Developer's Proposed Zone Change Request Draws Concerns In Naugatuck

NAUGATUCK, CT — JP Connelly, LLC and Seamus Connelly are requesting a zone change impacting the following properties in Naugatuck: 684 Field St., 0 Millville Ave., and 684 Millville Ave.

The proposal drew strong opposition from several residents who attended the May 21 Planning and Zoning meeting, according to meeting minutes. No vote has been taken on the request and the public hearing has been continued until June 18.

Attorney Kevin McSherry, who represents the applicant, said the Plan of Conservation and Development calls out "finding different ways of meeting housing needs." Also discussed was how the Planning Commission noted the need for affordable housing and sent it as a recommendation in their referral. An RA-2 Zone allows for duplexes and multifamily, which is what the applicant is seeing in the proposed zone change, according to meeting minutes. The property is adjacent to the Stop & Shop plaza.

According to meeting minutes, here are the residents who spoke on the proposed zone change and the concerns they shared, as summarized in the meeting minutes:

Jeff Scanlon of Field Street was present in person – Strongly opposed to this proposed zone change for the following reasons (read a statement into the record with following points): When purchasing their home, they looked into the zones and regulations on what would be allowed and decided this was the right neighborhood for them. Concern over what this type of development could do to life and safety especially with the traffic issues already. Fear for the character and charm of the neighborhood and town adding so many developments, will the character go from small town feel to large city feel like Waterbury. Concern for sustainability when it comes to the school system and classroom sizes. As law enforcement officer he sees the impact that large developments have on areas and crime rates and has major concerns. Many water issues with Connecticut water currently in this area and fearful this development will intensify these issues. Does not feel it fair to change the rules now and is afraid of what it will do to push all the current residents out because of the changes

Ray Carey of Field Street was present in person – Opposed

He moved here in 1991 and has strong

• Concerns with the water issues and drainage especially if this area is developed
• Concerns for wildlife
• Will multi family housing help the tax base
• Traffic is already outrageous, what will a development like this do to the neighborhood and Field Street
Q) The commission asked if he is opposed to duplexes
A) He thinks single family homes would fit in better and has concerns over duplexes and how it
will affect the neighborhood

Gary Charette of Round Hill Road was present in person – Opposed
• He feels this would be considered spot zoning to change just to develop
• Difficult section to see at night especially for traffic
• Bus stop at Briarwood with no sidewalks is dangerous to walk on Field Street
• Water issues in the area
• Is this area infrastructure capable to handle this type of development if the zone is changed?

Jennifer Capozziello of Field Street was present in person – Opposed
• Has the same concerns that have already been stated and believes if this area was cleared prior to the flooding that occurred this past year there would have been major issues for all the houses.
• The traffic is very bad on Field Street
• Is it really necessary

Wendyann Fowler of Field Street and a Wetlands Commissioner – wanted it on record that

she is opposed to this change.

Gordon Rossi of Westview Drive was present in person – Opposed to this change.
• He agrees with the concerns on traffic impact to the Field Street and overpopulation
• Field Street is a major artery connecting to Route 63
• The High School has had issues in the past with flooding
• School over population

Chris Walsh of Clearview Circle was present in person – Opposed to this zone change.
• Safety with the traffic and the schools; Western elementary and the High school
• Concerns over the traffic it will cause on Field Street and Millville Ave
• Reiterates the same concerns of all those who spoke before him

Teresa Cichosz of Field Street was present via ZOOM – Opposed to this change.

• Just relocated from Long Island because of this very reason, her old neighborhood was changing form single family to multi-family units. She wanted a nice single-family area again
• Crime rates increased with the changes in her old neighborhood and she fears the same here
• It over burdened the schools and increased taxes
• Concerns for the quality of life

McSherry spoke on the issue raised, such as water issues that would come before the commission with an actual application and plan. All items would be designed to take care of these issues, meeting minutes states.

Megan Miller explained that stormwater, traffic would all be addressed at the time an actual
application and plan is presented.

Chairman Rick Cool continued the public hearing until June 18 at 6:05 p.m.