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07/25/2017 12:00 AMA proposed development on Sperry Lane in the Foxon area of East Haven would see six buildings with just short of 500 units of age-restricted housing being built, but residents in the area have raised some concerns.
The development has come before the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) several times over the past few months. According to meeting minutes, the developer is seeking to change the zoning to a Planned Elderly Facilities District (PEFD). According to town zoning regulations, that can only be done in R-1, R-2, or R-3 zones. The location is currently zoned as R-5, so the developer is trying to change the zoning to R-3, and then to a PEFD.
Attorney Bernard Pellegrino, who is representing the developer, said at a PZC meeting on July 5 that the last plans he saw included meeting rooms in each building, a clubhouse that could be used for activities or rented out, and on-site passive recreation such as a pond and walking trail. He also said the owner would seek to bring public transportation options to the site.
One of the concerns raised by neighbors is that Sperry Lane, which is directly east of the old high school on Wheelbarrow Lane, is also connected to Foxon Road, and the addition of these buildings would potentially cause traffic problems.
Pellegrino said that a preliminary traffic study showed the development would not have a significant effect on traffic in the area. Pellegrino added that an expanded traffic study was conducted; the expanded study confirmed there would not be an adverse effect on traffic.
Since the development will be age restricted to the 55 and older demographic, Pellegrino said that many of those that would be living in the complex would not be working full-time, if at all, so peak traffic times wouldn’t be affected.
Another concern residents had was blasting, as the developer would have to do some earth removal in certain spots to construct some of the buildings. Pellegrino said that if blasting did have to take place, it would be limited to the upper two buildings, which are furthest away from the concerned neighbors.
Pellegrino also said that discussions took place with a blasting consultant who believes the 400- to 500 feet between possible blast areas and the nearest neighbor would provide a significant buffer.
There is also a difference in elevation from where the blasting may take place and where the residences are, with the residences being lower. Pellegrino said blasting that occurs above the houses’ foundations, there wouldn’t be much of an effect. If blasting took place below, then it would potentially affect foundations.
Pellegrino said he and the developer would definitely work with neighbors when it comes to blasting, and have tried to address their concerns. He said that the developer may also agree to things like a pre-blast survey, if necessary.
Another concern that was raised by residents, and the commission, was about the number of units. At the July 5 meeting, Pellegrino said that the developer may consider removing one building if necessary, saying that it would still be worth it for his client even with the reduction of units.
Town Attorney Joseph Zullo gave a comment on the situation:
“As with all other development applications, I anticipate the [PZC] will carefully review the extensive record on this project, including the concerns voiced by residents, and come to a rational, fair decision.”
According to meeting minutes from a May 3 public hearing on the proposed development, Pellegrino said that from an economic development standpoint, the project will be an important benefit to the town.
He said the town assessor estimates that this project will generate $1.2 million in tax revenue annually, adding that the town will not have to provide a lot of services. He said there will be no school children, the private road would be maintained by the owner, and the property would not require trash pickup.
A decision on the zoning change was tabled until the next PZC meeting, currently scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 2, to allow the town to receive more information regarding blasting and the construction schedule.