With a traffic study showing no significant vehicle impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, Branford’s Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) has approved a final design for a combined Senior/Community Center building created by modernizing, enlarging, and upgrading the current Community House on Church Street.

In addition to the traffic study from engineering firm Milone & MacBroom, the PZC took into consideration factors including several recommendations of the Town Center Review and Revitalization Board, said Assistant Town Planner Rich Stoecker. The PZC also reviewed a report from Town Engineer Janice Plaziak, public comments made during a May 16 public hearing, and a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals to allow a setback to incorporate a new, canopied entrance over what will be a drive-up entrance added on the Church Street side of the building.

The lead-up to the decision has been more than a year in discussion and started with community conversations and surveys hosted by the Town of Branford, which hired an independent consulting firm. The discussions created input from many in the town’s senior community. Some objected to the idea of combining the senior center with the community center, instead seeking a stand-alone building.

The town’s current Senior Center in the former Canoe Brook School is in an aging building with limited space and design issues. The consultation determined the best location for the new collaborative public building would be in the town center and recommended upgrading the Community House to create a multi-use expanded building.

Quisenberry Arcarri Architects LLC presented the final design plans to the PZC on June 2. The PZC also made the approval based on conditions and modifications presented as a Special Exception and Coastal Site Plan to address potential impacts created by unusual flooding activity (during Superstorm Sandy, nearby Meadow Street and much of Hammer Field adjacent to the Community House experienced coastal flooding).

The expansion adds two stories of space to the side of the building facing Prospect Street; a new, two-story addition for public entry from the main parking lot entrance off Prospect Street; and new vehicle entrance access on Church Street as well as additional handicapped access from the south side of the building (facing Meadow Street).

The facility will incorporate separate spaces for Senior Center activities on the second floor, with an enhanced, enlarged cafeteria space and kitchen, and allow for more interaction between community members of all ages. Both new additions and current spaces will be upgraded and an elevator will be added to the building. The current outdoor skate park will be taken down to allow for more parking spaces and enhanced outdoor areas, such as plantings and new walkways around the building which will incorporate gardens and gathering points.

Quisenberry Arcarri will now compile project costs to present to the Board of Finance and once that review is complete the project goes before the Representative Town Meeting for final approval.