Report: Sperry Lane Developer Sues Town Over Zone Change Denials

EAST HAVEN, CT — In November, the Planning and Zoning Commission rejected a developer's request for a zone change to allow a 504-unit affordable housing development on Sperry Lane. The issue has been a hot button topic and a centerpiece of heated discussion during the 2019 mayoral race.

Now, the New Haven Register reports, that developer is appealing the decision and suing the town for its denial of both the zone change request and text change in the zoning regulations.

During his campaign, now-Mayor Joseph A. Carofra said he was "happy to be a contributing part of the opposition on Sperry Lane..."

In an interview with Patch during the campaign, Carfora said the developer wanted a zone change from residential to commercial: "A change like this opens up so many more opportunities for the developer and hurts the homeowners in the area. It provides fewer protections to the neighboring and adjacent areas. Think about it, does the resident want residential in adjoining areas or the potential for substantial commercial development? And also ask what does the commercial developer want?"

A petition created by the 'Branhaven Collective' last year signed by more than 1,000, including Carfora, called for the PZC to deny the Bluffs LLC request for a zone change to an Affordable Housing District for 31, 63 and 100 Sperry Lane and 161 Foxon Road, East Haven. They wanted the land to remain residential.

The more than 50 acres previously known as Camp Murray and owned by the Girl Scouts, borders East Haven High School, residents on Foxon Road north bound to Sperry Lane and back to Borrelli Road.

The zone allows for 50 single family homes on 50 one acre lots. But the developer wants to build an affordable housing district with 504 units.

Opponents argued that the change would increase taxes, negatively impact nearby home prices, allow "blasting of rock at the site ...exacerbate the existing watershed issues in the area," and increase traffic and "strain on the local police and fire departments."