This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/24/2019 03:00 PMThe developer—whose proposal to build a 415-unit age-restricted housing development at the intersection of Route 80 and Sperry Lane was nixed last year—will be back before the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) at a public hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 2, this time asking the commission to change the zoning to an affordable housing development district.
The proposal to build high-density homes from ages 55 and older drew heated criticism and support in 2018 before the PZC denied the application 3-2 without prejudice at a March 4 special meeting.
The main objections at that time were safety concerns expressed by the police and fire departments due to the narrowness of Sperry Lane and poor sight lines leading onto Route 81, as well as a development density that some PZC members felt exceeded the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. An earlier proposal included 500 units and would have required significant blasting.
The 2018 development proposal also brought out many residents in favor of adding more senior housing.
As accepted by the PZC on Aug. 7, the two-part proposal is to add Section 37A, Affordable Housing Development District, to the East Haven zoning regulations and then apply that zoning to properties at 100 Sperry Lane, 31 Sperry Lane, and 161 Foxon Road.
On Oct. 2, the PZC and public will learn more about the developer’s plans should the affordable housing component be added. Building under state affordable guidelines allows developers to sidestep most local zoning regulations aside from health and safety concerns.
The Wednesday, Oct. 2 PZC public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on the Community Center, 91 Taylor Avenue.