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07/31/2018 12:00 AMWith several questions and concerns remaining from a July public hearing on a proposal to transform the Fantasia Banquet Facility into an apartment complex, the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) will continue the public hearing on Monday, Aug. 6.
The proposal would raze the wedding hall at 404 Washington Avenue and create a complex with three buildings. The front building would feature 3,250 square feet of commercial space and 29 residential units, with an additional 40 units in each of the two rear buildings for a total of 109 units.
Bernard Pellegrino, attorney for the developer Reno Russo, said at the July 2 PZC hearing that the project would be similar to a recent development at the nearby 520 Washington Avenue now called The Flats at 520. Project architect Robert Mangino said the apartment buildings would be three stories and feature a pitched roof not exceeding the maximum 35 feet allowed by zoning.
“We know there are residential buildings on the backside, so we wanted to make sure it has that residential character,” Mangino said.
Though he acknowledged that two of the buildings might need to be smaller in the final plans, PZC Vice-Chairman Ron Penton suggested that the appearance would be a good fit.
“I compliment you and the owner on the architectural style,” he said. “I think, architecturally, it’s going to be very attractive.”
The proposed apartments and commercial spaces would be located near the future site of North Haven’s Amazon fulfillment center, offering living spaces for potential employees.
Despite the proximity to the new Amazon warehouse and the relative aesthetics of the planned architecture, the developer faced several challenges expected to be addressed at the Aug. 6 meeting.
In particular, many residents of nearby Robin Court worry that the development, in combination with other changes on Washington Avenue, would cause increased traffic, changing the character of the entire area.
“I feel sorry for Washington Avenue,” said John Criscio, a neighboring property owner, at the July 2 Planning and Zoning hearing. “We’re turning into New York.”
Though residents and members of the commission raised concerns about the lack of visitor parking and potential for overflow, project directors are confident with their proposal.
“Our proposed parking, given the same analysis that was used [in the 520 Washington Avenue parking study], in our opinion, satisfies the question that was raised as to the sufficiency of the parking,” Pellegrino said.
“I don’t think you have enough parking,” Penton told applicants, citing concerns shared with the chief of police over snow removal and the potential of visitor overflow.
Penton suggested that he would seek to exercise the commission’s right to require more parking spaces should the proposal continue as is.
Residents of the abutting properties on Robin Court also expressed worries over the required 50-foot buffer strip, citing failure to maintain the existing row of arborvitae trees and homeowner fences following the recent bout of storms.
Though Pellegrino previously held a low-turnout meeting with the residents of Robin Court, the commission recommended a follow-up meeting to address their concerns as raised during the July 2 hearing.
“Maybe we didn’t do a good enough job,” Pellegrino said. “We’re happy to try and meet with them and talk to them more.”
Russo, owner of Fantasia and primary applicant for the proposed development, declined to comment.