NEWINGTON — A 10-month effort to protect local development control is culminating later this month.
It all began last summer in response to House Bill 6851, which many in town deemed a threat to the local zoning authority. Had it not failed in a June special session, the bill would have created a state agency to stimulate economic development within transit districts, including those around Newington’s two CTfastrak Stations.
The matter ignited debate between residents and elected officials, and drove the Town Planning & Zoning Commission to begin drafting Transit-Oriented Development Regulations. Although all the fuss has since fizzled away, these guidelines are now being finalized.
A recent lack of interest has surprised the TPZ, which did not hear from any speakers during a March 16 public hearing on the new regulations. Officials hope those who want to comment come forward at the next and final hearing, to be held Wednesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall, conference room L-101.
"I’m surprised people haven’t come to speak in favor of it because it will open up new opportunities in that part of town," Town Planner Craig Minor said this week.
The proposal includes incentives for developers, allowing them to cover more of their properties with building structures than zoning regulations currently allow. Specifically, there would be less mandatory landscaping and reduced front, side and rear yard setbacks. In addition, changes call for a reduction in the amount of parking spaces the town typically requires of new developments. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
The Day reports River Bank Construction LLC filed the lawsuit to attempt to recover more than $2 million the company claims it spent in developing plans, obtaining permits and approvals for their Village on the Green project in 2013.
The 104-unit residential development never materialized after the RCDA refused to turn over about 6.5 acres of land designated for the $20 million project following a dispute over financing.
River Bank owners Irwin and Robert Stillman claim they were prepared to self-finance, but the RCDA “added terms and conditions not contained in the Development Agreement.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Middletown Council Approves Tax Abatement For New Ward Street Apartment Project
MIDDLETOWN — The developer of a new 12-unit apartment building on Ward Street has received a four-year tax abatement, an arrangement some said is unusual because the developer applied for the program after most of the construction was already complete.
The common council approved the tax abatement Monday night.
Sal Saraceno and Anthony Garafalo, owners of S&G Holdings, told the council's economic development committee in early March that several unexpected costs during construction changed the financial viability of the project significantly. Saraceno said more than $60,000 in unexpected costs came up during construction.
They said their original design called for natural gas for the building's heating, but the gas main pressure was too low in the area for them to connect the building so they had to install a propane system instead. There were also unexpected additions to the sprinkler system, and several modifications that were suggested by the city's Design Review and Preservation Board that increased costs. Councilman Gerald Daley, chairman of the economic development committee, said the city would give up $19,000 in tax revenue in the first year, but the tax bill for the property would increase from $3,000 a year to $31,000 at its full value in four years.The property was valued at $105,000 as a vacant lot and will be valued at $1.1 million after construction is finished, Daley said. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Ex-CEO leader Nichole Jefferson fires back at New Haven officials
NEW HAVEN >> An emotional Nichole Jefferson Thursday called for the resignation of her former supervisor and said he was misleading the alders on what is occuring at the Commission on Equal Opportunities. This fight was playing out at the same time some internal emails among city officials over the desire to fire Jefferson became public.
Jefferson was executive director of the CEO from 2001 until the administration of Mayor Toni Harp fired her last August, charging her with ethical lapses and questioning her relationship with the Construction Workforce Initiative 2, a pre-apprenticeship job training program.
Her former supervisor is Economic Development Administrator Matthew Nemerson, who defended his handling of the office and its budget. This is only the second time Jefferson has spoken out since she was let go.
Jefferson, who is appealing her firing in an arbitration proceeding that has been going on for months, talked at a public hearing Thursday on the proposed city budget held by the Board of Alders at Augusta Lewis Troup School.
The former director came to speak on behalf of her staff, which is a total of five positions in addition to the executive director. The contract compliance officer at the CEO was laid off this month after special funds ran out, according to Nemerson. He said the budget Jefferson put together in 2014 had Lisa Wilson’s position covered by special funds, but they didn’t come through. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Southbury bridge rehab project expected to cause lane closures, detours
SOUTHBURY — Drivers can expect lane closures and detours on Glen Road later this month as workers rehabilitate Silver Bridge over the Housatonic River in Newtown and Southbury.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced the temporary closure of Glen Road will happen on or about April 18, lasting for seven days.
The $4.5 million project includes replacement of the concrete deck, structural steel repairs to the truss and floor beams and a complete repainting of the bridge.
Detour signs will be in place to guide drivers and the route will take traffic to Interstate 84, exit 10 and 13. Local access will be maintained at all times. McNamee Construction Corp. won the job.
The DOT reminds drivers to maintain a safe speed while traveling near the work site. The anticipated reopening date is April 25.