84-Apartment Proposal Near Monroe-Trumbull Line Draws Opposition, Plans Under Review

MONROE, CT — A proposal to build 84 apartments near the Monroe-Trumbull town line is drawing opposition from nearby residents and concerns from Trumbull's top elected official, as the developer revises plans ahead of another public hearing.

The development, proposed for 1, 7 and 15 Main St. along Route 25, would include two multifamily residential buildings containing 42 apartments each, according to Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission records.

At the commission's Oct. 15 meeting, Planning and Zoning Administrator Kathleen Gallagher said the applicant was reviewing community feedback and revising its plans. Public hearings on three related applications were continued to Nov. 5.

The proposal has prompted opposition from residents of both Monroe and Trumbull, including a group calling itself Main Street Neighbors, which is urging town officials to reject a proposed zoning amendment.

On its website, the group raises concerns about increased traffic, wastewater disposal, potential blasting, noise, lighting and the effects of development on nearby homes and private wells.

The group says the project would include approximately 160 parking spaces and buildings rising three stories plus an attic. It also argues that the proposed zoning amendment could open the door to similar multifamily developments on other qualifying properties near the intersection of Routes 25 and 111.

The group's stated goal is to persuade the commission to deny the amendment.

Trumbull First Selectman Weighs In

Trumbull First Selectman Vicki Tesoro addressed the proposal in an Oct. 9 statement, acknowledging concerns from residents living near the development site, particularly those along Coventry Lane.

Although the proposed apartments would be built entirely within Monroe, Tesoro emphasized that neighboring Trumbull residents could still be affected.

"Monroe’s Planning & Zoning Commission should ensure that any decision fully addresses the potential impacts on neighboring Trumbull residents and the surrounding community," Tesoro said.

She also noted that no land-use application related to the development is pending before Trumbull officials. The decision rests with Monroe's Planning and Zoning Commission.

Tesoro encouraged Trumbull residents to participate in Monroe's public hearings and submit comments about the project.

What Residents Told Monroe Officials

Several residents voiced concerns during the commission's Oct. 1 public hearing.

Laura Sime, of Coventry Lane, raised concerns about lighting, particularly during winter when trees lose their leaves, and potential noise from the apartment buildings.

Gurney McClure, of Crescent Place, questioned how the apartments would be maintained and managed and raised concerns about the proximity of septic areas to the Pequonnock River.

Julie Morabito, also of Coventry Lane, expressed concerns about noise, lighting, setbacks from existing homes and the appearance of the buildings. She also questioned how involved Trumbull officials were in the planning process.

During the Oct. 1 hearing, representatives for the applicant presented plans addressing parking, building access, public water, septic systems and stormwater management. A traffic engineer also reviewed a traffic study, according to meeting minutes.

What Happens Next?

The project involves three related applications, including a zoning regulation amendment, a proposal to establish Special Development District No. 10 and a special exception permit to construct the two apartment buildings.

The proposed regulation amendment would create a pathway for multifamily developments on qualifying properties of at least two acres within one mile of the intersection of Routes 25 and 111, subject to applicable approvals.

The commission has not approved the project, and the Oct. 15 meeting minutes do not specify what revisions the developer is making.

The public hearings are scheduled to continue Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m., at Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road.

Residents can submit comments to Planning and Zoning Administrator Kathleen Gallagher at kgallagher@monroect.gov.