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Concerns raised on proposed mixed use development in Danbury ahead of hearing

A public hearing is being held tonight by the Danbury Planning Commission for a mixed use development proposal on the City's westside.  Westconn Park LLC is applying for a special exception/site plan approval for a vacant lot across from Mill Plain Diner, abutting West Conn's westside campus.  The 30 acre proposal calls for retail, offices, bank with drive-thru, restaurant and housing. 

City staff commented on the potential problem of access should an emergency along or within the main access drive prevent access to any part of the development, including the congregate housing and residential development or if an evacuation of residents is required.  In pre-application meetings with the applicant and its representatives, the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Traffic Engineer, and Planning staff say the issue of public safety is a serious concern that requires mitigation and a second means of access must be provided.  The applicant must propose a designed emergency access road.  The applicant must also provide a plan that addresses snow removal or winter maintenance on the site.

The Planning and Zoning Department questioned the lack of pedestrian connectivity throughout the development, including sidewalks connecting the three apartment buildings and the recreational facility, sidewalks along the main access drive, and sidewalks along the frontage of the property. Officials say the absence of connecting sidewalks within the development promotes and encourages auto dependency as the primary means of access, rather than walking or bicycling.  The lack of sidewalks also provides little to no options for residents and school age children who require access to school bus or public transportation along Mill Plain Road. 

The 425,000 square-foot mixed use development would generate over 500 vehicle trips per day.  The property is adjacent to West Conn's Westside campus and would have more than three acres set aside as a recreational area.  Plans call for 200,000 square feet of housing units with a clubhouse pool and tennis courts, 80,000 square feet for an assisted living facility, and 50,000 square feet for a corporate building.  Three areas for retail space have been proposed.  Albert Salame, who has owned the property for 20 years, says tenants for 330,000 square feet of the space have been secured.  The Salame Companies, the Morganti Group Inc and Griffin Living are on board.  Griffin would operate the assisted living facility.  

The applicant is proposing to construct a 200-unit multi-family development. The plans show the construction of three 4-story apartment houses.  One building will have 66 units consisting of 32 one-bedrooms; 30 two-bedrooms; 2 three bedrooms; and 2 efficiencies. The other two buildings will each have 67 units consisting of 33 one-bedrooms; 30 two-bedrooms; 2 three bedrooms; and 2 efficiencies.

The applicant is proposing to construct six commercial buildings on 11.9 acres of land.
• Building 1 – One-story 3,840 sq. ft. bank and includes a drive-through window.
• Building 2 – One-story 5,000 sq. ft. 100-seat restaurant.
• Building 3 – Two-story 30,400 sq. ft. retail building.
• Building 4 – One-story 1,820 sq. ft. retail/restaurant building.
• Building 5 – Two-story 34,080 sq. ft. mixed-use office and retail building.
• Building 6 – Three-story 51,120 sq. ft. office building with 1st floor garage.

Tonight's hearing is being held during the Danbury Planning Commission meeting, which starts at 7:30pm and is being held via zoom.

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Dave Rinelli

Local Headlines