Printer Friendly Version - 94 East Main St. Zoning Hearing Moved to Feb. 16

At the January 19 Branford Planning and Zoning (PZC) meeting, those in attendance for a public hearing set to continue on an application to build three 2-family duplexes at 94 East Main St., behind the existing circa 1790 Samuel Beach House, learned the hearing was again moving to a future date, Feb. 16, at the applicant’s request. Google Earth Image

At the January 19 Branford Planning and Zoning (PZC) meeting, those in attendance for the continuance of public hearing on an application to build three 2-family duplexes at 94 East Main St., behind the existing circa 1790 Samuel Beach House, learned the hearing was again moving to a future date, Feb. 16, at the applicant’s request.

Branford Town Planner Harry Smith said he received a request from the applicant on January 19 to continue the hearing to the February meeting. The commission then agreed to continue the hearing to Thurs. Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. during the PZC’s regular meeting via Zoom.

As previously reported, the public hearing opened Dec. 8 and received significant comments and questions raised by the public, including area residents and others. The hearing was continued to Jan. 5. At the Jan. 5 meeting, Smith noted receiving a request from the applicant to continue to hearing to the PZC’s January 19 meeting, which the PZC granted.

Concerns raised by area residents and others who have come before the PZC have included issues of building density, potential flooding, traffic safety, and lights from vehicles infiltrating neighboring homes. Additionally, questions were raised about the development’s proximity and impact to a significant historic place, the Samuel Beach House, listed on the national register of historic places.

Speaking to the applicant’s project engineer, Jim Pretti of Criscuolo Engineering (Branford) on Jan. 19, PZC chairman Charles Andres noted there were members of the public attending the Jan. 19 meeting for the hearing. He suggested to Prettie that, ahead of the Feb. 16 meeting, the applicant “...may want to have some contact” with neighbors who have expressed concerns.

The application, made by 94 East Main Street LLC, c/o Stacy Ruwe-Applicant and Owner 94 East Main Street, seeks zoning approval for a special exception and coastal site plan for construction.

Smith noted the Feb. 16 date was requested by the applicant knowing that the commission expects a heavy public hearing agenda at its Feb. 2 meeting, also to be held via Zoom. The Feb. 2 meeting will include the opening of a public hearing on a proposed 11-lot resubdivision at 175 Cherry Hill Road, which is expected to draw public comment. As previously reported, that hearing, originally set to open Jan. 5, was tabled by the PZC to Thursday, Feb. 2, at the applicant’s request.