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07/06/2005 |
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PZB seeks to cut size of project in Devon |
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Brian McCready , Milford Bureau Chief |
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MILFORD — Planning and Zoning Board members had a simple
message for developer Louis D’Amato Tuesday night: Reduce
the size of your affordable housing project in the Devon
section.
The PZB took no action on D’Amato’s bid to construct a 28-unit
complex on Naugatuck Avenue that includes nine affordable units.
The board must vote on the application by Aug. 25. Members
suggested the extra time would allow D’Amato to scale back the
size of his project. However, if that does not occur, the
project will likely be approved anyway because it conforms to
zoning regulations, members said.
City Planner David Sulkis told members that D’Amato has not made
any alterations to his proposal as of Tuesday night. City
sources reaffirmed that D’Amato is likely to reduce his project
from 28 to between 20 and 22 units and remove the affordable
housing aspect, but may now wait until garnering approval on his
pending application so that he could still use those plans in
the event revised plans, which do not include an affordable
housing component, are denied.
Devon residents have railed against the proposal, saying the
complex is too dense and would add cars to already crowded
streets and children to overburdened schools. Led by Kim Rose,
residents have already stated they plan to sue if D’Amato’s
original application is approved by the city.
Residents have alleged that Devon is being "dumped on" by the
city. More than 200 Devon residents jammed City Hall in May to
attend a public hearing denouncing D’Amato’s plans.
PZB member Jean Cervin said she would love to vote against the
project, but it meets all the city’s regulations. The city in
2002 designated a section of Naugatuck Avenue as being able to
sustain affordable housing in an effort to control the density
of such applications.
"There’s only one person who can change this and that’s Mr.
D’Amato," said Cervin.
PZB Vice Chairman Mark Lofthouse, R-5, said he hopes D’Amato
will reduce the number of units from 28 to 20.
Sulkis reiterated D’Amato’s proposal meets "all the requirements
in the book." "You can talk about tweaking it but there is no
basis for it," Sulkis said. "He can put whatever he wants there
as long as it’s affordable housing. … You’ve got your hands
tied."
City officials have routinely stated the state affordable
housing statute allows local developers to circumvent local
zoning laws.
PZB member Frank Goodrich, R-3, said he wished he did not have
to vote on the application. He said the proposal will not
adversely affect schools, will generate less traffic than a
mixed-use development, and the height of the buildings is not
intolerable.
But Goodrich noted while the project may conform to regulations
he can not vote to approve the plans.
"The people elected me and I will vote against this project,"
Goodrich said.
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