Saybrook Road Re-zoning
The public hearing on a proposed change to the zoning code and text was a continuation of the hearing started at the August 10th meeting. The changes would allow a developer to apply for a special exception to build a multi-story apartment complex on a 7 acre parcel on Saybrook Road near Coe Avenue. Sixteen different nearby homeowners spoke against this change, citing as problems which would be caused by an apartment complex, traffic, property devaluation, overburdened services, school overcrowding. They also pointed to a glut in the market for apartments, and scoffed at the hope of the developer that young professionals would want to rent an expensive apartment across the street from a strip mall.
Joe Rini, representing the developer, lauded the residents for their involvement in municipal decisions. He tried to focus the Commissioner's attention away from the apartment complex, and towards the simple rezoning language, pointing out that if they passed the rezoning, it would only give the developer the right to apply for a special exception to build an apartment complex.
Several commissioners were clearly moved by the residents testimony. Nick Fazzino called the proposed change wrong, "As an elected official I have to listen to my people."
The zoning change was unanimously defeated.
Sonoma Woods
The "active adult" subdivision off of Westfield Street known as Sonoma Woods was approved 7 years ago, for 68 homes. 44 homes were built, but the recession and poor management caused the developer to go bankrupt before finishing the remaining homes, and the developer abandoned the project without installing all of the street lights, sidewalks, club house, and other shared amenities.
Webster bank, which through foreclosure obtained the unfinished property, sold the right to develop the remaining 24 homes to Robert Wiedenmann. The residents of Sonoma Woods were enthusiastic about Wiedenmann's intention to finish all of the subdivision, and many of them came out to express their support for the necessary re-approval of the development plan. However, they urged the Commission to do something which would ensure that their development would not be abandoned yet again if the economy became worse.
The Commission decided to renew the development plan, but with the condition that certificates of occupancy (necessary for the sale of any properties) would be withheld pending the completion of certain landmarks.
Tipsey Enterprises
Opposition to the new liquor store was led by John Bagley, owner of Forest City Wine and Spirits, on Main Street. He said a large liquor store would undoubtedly lead to the demise of two or more small package stores, and pointed to the two stores already on Newfield Street.
Bagley handed each of the commissioners a large folder with a petition which he said had a thousand signatures, along with about 25 letters from nearby residents, all opposing this proposed liquor store. Bagley said that the signatures were collected by high school students.
The Commission voted to deny the liquor store special exception.
The Saybrook Road residents should be very proud of themselves. Congratulations!
ReplyDeletehow is middletown going to grow when our pz board members are only worring about a vote and not about our tax base i watched the meeting of sept 14 and what a joke the newfield st rezoing should have been approved if all the requirements were met not to listen to the bs by mr forest city who should look at his location from schools and such and remember when he made his move or the former drunk that maybe he bought for minors back in the day .this is a chance to cleanup the empty building left by town and country's closing has anyone ck our unemployment rate lately, and im sure the people that talked the most at that meeting will be the first to cry when our tax rate rises due to no new bussiness in our town..wake up people !!
ReplyDeleteWhen is the P&Z hearing on Attorney Wilson's planned 32-lot subdivision off of South Main Street?
ReplyDeleteWon't this cause traffic, overburdened services,and school overcrowding?
The residents of Saybrook Road who were against the rezoning blew it! This upscale apartment project was an absolute win for everyone. The city of Middletown would have reaped a large amount of tax dollars, local businesses would have been enhanced and local property values would have increased because of the fact their outlying neighborhoods would surround a premiere first class place to live.
ReplyDeleteApartment complexes are - never- net tax gains for any city or town. They consume far more services than they contribute revenue. Residential housing, with far lower population density, is the only tax-profit base in housing. Congrats to the resident of Saybrook Road.
ReplyDelete