110-Unit Senior Housing Proposal Rejected In Newtown

NEWTOWN, CT — A proposal that would have paved the way for a 110-unit senior independent-living development on Mount Pleasant Road has been rejected by Newtown's Planning and Zoning Commission.

The commission voted unanimously Aug. 6 to reject zoning changes sought by Summit at Newtown LLC for 134-136 Mount Pleasant Road.

The developer proposed a 110-unit independent-living community for residents 55 and older. The development would not have provided nursing care, and units would have included kitchens.

Summit sought to change the property from a General Business zone to a Multiple Family for Elderly Housing-Middle Density zone, known as EH-10, and amend the regulations governing that zone.

Attorney Peter Olson, representing the contract purchaser, told the commission existing regulations would allow only about 60 units on the property, while the proposed development's financial model required 110. The proposed changes could have allowed up to 117 units.

Olson argued the development would provide a needed housing option and said converting some commercial property along Route 6 to residential use was appropriate as demand for retail space declines.

Residents and commission members, however, raised concerns about the project's density and changing commercially zoned land to accommodate individual developments.

Commissioner Don Mitchell called the proposed increase in density a "leap," while Chair David Rosen said he wanted the town to take a broader look at the future of the Route 6 corridor rather than make changes on a case-by-case basis.

The commission unanimously rejected the proposed zoning regulation amendment and denied the requested zone change, finding the change inconsistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development. The decisions take effect Aug. 29.