A local developer wants to build the city’s first 55 and over community on an old quarry off Hull Street.
View 55 and Over Proposal in a larger map
TWC Development LLC submitted its application to build 21 condominium units on 4.6 acres at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting last week.
But commissioners didn’t like the prospect of using an existing home on the property for a community center.
Ansonia regulations require “centrally-located” community centers be included for all 55 and over subdivisions, according to Bart Flaherty, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
“It can’t fly,” Flaherty said about converting a single-family home into a community center for the new development. “You’re not going to do it. You’re not going to change this house. And we want this to fly. This is the first 55 and over we’re looking at and it seems like it could be a good use.”
An attorney and an engineer for the project said the developer wanted to keep the home as the community center because they wanted to refurbish the structure rather than tear it down and build new.
“Obviously your perspective is heard,” said engineer Holt McChord of McChord Engineer Associates in Wilton. “The concept of recycling and utilizing a house, rather than tearing it down and building a new structure is one aspect of why we proposed it.”
While commissioners were concerned that the community center would only have three parking spaces, McChord said the building was close enough for the seniors to walk to events at it.
“It’s woefully inadequate,” Flaherty said of the parking. “You only have three parking places. So what’s going to happen is that people are going to start parking on the street.”
Commissioners also expressed early concern about rock crushing that would have to take place to level off the land before construction.
The proposed building lot includes a retention basin used during the building of Route 8, which borders the property on the west side. And the central part of the property has an unused quarry, which McChord said would be filled in.
The developer expects a month of active rock crushing on the site to level off the land.
“You’ve got a lot of kids in this area,” Flaherty said. “A lot of kids, a lot of parents, trying to live their lives.”
Ray Sadlik, a representative for TWC Development LLC, said the condominiums would be cottage style homes, with vaulted ceilings, one-car garages and gas fire places.
The homes would have one first-floor bedroom and a loft area where a second bedroom could go. He said the grounds would have bocci courts, a gazebo and a gardening area, and the plans allow for recreation-vehicle parking near the Route 8 line.
Sadlik estimated the units might be put on the market for $250,000 to $300,000 each.
The proposal will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission at its next meeting, and will be given a public hearing before any vote is taken.
Sadlik said he would like to begin the project in the spring.
