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05/18/2005 |
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Devon protests housing complex |
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Phil Helsel , Register Staff |
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MILFORD — The deep opposition to a housing complex proposed
for a Devon neighborhood remained strong Tuesday night, with
community residents packing a Planning and Zoning Board
meeting and some even hissing the developer.
At press time, planners were still listening to residents
opposed to a Naugatuck Avenue housing complex proposed by
builder Louis D'Amato. The board was not expected to take any
action. Board member John Ludtke, R-4, said, "There's still a
lot of talking to do."
At least three dozen people crowded outside City Hall before the
meeting, carrying signs that read things like "Density does not
revitalize" and "Where is the traffic study?" Those same signs
would be later be draped from the balcony as the meeting
commenced.
During the meeting, D'Amato, who is proposing the project along
with his sons James and Louis Jr. under the name Naugatuck LLC,
and his attorney defended the project.
They said it was a proper use under both the city's zoning code
and the state affordable housing regulations. According to the
plans, 28 units in five buildings would be built on an overgrown
plot of land.
Nine of the one- and two-bedroom apartments would be designated
as "affordable," meaning that they are priced for occupants who
make at most 80 percent of the median income in Milford of
$76,660.
But the residents, most opposed to the project, say that it
would contribute to an overcrowded section of town and
exacerbate traffic problems on Naugatuck Avenue.
Many also felt that the city's zoning board has singled out
Devon for low-income housing, because it designated Naugatuck
Avenue — as well as New Haven Avenue and Boston Post Road — for
low-income housing two years ago.
"I don't know about the legal stuff. I just feel that our end of
Milford is getting awful crowded," said Linda Feller, 55, of 607
Milford Point Road. "They're trying to revitalize Devon, and you
slam this in there. ... I just don't see where the neighborhood
is going to gain anything from this."
Alderman Vincent Ditchkus Jr., R-3, who represents Devon, went
further and questioned the legality of the designation.
The state's affordable housing law allows for developers to
circumvent a city's zoning requirements to build affordable
housing, and it prompted the city to designate areas for the
affordable housing in the first place, said PZB Vice Chairman
Mark Lofthouse, R-5.
D'Amato sees the fight as basically about low-income people and
families moving to Milford.
"I didn't propose the zone. I'm just fulfilling what the zoning
board said to do," said D'Amato, who is also the owner of
D'Amato Brothers Builders. "Really, what they don't want is
affordable housing. If that wasn't a part of this, it wouldn't
be an issue."
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