representation appeal of non-profit organizations and property owners challenging the valuation and taxability of their property. Tax experience at the Appellate level has included Konover v. West Hartford and Sakon v. Glastonbury.
Prior to joining the firm, Beth served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford from 1986-1998, was a police officer in the Town of Wethersfield and was a recreation program director for the American Red Cross in Korea and Vietnam.
As an avid hiker and hike leader, Beth has a particular interest in legal issues relating to recreational liability.
Distinctions
· Named Outstanding Advocate for Outdoor Recreation by Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, November, 2011
Professional Affiliations
· American Bar Association: Affordable Housing Section; Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law Section
· Connecticut Bar Association: Planning and Zoning Section: Treasurer and Executive Committee; Environmental Law Section, Executive Committee
· Connecticut State Judicial Department: Victim Compensation Commissioner (1997-2008)
· Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers
· Connecticut Society of Women Environmental Professionals
· Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut
· International Municipal Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
· Appointed to National Appalachian Trail Conservancy Stewardship Council in 2011; Chair of Council's Community Outreach Committee
· Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Chapter: Past Chair and Past Membership Chair of this 9000 member recreation, environmental and educational non-profit organization
· New England Wildflower Society: Plant Conservation Volunteer
Experience
Land Use Approvals and Litigation
Obtained and Successfully Defended Zoning Approvals for New Public School
Obtained Land Use Approvals for Several Gas Station/Convenience Stores
Successful Affordable Housing and Inland Wetlands Appeals for 129 Townhouses
Other
Tax Assesment Appeals and Denial of Zoning Application
Zoning Enforcement Relating to Gravel Excavations
Representation of Municipalities in Tax Appeals
Representation of Municipal Land Use Agencies
Obtained Transfer of Wetlands and Sewer Appeals
Representation Before Town Planning and Zoning Commission
Obtained Restraining Order Against Condemnation of Affordable Housing Development
Defended Commission's Decision to Rezone
Obtained Sewer Extension and Connection Approval
Applications Before Municipal Commissions
Publications
February 17, 2012, Connecticut Supreme Court Clarifies Procedures for Property Inspections by Zoning Enforcement Officers
October 3, 2011, Demystifying The Conditional Approval Process
July 24, 2008, Guidance Document for HOMEConnecticut Technical Assistance Grants
News
August 24, 2011, Appalachian Trail Conservancy Appoints Shipman & Goodwin Attorney Beth Critton to National Stewardship Council
February 10, 2010, From The Highlands To The Coastline
Events
October 2, 2010, An Introduction to Animal Law with Emphasis on Zoning Issues
September 30, 2010, Value Added: Finding and Saving Money in a Recovering Real Estate Economy
April 16, 2010, Risks, Rewards, and Recreational Liability Conference
April 24, 2009, Connecticut Watershed Conservation Network Conference
April 22, 2003, Ethics and Conflicts of Interest. How does One Decide the Right Thing To Do?