In early 2019, a Branford developer hopes to submit an application, and receive approval from the Town, for the next phase of development on the Branford River, at Anchor Reef.

On Dec. 6, during an informal discussion with the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) developer Sal Marottoli of Sachem Building & Development LLC (Branford) met to discuss his interest in applying for a master plan modification allowing for two additional residential buildings and a small boutique hotel within the current Anchor Reef Planned Development District (PDD) on Maple Street.

Marottoli told the PZC he's entered into a contract to buy an undeveloped segment of the property. Marottoli gave a brief background of what the project is hoping to achieve and sought feedback from the commission.

On Dec. 6, Marottoli told Zip06/The Sound he expected to file an application within the next 60 days.

Speaking before the PZC on Dec. 6, Marottoli briefly described the idea to bring in three smaller buildings than those originally approved several years ago for future development of the Anchor Reef PDD. Two of the newly proposed buildings would be residential (up to 78 total units). The third new building would contain a small, boutique-style hotel, said Marottoli. The new three-building development would be owned and operated independently of two current residential buildings in the Anchor Reef PDD (Anchor Reef condominium and The Mill residences).

Marottoli also noted the hotel would be different in many aspects from another boutique hotel already approved by the Town 2018 to be constructed in immediate vicinity. That hotel, "The Tidal Lodge" (4 -6 Indian Neck Avenue) was approved by the PZC in Jan. 2018, to include 33 rooms. The Tidal Lodge is part of the Branford River PDD, which also includes the Stony Creek Brewery at 5 Indian Neck Avenue. Both the brewery and The Tidal Lodge are owned by Ed Crowley Sr. of Branford.