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02/17/2021 07:30 AMThe developer behind an application to build an apartment complex at 151-153 East Main Street announced Feb. 8 that he will explore the idea of preserving a historic house located on the property. The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) will hold a second public hearing on the application on Monday, March 8.
On Feb. 8, the PZC held a public hearing on an application from developer Jay Kurup that seeks to build 32 apartments on two parcels off East Main Street. Dubbed Sterling Sands Condominiums, the application originally called for the demolition of a house built in the 1800s and a shed known the Corn Crib. However, at the Feb. 8 meeting, Tony Bolduc, an agent for the applicant, said that the developer would be meeting with the State Office of Historic Preservation to explore the possibility of keeping the historic home.
The announcement comes after Clinton citizen Peggy Adler created an online petition to urge the developers to incorporate the historic elements into the project design. The petition received more than 750 signatures and, as Adler pointed out, was not opposed to the development, just the demolition of the structures.
Adler’s petition drew significant attention and signatories after it launched, but not everyone was pleased to hear about the petition. Some social media users commented their displeasure on the petition possibly affecting the development. Residents expressed doubts about the value of the historic house and argued that those in favor of keeping the historic house should have contributed money to purchase the house rather than try and force the owner to spend money to keep it. Others have said the opposition to any development in Clinton could make future potential developers reluctant to develop in the town.
Still, supporters have argued that the preservation of historic structures adds character and atmosphere to the town and is something that is worth pursuing.
The Hearing
At the public hearing, Bolduc said access to the apartments would be by way of a private road and that there would be a small green area with a gazebo for picnics. In addition to the apartments, two offices are planned for the property. All the units have been designed to include three bedrooms and a garage.
In 2005, a similar proposal from a different developer to build apartments on the same site, retaining the old house, was approved by the PZC but the project never came to fruition. That proposal was for a 55-and-older community. Bolduc said this current proposal would not have such limits on who could live there. The current project has no proposed work within 100 yards of the wetlands and the Health Department, Design Review Board, fire marshal, and fire chief have all approved the application.
During the public testimony portion of the meeting, one letter in favor of the application from Michele DiAcri was read into the record. DiAcri’s letter said that the apartments would be a way to provide much needed housing in the area.
“Not everyone can afford or is physically able to have a home with a yard. I respect the historical society’s tributes to the past, but I disagree with their opposition to the plan or their recommendations to the developer without contributing financially to those recommendations,” the letter stated in part.
The Clinton Historical Society did not start the petition, though the organization did share the petition on its social media pages.
Two people spoke in opposition, though both speakers said they were not against the development at all, just the destruction of the house. Adler noted the multitude of historical buildings in the town and how they add to the character of the town. Adler stated she would like to see the old house renovated to serve as an office for the complex.
Jim McCarthy said he, too, was in favor of the overall design, but wanted the house preserved.
“I would the like it to incorporate the 1800 house,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy also acknowledged the work and cost that can be associated with renovating old houses.
After the speakers were done, Keith Ainsworth, an attorney for the development, said the developer would meet with the state to determine the state of the house and the feasibility of keeping it. The house is currently missing one original chimney and has more modern materials on it such as vinyl sidings and an asphalt roof. If the house is salvageable, there is a possibility it will be saved.
“We have not given up on the building yet,” Ainsworth said.
On the other hand, Ainsworth said the Corn Crib will likely be demolished as it is not in good condition and has “no historical integrity.” Ainsworth said the developer would be open to moving the Corn Crib to another location if someone was interested.
The developer will meet with the State Historic Preservation Office in early March. The PZC decided that it would be prudent to see the outcome of that meeting and to await a review of the application by the town’s engineers so the commission voted to continue the public hearing another month.
When the PZC holds the continued public hearing, which will be conducted virtually via Zoom, the public will be able to speak in favor of, against, or make other comments about the application in relation to any new information that is presented. A link to the meeting will be posted in the agenda of the PZC meeting on the town website clintonct.org.
The applicant may make a more detailed presentation about the proposal and may respond to questions from the commission members. If the commission members feel they have received enough information, they may vote to close the public hearings or may continue it to a later date. Once a public hearing is closed, the application is eligible for decision.