'Village-Like' Development Discussed Near Hammonasset State Beach

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – A preliminary proposal for a “village-like” commercial, residential and retail development near Hammonasset State Beach that would possibly include a brew pub to attract tourists was aired at the most recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

Architect John Matthews presented a proposal for a commercial and residential development at 168/178 Cottage Road.

The developer of the project has not yet been named. The parcel totals about 14 acres. The land is on the eastern end of Boston Post Road and is bordered by Hammonasset State Beach, Salt Meadow Park, and the Hammonasset River.

There is an existing marina building on the parcel, which has been built to accommodate a second floor. To meet the two-thirds and one-third zoning requirement, up to 14,500 square feet will be devoted to condominiums, and 30,000 square feet would be commercial space.

A deck is proposed overlooking the river, and the first floor is expected to be commercial and retail space, with hopes there would be a restaurant.

The first floor of the development would be retail spaces and a restaurant, and the second floor will be residential, with two unit types—townhouses, which are the smaller size; upstairs, 1,400 square feet, and a handicapped unit; there will be 33 bedrooms, according to Matthews.

It is anticipated the development will attract young, start-up families and empty nesters that are able to use stairs. There will be a 10-foot by 18-foot balcony off the back of the townhouses and 123 parking spaces.

With the commercial and residential development being right on the river, this concept works, making it similar to Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, according to Matthews.

When one of the commissioners mentioned that the difference is that at Stony Creek there are five restaurants, Matthews ticked off a number of restaurants in the vicinity of this Cottage Road development.

Director of Planning and Economic Development David Anderson stated that this is a preliminary concept, and all input from the Planning and Zoning Commission is welcome.

Anderson said when and if a formal proposal is submitted it would have to come up before the PZC for a public hearing and eventual approval.

PZC member James Matteson asked how this project fits in with the needs for housing in Madison.

This concept has no more than two bedrooms in a residential unit, it meets a certain niche for the lower end of the price structure, and it also addresses a need for apartments in town, Anderson stated.

Alternate Commissioner Madhavan Parthasarthy stated his overall biggest concern is about what the market can bear and whether a brew pub is something that is really desired in town.

Images via Jack Kramer