It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Harrison House in Branford, CT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Branford, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael,”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. ”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She is”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. Angela”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael, Michael has now been caring for my Dad for a few months now, totally reliable and such a peace of mind for the family that he's there. Dad just loves him. I don't think we could have found a better fit for Dad. Michael cares about Dad as if he was family. Thank you for making this time in Dad's life so much happier and giving his family such peace of mind. Linda Lee”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation was quite desperate when I contacted them to provide a live in care giver for my mother in law. Denise, more than understood our situation when I called. I contacted ABC earlier in the day and by evening, she was at my mother in law’s home and matched us with a wonderful care giver! Rosina immediately bonded with my mother in law!! The professionalism and compassion Rosina showed was beyond measure. She never left her side and kept us well informed as my mother in law was unfortunately and quickly approaching end of life…..Rosina even stayed with us through the process as my mother in law left her home one last time…….Much Appreciation from The Cotrona Family!!”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. Sky and Ruth were amazing, patient, kind, and caring with my father during a very difficult time at the end of his life. I know my dad appreciated it, and the entire family says a big "THANK YOU" for the tremendous care that you provided. Having your help made things so much easier on my mother and the family.”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano and to witness the care, attention and professionalism she provides to her clients. Cynthia represents her company with pride and truly provides services to her clients with their needs above all else. Anyone in need of services for their loved one will be fortunate, pleased and grateful to work with Cynthia Montano and Always Best Care.”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She is very caring and understanding with my 94 year old single uncle. Not an easy job , but she is able to help him in so many ways. Carol is very reliable, trust worthy, and compassionate. We are lucky to have her! I would also like to give Tia in the office a huge compliment! She is really on her game if an issue comes up she is on top of things. It is hard to find good help, she foresee problems and handles things efficiently. Our experience has been very positive!”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate Yolanda. She comes to our home weekly for light cleaning and she is a breath of fresh air. Every Friday she brightens our home with her presence. Yolanda also does a wonderful job taking care Of our home. Please let her know how much we appreciate her. Brad Nelson”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I have ever worked with my husband is disabled and she is so kind and treats him and both of us like family. She makes sure he eats properly cleans, and spend special time with my husband. You are very, very lucky to have such a great worker I know because I work with other agencies for my mother and you can’t find someone who cares for someone like Nellie does. She should be recognized and rewarded for her efforts. She is never late never calls and is always positive and friendly. I look forward to seeing her every day and consider her family, thank you Beth and Scott Albertson”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for their loved ones. Within 1 hour of initial contact, Denise was at my home to gain an understanding of my needs. The very next day, Sharon began working with me and I couldn't be more pleased. Sharon is friendly and helpful and I will miss her now that I no longer need home care services. If you are looking for a home care agency that assures skilled aides and good communication and oversight, look no further than Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. Angela , my mom's home health aid has been so patient and caring - just what we were hoping and looking for! Would highly recommend!!”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our prayers ????”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to my brother and me in helping us transition our mother from independent to assisted living. Cynthia educated us about the various “models” of assisted living communities in an effort to ascertain the appropriate level of support required for our mom. She was sensitive to finances and lifestyle preference. Cynthia has a network of relationships among assisted living facilities, and always did hands on research before presenting us with options to tour. She is truly a professional. Cynthia has generously made herself available to brainstorm, as we begin to think about eventual next steps. Thank you, Cynthia.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things I can't do, they help me. I like that they are prompt and always on time.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always Best Care provides!”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly the kindest, caring, compassionate competent care giver there is. You’ve treated my father and my whole family with a loving heart. We will forever be grateful for making this difficult time easier. We love having you a part of our family.”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him from being depressed and she's always asking if he took his medications. I would like to see more consistent communication.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling and checking in on us. I like that they're always able to find someone for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on vacation, they reached out to me. I like their caregivers they send.”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There were a few bumps in the road, but we have hit the jackpot with two of our caregivers. Melissa Pericas and Jordene have been amazing! My mother has been struggling with having strangers in her home and letting someone else take care of her husband, but these two lovely women have melded into the family and put her completely at ease. They are both very experienced and are doing and amazing job. My mom is able to put the caregiving into their capable hands and focus on being his wife and spend valuable time with him. These ladies both deserve 5 stars!! I rated the agency with 4 stars because we had some scheduling issues in the beginning and had one caregiver that was problematic, but he was removed from our schedule as soon as I reported the issue.”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting better. He is happier than he has ever been. I like that they are very responsive.”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and us with this transition process. She has been wonderful explaining everything. If we had questions or just needed to talk about what is going on with the parents she was there to help. She goes above and beyond. She has help us tremendously. I feel blessed for having Cynthia during this time. Our family would like to say thank you for everything. We couldn't have done it without her.”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is what we call her. Shay is a life saver without her I'll be running like a chicken with my head cut off. She has stepped in and saved the day numerous times between changing her schedule to work with ours, to even making sure Steve visits his wife grave. We appreciate her please don't take her from us steve would be devastated. She's amazing”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Parker Memorial Park in Branford, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ôtoulouse or visit Stony Creek Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Branford, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Branford, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Branford, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Previously slated to be held at Branford High School, the hearing is set for 6 p.m. at the 185 Damascus Road school's auditorium.BRANFORD, CT — Thursday's Planning and Zoning Commission's public hearing on the BJ's Wholesale Club application, previously set to be held at Branford High School, has been moved to Walsh Intermediate School, officials said.The hearing is set for 6 p.m. at the 185 Damascus Road school's auditorium.Application PZ-26-39 proposes a commercial development anchored by BJ's Wholesale Club at...
BRANFORD, CT — Thursday's Planning and Zoning Commission's public hearing on the BJ's Wholesale Club application, previously set to be held at Branford High School, has been moved to Walsh Intermediate School, officials said.
The hearing is set for 6 p.m. at the 185 Damascus Road school's auditorium.
Application PZ-26-39 proposes a commercial development anchored by BJ's Wholesale Club at 569 and 573 East Main Street in Branford. The site is a 37-acre vacant site previously eyed for a Costco.
The applicant is Sound Development Group LLC & BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. 595 Corporate Circle is the owner of 569 East Main Street. NF & W Cooke Limited Partnership is the owner of 573 East Main Street.
The proposal is a Planned Development District, Master Plan, and Zoning Map Amendment.
It includes a BJ's Wholesale Club—a 106,700 sq. ft. store with an attached liquor store along East Main Street. An eight-pump gas station on East Industrial Road. Two 2,800 sq. ft. freestanding fast-food restaurants with drive-thrus, a 7,600 sq. ft. full-service sit-down restaurant, and a 16,000 sq. ft. commercial retail plaza with a drive-thru.
There will not be a remote option for attending the October 29, 2026 meeting.? BCTV is scheduled to provide a live broadcast of the meeting.Public Hearing Overview1. Public testimonya. There will be a sign-up sheet at the meeting; those that wish to speak will be asked to provide their name and address for the record. The sign-up sheet is an administrativeaid, not a prerequisite to speaking.i. Public testimony will be called for based on the sign-up sheet.ii. Before concluding public testimony, the Chair will invite anyone who has not signed up and wishes to speak to do so.b. To ensure everyone has a chance to speak, verbal public testimony will ordinarily be limited to three minutes per person. The limit will be applied evenhandedly, subject tothe Chair’s discretion to allow additional time when appropriate.
Commission and staff questions3. Applicant and intervenor responsesa. The Chair will provide the applicant and intervenor reasonable opportunities to address new issues or evidence raised in public testimony, Commission questions, orstaff comments. Responses will be limited to relevant matters and will avoid repetitive argument. If a response introduces additional new matter, the Chair will allow a reasonable opportunity for the affected participants to address it.b. If insufficient time remains for necessary questions, review, or responses, the hearing will be continued rather than closed without those opportunities.4. Continuation or closure of the Public Hearinga. Before closing the hearing, the Chair will confirm that public testimony has been invited and that reasonable opportunities to review and respond to new materials have been provided.b. If business is not completed, the Chair will announce the date, time, and location or remote-access arrangements for the continued hearing on the record. Planning staffwill update this overview and the posted schedule and arrange for any required meeting notice and agenda. Any continuation remains subject to applicable hearing deadlines and any necessary applicant consent to an extension.
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BRANFORD — The scheduled three-part public hearing on a developer's application to build a 106,700-square-foot BJ's Wholesale Club on the same East Main Street property where a bid to build a Costco warehouse club was centered a decade ago will now become a four-part hearing.The Planning and Zoning Commission announced the fourth session to hear the arguments and experts from two community organization intervenors in the proceedings, after neither intervenor was prepared to proceed during a 2 1/2-hour virtual meeting Thursday ni...
BRANFORD — The scheduled three-part public hearing on a developer's application to build a 106,700-square-foot BJ's Wholesale Club on the same East Main Street property where a bid to build a Costco warehouse club was centered a decade ago will now become a four-part hearing.
The Planning and Zoning Commission announced the fourth session to hear the arguments and experts from two community organization intervenors in the proceedings, after neither intervenor was prepared to proceed during a 2 1/2-hour virtual meeting Thursday night.
Several dozen people attended on the online Zoom platform. Others watched on Branford Community TV and YouTube.
The developers, Sound Development Group LLC & BJ’S Wholesale Club, Inc., presented some changes and responded to questions during the second session of what essentially is one long public hearing, which began Oct. 1. Representatives detailed a number of changes in response to previous questions and comments from PZC members and the PZC-hired peer reviewer, engineering consultant Nicolas Moss of Fuss & O'Neill.
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It began with the PZC unanimously approving the petition of a second community group, the Branford Land Trust, which now has joined the previously-approved Branford Citizens for Responsible Development organization as an intervenor.
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The next installment of the public hearing, to take place in person on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., will be devoted entirely to public testimony. But its location, originally announced as the Branford High School auditorium, has been changed to the auditorium at Francis Walsh Intermediate School, 185 Damascus Rd., PZC Chairman Charles Andres said.
The fourth session is likely to take place virtually on Zoom after the Oct. 29 session, possibly at the PZC's next regular meeting on Nov. 5, although the date has not yet been finalized, said Andres and Deputy Director of Planning, Conservation & Development Jaymie Frederick.
The Zoom address for the meetings is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82772420034. All of the meetings are broadcast on BCTV and streamed on Branford's YouTube channel. Members of the public also may email written testimony to [email protected].
The development site, on land at 569 and 573 East Main St. just off Interstate's Exit 56, is owned by former Hilltop Orchards co-owner Wayne Cooke. It is behind the Super Stop & Shop store on Leetes Island Road.
In addition to the warehouse club itself, the application includes a 16-pump gas station, a 7,600-square-foot sit-down restaurant, two 2,800-square-foot "quick-serve" restaurants with drive-through lanes and a 16,000-square-foot retail strip with a drive-through at one end, according to the application.
The Oct. 1 session was devoted entirely to the presentation of the developers. Thursday's second session included an additional presentation by the developers' represenattives, brief opening statements by attorneys for the two intervenors and discusion about the future sessions.
New Haven attorney Majorie Shansky presented the plan on behalf of the developers, joined by Phil DeGennaro, principal of Sound Development Group, BJ's Site Development Manager Jeff Black and Kevin Solli and Luke Mauro, environmental and traffic engineers from Solli Engineering of Monroe.
Among the changes Solli mentioned were modifiying the Leetes Island Road driveway to a accommodate fuller movement, slight modifications to make a driveway behind the building one-way and removing the proposed traffic signal at the main entrance and replacing it with a stop sign.
"This site is uniquely located with direct access from I-95 northbound and southbound" via East Industrial Road, Solli said, adding that "the analysis does indicate that the area roadway network can accommodate the traffic and provide acceptable levels of service."
Solli also pointed out, as he did on Oct. 1, that 'the project, for which the applicant is seeking a planned development district — a form of zone change — offers a considerable reduction from the Costco development" and also would include a lower level of development than might be allowed under and alternative plan developed under the current zoning.
Several PZC members asked questions, include member Joe Chadwick, who asked about extensive comments submitted by one member of the public "who ran this through ChatGPT or something like that" and made a number of suggestions for changes based on that analysis.
Solli, Shansky and even the PZC's peer reviewer, Moss, urged caustion, with Solli saying, "I think the use of (AI) is very difficult to rely upon when you don't know how prompts were given, you don't know what direction was given."
The proposed plan was "designed by professional engineers who are trained ... It was reviewed by a peer reviewer who also is a professional. .. How can you cross-examine someone" when you don't how they achieved their results, he asked.
"This is an issue that is running rampant through the American Bar Association, through the American Planning Association" and "it cannot be relied upon," said Shansky. "I find it to be specious in its probativeness because it is working blind ... We don't know what the (prompting) was ... I think we have to be very wary about throwing away" professional judgement in favor of something provided by artificial intelligence, she said.
Moss also urged caution about "using that to supplant the credibility of professional engineers," and said, "I would agree with Mr. Solli and Ms. Shansky."
Andres agreed, saying he thought both Solli and Shansky did a good job of questioning what might come out of AI results.
Representatives of both intervenors, attorneys Seth Klaskin for Branford Citizens for Responsible Development and Michael Leone for the Branford Land Trust, spoke briefly, although neither called any experts to ask questions of.
Klaskin questioned Solli about "the standard length of a tractor-trailer" that would serve BJ's. Solli said a standard wheel bass would be about 67 feet, although there also are smaller trucks with wheel bases of about 30 feet.
Klaskin also asked about the length of the I-95 exit ramps, but Solli said he didn't have that information readily available, but said information about the size of vehicles and levels of service "have been included in our traffic study."
"What would the result be traffic backing up on to the Interstate," Klaskin asked.
"Congestion," Solli respooonded.
"And would that be a safety issue?" Klaskin asked.
"Congestion itself is not a safety issue — and that's been codified" in various legal cases, Solli said.
Klaskin also asked questions about diesel and gasoline leaks and runoff that might find its way into the Branford River and Jarvis Creek watersheds, saying at one point that "this plan endangers the fragile shellfish industry that Branford and the state have been working diligently to support."
He did not immediately provide any information to back up that assertion.
Klaskin also pointed out that just 20-25 minutes away, "you can get your 25-pack of toilet paper not at Costco, not at Sam's Club, but at another BJ's," referring to the BJ's store on Universal Drive in North Haven.
Klaskin quoted extensively from the town's Plan of Conservation and Development, which he said makes the PZC the town's lead party for enforcing water quality standards.
The POCD also calls for "a more natural approach" employing "low impact development," he said, adding, "This application does not even come close to applying LID principals."
At a future meeting, he said he plans to present an expert who's a licensed civil engineer and an expert in low-impact development, he said.
Leone, speaking very briefly, said he plans to call at least two experts, an engineer and an ecologist, but "I'm not prepared to go forward tonight," he said.
Shansky said what was presented Thursday "was argument" but require the testimony of experts, and "the burden of proof is with the intervenor ... Tonight gave you nothing of an evidentiary nature," she said. The POCD "is given life when the commission adopts regulations based on it."
"We will provide a full response to the argument that's been presented..."
BJ's, headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., currently has 13 stores in Connecticut, 11 of which have gas stations.
Oct 17, 2026
Mark Zaretsky is a reporter with the New Haven Register. Zaretsky is a Chicago native and longtime New Haven resident and an award-winning reporter and music writer for the New Haven Register and Hearst Connecticut Media Group. His beats include East Haven and Branford, regional issues and occasional blues and roots music stories. He also makes a point of knowing where all the good ethnic and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, bars and bakeries are -- and is an unapologetic Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls fan. In addition to his work as a journalist, Zaretsky is a front man for The Cobalt Rhythm Kings and The Chicago Dawgs and occasionally performs with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Crime & Safety Indian Neck-Pine Orchard, Engine 9, arrived on scene within minutes of dispatch and was able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire: BFDBRANFORD, CT — Branford firefighters responded to a structure fire at Parkside Village II apartments Monday morning, the department said in a news release.At around 11:40 a.m., the property manager of the complex at 3 Block Island Road called 911 to report the "whole apartment on fire," the department noted.Branford Emergency Communications...
Crime & Safety
BRANFORD, CT — Branford firefighters responded to a structure fire at Parkside Village II apartments Monday morning, the department said in a news release.
At around 11:40 a.m., the property manager of the complex at 3 Block Island Road called 911 to report the "whole apartment on fire," the department noted.
Branford Emergency Communications also received a report of a fire alarm from the alarm monitoring service at approximately the same time, they said.
Parkside II is a 40-unit residential complex that is home primarily to older residents, firefighters noted.
According to fire officials, the fire originated in building A, unit 3. Indian Neck-Pine Orchard, Engine 9, arrived on scene within minutes of dispatch and was able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire limiting damage to the apartment of origin, officials said.
The apartment sustained significant fire damage and was subsequently deemed uninhabitable by the building inspector, according to the department.
The resident of the apartment that was on fire was not in the home at the time, it was noted. The department added that several other apartments required ventilation.
The Branford Fire Department is working with property management to determine if any other residents of the building will need relocation, fire officials said.
There were no reported injuries.
Responding units included Engines 1, 2, and 9; Ladder Truck 1; Ambulance 1; and Cars 1, 2, 8, and 9. Guilford Fire Department was dispatched as the Rapid Intervention Team but was canceled prior to arrival, "with our thanks," the release reads.
Fire department units remained on scene until approximately 12:30 p.m.
According to the release, Fire Marshal Rob Dobuzinsky "has determined the fire to be accidental in nature."
"While cleaning out the apartment and moving furniture, a mattress was left in contact with the stovetop adjacent to the door, and the stove knob inadvertently turned on," fire officials said.
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Branford HornetsVarsity Girls Soccer Branford, CT61Followers
26-27
Overall
8-10
League
0-0
NAT Rank
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CT Rank
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2026-27 V. Soccer
2026-27
Last Match
Home • Non-League
Branford8-101Lyman Hall10-6-16
Branford8-101
10/27Final
Lyman Hall10-6-16
Box Score
Overall8-100.444 Win Pct
League0-00.000 Win Pct
Home7-4Away1-6Neutral0-0
GF44GA55Streak5L
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For the second time in a decade, Branford is poised to decide whether to let developers build a big-box warehouse store on about 40 acres of former apple orchards in the town’s northeastern corner.A band of residents is campaigning against the proposed 107,000-square-foot BJ’s Wholesale Club near Interstate 95, warning it would cause environmental damage and traffic jams while eroding the shoreline town’s charm and providing no economic value.“Retail box stores are among the worst sources of tax revenue ...
For the second time in a decade, Branford is poised to decide whether to let developers build a big-box warehouse store on about 40 acres of former apple orchards in the town’s northeastern corner.
A band of residents is campaigning against the proposed 107,000-square-foot BJ’s Wholesale Club near Interstate 95, warning it would cause environmental damage and traffic jams while eroding the shoreline town’s charm and providing no economic value.
“Retail box stores are among the worst sources of tax revenue per acre of land used,” reads an online petition against the project. “Studies have also shown that retail box stores can cost more in town services than the tax revenue they provide.”
But others are taking the Sound Development Group LLC’s side, saying new jobs, fresh economic vitality and the developer’s projection of $422,000 in annual tax revenue would help the town. In a rarely heard appeal, they also say a warehouse store would benefit fixed-income seniors by providing a convenient source of lower-cost groceries.
“This will be an opportunity to help us reduce our expenses as our costs continue to increase. Seniors (and others) are being priced out of their current housing,” reads a petition recently signed by more than 60 people.
The debate over the BJ’s outlet largely mirrors what happened a decade ago when Costco wanted to build on the same site, where the family-owned Hilltop Orchards operated a popular fruit farm and roadside store for more than a century before closing in 2004. The site is now largely woodlands and brush.
Landowner Wayne Cooke wanted to sell when Costco put forward a development proposal in 2015, but the project couldn’t secure approval from the wetlands board. During a prolonged municipal review, one faction of residents called on officials to let Costco build while another lobbied to scuttle the plan — all citing many of the arguments being made in the BJ’s case now.
Costco ultimately abandoned the project in 2016 before a decision was made. Cooke sued two town officials claiming bias and retaliation motivated the delays, and a jury awarded him $202,000 two years ago.
He now wants Sound Development to get permission to build a BJ’s Wholesale Club on the property along with a 16-pump gas station, a full-service restaurant, two fast food outlets and a roughly 16,000-square-foot retail building.
The public will get to put forward opinions Thursday evening at a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing. The session has been scheduled for the Walsh Intermediate School auditorium because of the anticipated large crowd.
Opposition appears to be targeted at any large-scale, high-traffic development on the property, with no specific complaints about BJ’s itself.
A public company based in Massachusetts, BJ’s operates in 17 states in the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast along with Ohio, Texas and Michigan. It does business in about a dozen warehouse stores across Connecticut; the closest to Branford are in Waterford, North Haven, Stratford, Fairfield, Derby, Waterford and Wallingford.
Some support comes from local senior citizens who specifically want a high-volume warehouse store known for relatively low prices, particularly in the grocery section.
“We are in favor of BJ’s building a new wholesale location/store in Branford and look forward to the day we can start shopping at BJ’s,” according to the petition supporting the plan.
“Branford’s population in 2023 was 30% age 65 and older. The local senior centers will be able to offer rides to BJ’s for those folks who do not drive at all or do not drive on the highways and the ‘Q’ bridge.”
Donald Poland of Goman+York, a consultant working with Sound Development, concluded in a study that plan makes sense.
“The subject site is a prime location for retail development,” he wrote. “The retail use is market feasible, while commercial office, hotel, and industrial uses are not feasible or marginal or not suitable for the site.”
Environmentalists argue that a massive increase in pavement and concrete combined with an uncommonly large fuel station will risk runoff of contaminated water into the Branford River and Jarvis Creek watersheds.
Opponents also contend that traffic on already-busy roads will be worsened, and warn that a local traffic jam could cause a backup on the nearby I-95 off-ramp — potentially leaving a long line of shoppers at a standstill on the highway alongside a lane of high-speed traffic.
First Selectman Josh Brooks also has raised questions.
“Historically, big box stores do not contribute enough financially to our tax base to outweigh their costs. The increased traffic and the demand on our infrastructure and emergency services come at a price to our taxpayers,” he wrote this summer.
Branford Citizens for Responsible Development is calling for a large turnout of residents Thursday to speak against the proposal.
The hearing will be continued to another session later in November for presentations by two community groups that have intervened in the case.
The Branford Land Trust and the Branford Citizens for Responsible Development are expected to provide expert witnesses testifying against the project.
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