Affordable Unit Proposed At Multi-Family Home: Planning & Zoning Documents

GREENWICH, CT — Plans to create one "affordable" unit in a multi-family home in Greenwich under Connecticut General Statutes 8-30g have been submitted to the town's Planning & Zoning Commission.

The applicant, Newfield Properties Three LLC, is the owner of 241 Hamilton Ave. - a property that features a three-family home built in 1946.

Originally constructed as a two-family dwelling, the home was improved to a three-family dwelling in 1951, according to documents on file with the town.

The home was not in conformance with the town's zoning regulations, and the third unit was ordered to be removed in 2018 by Greenwich Zoning Enforcement, submitted documents state, but the unit remained.

"The applicant obtained the property in October of 2020 and wishes to resolve the zoning violation and contribute economically accessible housing in Greenwich," Casey M. O'Donnell, an attorney representing the applicant, wrote in submitted documents.

"Proposed under this application is the restriction of the ground floor unit to be sold or rented at or below prices which will preserve the unit as housing for persons who will pay 30 percent or less of their annual income, where such income is less than or equal to 80 percent of the median income for at least 40 years after the initial occupation," O'Donnell noted.

The ground-floor unit was originally built as a one-bedroom, and the applicant is proposing to add two more bedrooms to the unit.

The applicant is also seeking to expand the parking area to include five spaces.

"The proposed residential development is in harmony with the neighborhood, will not generate excessive traffic or negatively impact storm sewer infrastructure, meets the standards of the Connecticut General Statutes 8-30g, is aligned with the Plan of Conservation and Development, and meets the standards of the Town of Greenwich Drainage Manual," O'Donnell added.

Historically, the 8-30g statute has been applied to larger developments.

The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission is expected to review the application in the coming weeks.