EASTON — A reduction in density has not stopped residents from demanding denial of one developer's proposed housing project on land sitting in both Trumbull and Easton.
Easton developer Stephen Shapiro has filed plans with the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission for 15 Plumtree Lane, seeking a zone change to allow for construction of 19 townhouses — with the home located in Easton remaining. The commission last month denied Shapiro's plan for 29 townhouses — filed under the state's 8-30 affordable housing statute.
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Shapiro said new plans still contain an affordable component, with 18 units located in Easton, one in Trumbull.
"This is inappropriate," said Jeff Becker of Cedar Hill Road, one of a handful of residents who voiced concerns during the commission's public hearing Tuesday at the Easton Senior Center.
"We should fight this in court ... we should not be strong armed by a lawyer ... for the benefit of the greedy," Becker added to applause from the crowd.
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Residents and some commissioners raised concerns about fire department access, a major increase in density added to a area prone to flooding and the handling of wastewater. Commissioners acknowledged the 8-30 statute limits their power but stated the lack of a formal site plan hinders their ability to determine if any health or safety issues would exist if built.
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Fire Marshal Schuyler Sherwood said he is concerned fire department personnel would have adequate access to the proposed development, specifically if the road was large enough for apparatus. He said there is also no information if the water supply available would be sufficient to battle a blaze on the site.
"It is difficult to determine the impacts," he said citing the lack of a formal site plan.
Another resident stated the project would be a 300% increase on the present density and asked the commission if such a jump was ever approved on such properties in town.
Instead of appealing the denial of the 29-unit plan, Shapiro has taken advantage of a provision of the state's affordable housing statute which allows him to first file a modified proposal.
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“Easton has the third lowest affordable housing percentage in the state," Shapiro told Hearst CT Media, adding "considering the nearby transportation and amenities, Park Avenue location and density that is comparable or less to single family zones in neighboring towns, I think it’s about time we build a product that can give an opportunity for teachers, first responders and farm employees to live in the town they work in and downsizing seniors the opportunity to stay.”
Attorney Stephen Bellis, representing Shapiro, said the developer chose to offer the modified plan, which he says answers concerns about fire safety, density and building height raised during the previous hearing process. Shapiro said the new plans put the housing project outside Trumbull's wetland setbacks.
The new plan cuts the number of townhouses and places the majority in Easton rather than Trumbull, as was done with the previous plan. Shapiro said 30% of the units would be set aside as affordable.
Shapiro also had the buildings' height meet the town's zoning requirements.
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Shapiro, a strong proponent of workforce housing who has project decisions pending or approvals for construction in numerous municipalities including Shelton, Milford, Trumbull, Stratford and Fairfield, said the development would be near a new medical facility, a half mile from a bus stop and the Trumbull Mall and near access to the Merritt Parkway.
The Plumtree Lane site is also the only site in Easton with sewer access, and the only one within a half mile of public transit.
The 29-unit plan was also denied by Trumbull's wetlands commission earlier this year.
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