Divisive High Ridge Building Plan Approved

owner Nagi Osta's application to the local zoning board to build an apartment complex and day care center at 826 High Ridge Road was approved Monday evening amid mixed public desire for the new development.

"I think it's a nice development for the neighborhood," Osta said earlier in the day, and later stated that if his application for Maple Ridge was approved, he would make the neighborhood safer before construction begins.

According to Osta, he has pushed for the creation of Maple Ridge since Jan., and has spent "over $100,000" in the process of obtaining permission to build.

According to a , Osta faced stiff opposition from citizens in the neighborhood of 826 High Ridge who did not desire the a new, large complex in the region, mostly due to already-existing traffic congestion in the area.
The Maple Ridge opposition started a writte petition to have Osta's application denied, and also created the website "Stopnagi." Since Osta's community forum at , he has engaged in a public hearing for his application.

According to the minutes of the Nov. 10 public hearing for Maple Ridge, complaints about the complex included:

Norman McDermit, 33 Merriman Road, said that he did not see a need for the day care center and was also opposed to renters.

Eileen Demarcus, Wilder Road, testified that traffic was bad and there was no need for day care.

Burt Othehouse, Old North Stamford Road, commented that the units might be used by Section 8 tenants and result in more crime.

When supporters were called at the public hearing, official minutes of the meeting state:

Lisa Paul Streatfeld, 40 Bradley Place, said that she understood and agreed with the applicant’s vision for improving the neighborhood.

Tricia Revelle, 33 Briar Court, said that the existing housing needed to be replaced and that the architectural plans are attractive and a good use of a busy street, and that child day care is a good use.

Chris Beregio, 28 Maplewood Place, commented that the project would improve the property values of surrounding properties.

Members of the Maple Ridge opposition were present for Monday night's meeting, but they did not speak publically against the application.

Besides a day care and an apartment complex, Osta lists putting in a new sidewalk among many goals he has for the area surrounding 826 High Ridge Road. Prior to Nov. 10 public hearing, Osta revised his original proposal, reducing the number of units in the apartment complex of Maple Ridge from 22 to 17. The day care will have the capacity for 120 children.

"I think the neighbors were good, we listened to them, and they listened to us," Osta said after he received approval from the zoning board. According to Osta, construction on the new complex will begin in the spring.