Residents Object To Proposed 105-Unit Residential Building In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — Plans for a big apartment building near Greenwich Library received strong pushback from residents during Tuesday evening's Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

Commissioners, too, had concerns about the project, which went before them 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.

The project calls for the construction of a five-story, 105-unit residential building, with 32 units designated for affordable housing under the state's 8-30g statute at 51-69 Dearfield Drive.

John Tesei, attorney for the applicant, said the property owners have owned the land for 15 years and decided the best way to develop it was to construct a multi-family building on the southern portion of the land, leaving 40 percent of the land to remain natural.

The owners are listed as 1 Dearfield LLC; 53 Purchase LLC; JSM Partners LLC; Brenview LLC; and 3 Stonington LLC.

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

"We anticipated that there would not be a full embracing by the public given the size of the project," Tesei said. "But we certainly believe that this location is ideal, not only from an internal standpoint, but from a residential standpoint when it comes to the occupants in the future, given its proximate location to so many aspects of the central Greenwich area."

Both residents and the commission said the project was too big, and would have a negative impact on the already heavily-trafficked area. Specifically, increased traffic could affect emergency vehicles going to Greenwich Hospital, they said.

Tesei said a traffic consultant has been hired to conduct a study. Tesei said he's confident the project would "fit in squarely without any material adverse effect to the traffic flow."

Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Margarita Alban wondered how the project would impact the property at 45 Dearfield Drive, which would be sandwiched between the library parking lot and the residential building.

Some residents also raised concerns about flooding as a result of a potential increase in impervious surfaces at the property, and a potential impact to wetlands.

An Inlands, Wetlands and Watercourses Agency permit is required with the proposal, and Tesei said there's a consensus with the town's engineering division about how to handle and improve stormwater coming from the property.

As part of the project, two old historic Tudor-style homes on adjoining properties at 51 and 69 Dearfield Drive would be demolished, another point of contention for the commission and surrounding neighbors.

"The existing structures apparently have landmark status... It's disappointing for the community that we are not able to save landmark buildings of this beauty," Alban said. "Is there anything you can do to save these buildings? Could they be relocated in some sort of cost-effective way? Could they be used in your plan in some sort of way?"

But the commission agreed with Tesei in that the location is ideal because of its proximity to central Greenwich's amenities.

Macri pushed back on Tesei's comments that the best solution for the property was to construct a major residential building.

Macri urged Tesei to return with a plan for the historic buildings. He asked why a "cluster development at residential scale" that would fit in more with the neighborhood isn't being considered.

"I think actually we have an opportunity here for a wonderful piece of property that has great natural features as you indicated, that now may be compromised by an intrusion," Macri said.

Commissioner Peter Levy said the buildings could definitely be saved.

"There's no question that this is not the best design. There's no question there are many alternatives that would be much better suited for the neighborhood and the town," he said.

In written public comments to the commission, Marc and Kaye Particelli strongly opposed the project.

The Particellis said they live on Grove Lane near Dearfield Drive in the former home of Prescott Bush, where George H.W. Bush grew up.

"We have seen traffic explode in the neighborhood with particular long delays and traffic jams on Dearfield in mornings and afternoons. The addition of over a hundred apartments would add dramatically to a current problem. Additionally, it would open the probability of more apartment development north of the Post Road," they said in an email to the commission.

"Destruction of two historic homes close to the historic Horseneck area adds to the mistake," they added. "We would like to see the neighborhood retain its place as, primarily, an area of single family homes."

Several people spoke out against the 8-30g statute, which 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 not yet met the mandate.

Mario Coppola, an attorney who represents several neighbors in the area, mentioned that a 14-unit development was proposed for the property about 10 years ago, which was ultimately rejected by the town and viewed as not feasible.

"Unfortunately, this seems to be a circumstance where a developer has then come in with the 8-30g hammer, proposing a project which is really unrealistic, and quite frankly irresponsible, with the hope that folks would think there's some compromise down the road," he said.

Resident John Porter said fellow residents are not against affordable housing in town.

"We are against the exploitation by serial developers who are wielding 8-30g to push these grossly oversized [buildings] and underdeliver affordable housing, which fails to protect the basic healt and safety of our community," Porter said.

State Rep. Hector Arzeno (D-151) also spoke against the project and 8-30g.

"These types of proposals under 8-30g are taking advantage to circumvent local zoning regulations," he said.

State Rep. Rachel Khanna (D-149) said decisions on local housing needs should be made at the local level and on the town's own terms..

"I hope this application serves as a wakeup call to the town to develop a plan to meet our affordable housing target so we can be protected from 8-30g-backed development," she said.

The public comment period lasted for about an hour.

It's unclear when the proposal will go back before the Planning & Zoning Commission.