Plans For Big Apartment Building In Central Greenwich Submitted To P&Z

GREENWICH, CT — Plans for a large five-story, 105-unit residential building with affordable housing behind Greenwich Library on Dearfield Drive have been submitted to Planning & Zoning.

Two old Tudor-style homes on adjoining properties at 51 and 69 Dearfield Drive would be demolished as part of the project, according to documents filed with the town.

Construction of a two-level parking garage below the residential building is being proposed, with 135 total parking spaces.

Under Connecticut's 8-30g statute, 32 of the units would be designated as "affordable," documents state. The residential building would also feature a rooftop terrace as an amenity for its residents.

The owners of the property at 51-69 Dearfield Drive are listed as: 51 Dearfield LLC; 53 Purchase LLC; JSM Partners LLC; Brenview LLC; and 3 Stonington LLC.

John Tesei, attorney for the owners/applicants, said his clients believe the property is "an ideal location" for an affordable housing development.

For example, Tesei said the property is in close proximity to central Greenwich and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, office buildings, public transportation and recreational areas.

The residential building would also be compatible and consistent with other high rise multi-family buildings to the east of the property, Tesei said.

The project is also consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development because it would add "a significant number of affordable dwelling units to the town's housing stock, thus contributing to the diversity of housing opportunities in the town."

The 8-30g statute was put on the books in 1989. It sets a goal that 10 percent of each municipality’s housing stock must qualify as "affordable" housing. If the 10 percent target is not met, developers may propose projects that are not subject to local zoning regulations.

Greenwich has yet to meet the 10 percent mark. Town officials have been adamant in their opposition to 8-30g, and they've expressed a desire to maintain local zoning control, often saying that a one-size-approach from the state does not fit all municipalities in Connecticut.

The proposal has not yet been scheduled to go before the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission for a pre-application review.

The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports and studies.