Branford Selectmen Ok Purchase Of 2 Parcels For Community/Senior Center Expansion Project

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

BRANFORD, CT – The Board of Selectmen has unanimously approved the purchase of two properties adjacent to the Community House on Church Street as part of the combined Community/Senior Center expansion project.

The selectmen voted to purchase, for just over $300,000, two parcels – 26 and 28 Church Street – right next to the community center.

One of the parcels, 26 Church Street, has a house on it. That house will be demolished and the space, according to First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove will be used for additional parking and “to create better flow” to and from the community center.

The costs to purchase the two Church Street properties were factored into the original multi-million cost of the overall project, Cosgrove said.

Plans are for the Community House to become a multi-use facility with senior programs on the upper floor, and recreation programs remaining on the lower floor. The entire building including the gym will be renovated, and an elevator will be added.

There will be a new parking configuration, which will provide 102 spaces including five handicapped spaces. There are currently 87 spaces. Plans call for a two-way drive that will enter from Church Street and new sidewalks.

There will also be improvements to the landscaping and drainage.