Christopher T. Chenette, Esq.

I have lived in the state of Connecticut my entire life. I grew up in Southington, went to college at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, finished my education at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden and practiced law in Cheshire for approximately five years after law school. Last year, we settled down in my wife’s childhood home in Burlington and this summer, I opened a law office in Farmington. I believe my legal experience and local ties will provide Burlington Zoning Board of Appeals an important asset.
My law practice has always concentrated in real estate and contract law. I have been involved in thousands of real estate transactions in my years in practice, which has provided me with exposure to many issues and considerations that surround zoning laws. I have considerable knowledge about real estate and zoning law, and the ability to thoroughly research any issues the board may be called to act on. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to help the community I am now a part of.
My wife, Kristen Turick Chenette, grew up in Burlington and has told me many stories about how the town has changed and grown since her childhood. One of the reasons she was so eager to return, and why I looked forward to making the move, is because of how smart the town’s growth has been. While Burlington has added new businesses and expanded neighborhoods, it has been done in a way that is conscious of maintaining the character that has brought people into town or, like us, back to town.
We moved to Burlington because we plan to raise our family here and give our future children the same experiences we had growing up: a safe, vibrant community with local businesses and friendly neighborhoods, the kind of place where it’s difficult to leave your house without running into someone you know. Burlington is a friendly town, full of great people who want what is best not only for their own families, but for the entire community.
Burlington should and will continue to grow. It is the responsibility of the elected officials to make sure that growth happens in a way that benefits town residents and the town tax rolls without losing the look and feel of this established community. We have a unique opportunity in Burlington, and that is to create a downtown area from the ground up. We are fortunate to be able to plan and shape that area in a way that will attract businesses and be convenient to the residents who want to visit those businesses.
There is also the ability to establish neighborhoods, which must be done with as much attention to safety and aesthetic issues as we will give to the downtown area of growth. Whether it is determining the placement of a new driveway or deciding whether sidewalks are an appropriate addition to a neighborhood, I will join the other members of the Zoning Board of Appeals in making decisions that are fair, thoroughly researched and in the best interest of the town and its residents.
I believe it is important for members of a town to contribute to that community. Immediately upon arriving in Burlington, my wife and I became involved in our church and we each looked for ways to contribute to life in Burlington. One way I am doing this is to seek office and contribute to the life of the community by helping make important zoning decisions.
In my discussions with my wife and my many visits before we moved here, I’ve learned the town of Burlington has changed significantly over the years and continues to change and grow. Although change and growth are positive attributes of a town, growth and change must be done intelligently. By electing me to the Zoning Board of Appeals, I believe the town gains an official with practical experience and knowledge of the issues that may abound. I am proud to be a resident of Burlington. I look forward to watching the town change and grow in the years to come and being a part of the intelligent growth of the community.

Christopher T. Chenette, Esq.