Southington PZC Approves Massive Apartment/Retail Development

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Saying the developers' application met local zoning regulations, the zoning board has approved plans to build a massive mixed-use development on West Street.

In two separate bipartisan votes, the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 Tuesday, March 21, to support special permit and a site plan applications for a large apartment complex development and retail building in town.

Southington PZC Chairman Robert Hammersley reiterated statements from other board members about what, specifically, the town was voting on.

It wasn't, he said, voting on whether they like the project or not. Rather, it was explained, they were voting on whether the applicant's plans abided by town zoning regulations.

Hammersley and other PZC members said, simply, they did.

"Its just a process of development. People have the right to do with their property what they want to do with the property," Hammersley said. "Whether we like what they're doing or not, we set regulations out there and if they meet the regulations, then we are legally obligated to approve that application and I feel no different on this one."

The votes came after the PZC closed a public hearing that was extended earlier this month.

The PZC's marathon March 7 meeting featured a lengthy presentaton by the developers, several questions from the public and, as a result, the commission put off action until March 21.

Large project

Dallas, Texas,-based developer Anthony Properties LLC is looking to build a mixed-use development featuring several buildings total, including 255 residential units (10 percent of which set aside as affordable housing), a clubhouse and pool and about 17,500 square feet of commercial space.

The project would be at 1177 , 1193 and 1303 West St. and the land where the development would happen is owned by Southington resident Roger C. Toiles of Spring Street.

It would be located in a so-called "mixed use transition" zone, meaning it is an area between residential and commercial developments.

Speakers March 7 had several questions on town impacts especially increased traffic and safety at the site.

Those concerns were reiterated by some speakers March 21, who had worries about traveling on that road with several hundred new residents calling that area home in the future.

Ron Bomengen, a developer-hired engineer with Manchester-based Fuss & O'Neill, said there were some modifications to the plans since March 7.

Changes include road widening near the site, a traffic camera at the intersection nearby and interior driveway modifications designed to better accommodate fire trucks at the site.

Plus, Bomengen said, Southington police signed off on the sight lines, saying they are currently in line with any safety concerns.

Meets the regs

Some zoning board members still appeared reticent about the project, but the vote was unanimous because all agreed the project and revisions abided by the town's zoning regulations.

"The applicant was very thorough and I appreciate that," Southington PZC member Peter Santago said. "It meets our regs. It does. And any other consideration would be bias of predetermination, which we can't do."

"I had numerous concerns adjacent with the community concerns about the traffic. A lot of those concerns have been addressed," said PZC member Jennifer Clock. "I can't find another reason to not support this."

Zoning board member Christina Volpe expressed the most concerns about the project's safety impacts and said they deserved a significant look by the PZC.

Ultimately, however, she voted "yes" for both project votes despite those concerns.

"I do have an issue with that tonight," Volpe said prior to the special permit vote. "As it stands right now, I'm still very concerned about how safe it is in that corridor."

At past discussions on the proposal, the development's economic benefits to the community played a role in those who supported the project.

Economic impacts

The Southington Town Council has already voted in favor of tax breaks for the project as a means to encourage the development, doing so Feb. 27.

Town officials estimate the annual tax revenue for the project, based on the current tax rate, is $1.8 million a year or, about, a half mill.

But, officials said, that increases to nearly $2 million to $2.5 million annually taking into account personal property and motor vehicles of the tenants.

For all documents and plans relative to the proposal, click on this link.

For a development map of the proposed site, click on this link.

From March 8: 'Hearing To Resume On Massive Apartment/Retail Project In Southington'