Proposed Sandy Hook Project Draws Criticism

Plans to construct a new bank building, daycare center and two new retail areas in the center of Sandy Hook as part of a multi-phase project has drawn the attention of historical preservation advocates concerned about the look of the project.

"It looks like P.S. 40 in the Bronx," said Lincoln Sander, president of the Newtown Historical Society. "We don't need more factory buildings."

The project, which is being spearheaded by Verdat Kala, the owner of The Villa Restaurant, is expected to return to a public hearing in front of the Inland Wetlands Commission on Wednesday and Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday.

Kala declined to comment on the project, saying that he is well-aware the plans have drawn much discussion but did not want to add to it, preferring to allow the town's land use process to take its course.

The look of the proposed buildings, particularly the one intended to house the Newtown Savings Bank, has drawn some criticism for its façade.

"Just because we have a couple of red brick buildings doesn't mean we need more," Sander said. "A 19th century factory building is not considered by working architects as good design."

Sander is only the latest to weigh in on the project.

Former state Rep. Julia Wasserman told the Planning and Zoning Commission last month that she wanted to keep the project in keeping with the rest of the village.

"I'm impressed with what an ambitious enterprise this is," she said. "It's a concern, I think, to keep the character of Sandy Hook, which is quaint, very historic."

But not everyone was critical of the bank building's design.

Zoning commission chairman Lilla Dean said the building wasn't overly big and she liked how it looked.

"I like the bank," she said. "I think if you get too much of that New England thing, it looks a little fake."

Another long-time Sandy Hook resident Michael Porco asked the commission re-consider making changes to the traffic light to accommodate the additional vehicles expected to travel through the area.

"Church Hill Road is a main access thoroughfare," he said at the June 3 meeting. "When (Interstate) 84 gets congested, it's just a nightmare. To not have the traffic light change would be a huge mistake."

Zoning commission member Dennis Bloom said the proposed daycare would likely add more traffic to the area.

"I really don't care for that because we have three other daycares in Sandy Hook," he said. "I think it's great for Sandy Hook. My only concern is the traffic itself."

Sander said representatives of the project have met with him and others to discuss some of the concerns they had regarding the project aesthetics.

"It's unattractive," he said. "Why do we want an unattractive building?"