The developers of the four-story, affordable housing building were granted a 21-day application extension last week by the zoning board.
SOUTHINGTON, CT — Action on a controversial apartment building project in Southington that would increase the town's affordable housing stock has been delayed.
The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission tabled three applications June 3 that would have paved the way for construction of a 65-unit building off South Main Street.
Southington PZC Chairman Robert Hammersley said the applicant, 3 Squared LLC out of Plainville, requested a 21-day extension, which puts it to the meeting on July 15.
As a result, the public hearing, which opened May 20 and continued to last week's meeting June 3, remains open and will continue to July 15.
Hammersley said the applicant is taking what it received at the last meeting, May 20 and June 3, making revisions, and bringing it before the PZC.
3 Squared LLC proposes to build an L-shaped, four-story apartment building in Southington off 1104 S. Main St.
The apartment building would be located on a large parcel home to Rosewood Apartments (elderly housing), a jeweler, and Supreme Lake Manufacturing.
But in order for that to happen, it needs the PZC to approve a text amendment in Southington's regulations to create an "affordable housing zone."
The PZC, then, must approve a change in the zoning district lines on the site, now zoned for business, to be included in this new "affordable housing zone."
Once those applications are approved, the PZC would have to debate and discuss a special permit to build the apartment complex.
When the public was given the floor on May 20, no one spoke in favor of the project.
Many, however, expressed concerns and, at times, downright opposition.
Specifically, many had traffic concerns about South Main Street as it is now, with a new housing development being pitched there only increasing those worries.
Those concerns were reiterated by speakers at last week's hearing on June 3.
Resident Ruth Benham said she "understands the need for change and flexing when needed."
But, she said, her concerns revolve around "overall safety impacts from traffic flow on Milldale Avenue, parking on the streets, individuals speeding on the road, walkers who utilize the street for school and every day activities."
The development would be across the street from John F. Kennedy Middle School.
That concerned resident Asia Quninones, who lives nearby on Atwater Street and whose son goes to school at JFK Middle.
"This is a very, very small area to put in such a huge obstruction. Construction upsets the land. There is noise. There are sharp objects. This leaves no room for children to play," she said.
"There is no room for this at all. It will not be a safe environment for children who walk across the street to school and ride their bikes on the street. If this is something to come, I have to uproot my family for something that is going to create a very unsafe situation for my child."
Plantsville resident Thomas Peterman also expressed safety worries last week.
"The place isn’t that big, and you want to change zoning to put a building within 10 feet of each other. Hope a fire doesn’t happen. This is one that won’t work. It just doesn’t make sense," Peterman said.
Taking into account public comments and zoning board questions, the applicant is expected to appear before the PZC July 15 and address those concerns.
For the minutes of the June 3 Southington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.