For one Derby resident on Belleview Drive, the fight against a new development on her street is about more than just traffic or density.
She’s also fighting in memory of her beloved Basset Hound, Sophie.
The resident, who asked that her name not be used, choked up as she spoke about the speeding car that hit her and took her dog’s life last summer during a walk on Belleview Drive. She said she’s worried that a plan to build more houses on her quiet road could result in more cars on the street. That would mean more chances that the next time she’s hit, it’s while she’s walking with her granddaughter, not her dog.
The woman is one of a group of Belleview Drive neighbors who are united in opposition to a proposed zone change that would allow developer Ray Sadlik to build a four-house subdivision off a corner of the loop road. The proposal, if approved, would change a parcel from industrial to residential. The undeveloped parcel, which sits behind a white picket gate, is currently zoned half industrial and half residential.
Sadlik has said that his ultimate goal is to build a four-house subdivision there. That would require a second application to the zoning board.
Opposition
At a contentious meeting of the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission last month, Sadlik and his attorney got an earful from about a dozen neighbors who spoke out against the plan, according to minutes from the meeting.
About a dozen resident spoke.
They argued that four new houses would be too many on a street that already has more houses than current regulations allow. The development would increase traffic and could cause water and sewer strain, they said.
Some, like Bill Nicolette and Maureen Jacko, said they were concerned with extra traffic that might be created if more homes are built on the street, according to meeting minutes.
Others, like Elizabeth Laurella, were concerned about the impact on education costs in the city.
Several said the entire neighborhood was opposed.
Support
Sadlik came to the meeting armed with letters from the police and fire departments, the Department of Public Works, the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Valley Council of Governments. All the letters stated that the plan would not have adverse effects on the neighborhood.
Chief of Police Gerald Narowski wrote in his letter the zone change and road extensions would not negatively affect traffic and public safety demand.
Public Works Director Ronald Culmo said in his letter of support that he believed there would be no negative impact on plowing or trash pickup.
“I find no problems with the development and I think it would be another help towards the tax base in the City of Derby,” Culmo wrote.
The zoning commission did not make a decision on the proposal. The public hearing was continued until the board’s Nov. 16 meeting.
