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Sounding Very Familiar

History is about to repeat itself. Branford, in the ’80s earned the title of the Condo Capital of Connecticut. Now, we are priming our town to become the Connecticut town with the most multi-unit residential complexes on the Branford River.

There is Tidal Basin, a 40,000 square foot building at 4-6 Indian Neck Avenue being proposed by Stony Creek Brewery owner Ed Crowley. He is asking the Planning & Zoning Commission to allow him to build 30 rental units on 1.24 acres of land between the railroad tracks and the Branford River. Mr. Crowley’s team of experts has figured a total of 39 parking spaces on the ground level of this 49 foot 6 inch high building. Unfortunately, calculating parking spots seems to be difficult for Mr. Crowley’s team of experts. His brewery posts signs saying “Additional Parking at Branford Train Station.”

Sal Marottoli is proposing to build Mariner’s Wharf. His plan includes four, four-story residential buildings on 60 Maple Street between Anchor Reef and The Stony Creek Brewery Parking Lot. There will be 147 units in the four buildings almost 50 feet high.

Atlantic Wharf on Meadow Street and Montowese has already been approved for a 205-unit residential and commercial mixed-use development. The Metro-Star developers of Atlantic Wharf have figured 195 parking spaces.

If all this is sounding very familiar, it is. I encourage your readers to send an email to the Planning & Zoning Commission today. Let’s not repeat the ’80s. Let’s say “No” to overdevelopment, say “No” to high-density buildings 50 feet tall along the Branford River. Our town’s future depends on residents’ input.

Pat Dugan

Branford