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11/06/2017 11:28 AMA public hearing on the proposed Parkside Village I redevelopment and expansion has been continued to Thurs., Nov. 16, 7 p.m. at Branford Fire Headquarters, 45 North Main St.
The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) hearing opened Oct. 19 and a second part took place Nov. 2. Both nights drew a crowd of those in favor and opposed to the project.
Because the application seeks to create a new Assisted Housing District guided by state statute 8-30g instead of Branford's more stringent zoning regulations, the PZC can only deny the application based on finding substantial public health or public safety concerns.
As previously reported, applicant Branford Housing Authority (BHA) and developer Beacon Communities (Boston, MA) seek to change zoning to replace and expand Parkside Village I's 50 affordable housing units, currently restricted to seniors and disabled adults, at 115 South Montowese St. The property would be redesignated as the Parkside Assisted Housing District to allow for multi-family use with no age restrictions. BHA and Beacon are applying to the federal low-income housing tax credit program and the redeveloped Parkside I would be income-restricted by the state for 40 years. Plans call for constructing 67 units, with 60 designated for use by families meeting state low-income guidelines. Beacon is proposing knocking down the current three-building complex in phases, to be replaced by a three-story building of 33 one-bedroom and 34 two-bedroom units. Current Parkside Village I residents would be re-homed at the new development, according to BHA and Beacon. Parkside I is over 40 years old and in disrepair.
According to the Branford Planning and Zoning Office, representatives for BHA and Beacon spoke at the opening of the Nov. 2 hearing to address some comments and concerns raised Oct. 19 (view a story on the Oct. 19 meeting here ). The PZC then heard from over 20 members of the public, followed by discussion among PZC members, before deciding to continue the public hearing to Nov. 16.
The proposed redevelopment continues to draw strong opposition from a grassroots citizens' group. In recent weeks, lawn signs and mailings to area residents have carried the message to, "Stop Massive Redevelopment of Parkside Village." The signs and mailings also reference a Facebook group page, Branford Leaks.
BHA and Beacon encourage the public to learn more about the project at http://courb.co/parkside