Pool Proposal At Guilford Condo Complex Causes Controversy

By Jack Kramer

Correspondent
GUILFORD, CT – Putting in a swimming pool and clubhouse at “The Residences at 66 High Street” was discussed at length at a recent meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Those who live at the luxury condominium complex said the amenity is part of why they bought at the award-winning project.
But those who live in the neighborhood near the condos are worried about whether the pool will cause parking and other problems for the surrounding neighborhood.
Attorney Marjorie Shansky, for the applicants, said the pool, which would be 20-by-40 feet, “will be in keeping with the surrounding neighborhood.”
“The rules of the pool house will strictly prohibit special events, i.e. weddings, birthday parties, etc. The clubhouse will only be available to residents and their guests. The hours will strictly be enforced. The maintenance man will have a device that will notify him when someone enters the pool area and the pool house. He will make frequent visits to closely monitor the use of the pool and the clubhouse,” said Shansky.
But neighbors, some of whom had lawyers of their own, presented testimony that the pool and clubhouse could not only cause parking problems for the neighborhood but could also lower property values of the homes in the area surrounding the condos.
The public hearing was eventually closed.
A vote on whether to approve the pool project will be taken by the PZC at a later date.