Hearing Closed On Controversial Southington Apartment Plan, But Status Unclear

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A lengthy public hearing on a controversial apartment project in Southington has finally been closed, but the town's zoning board still has yet to act.

3 Squared LLC out of Plainville proposes to build an L-shaped, four-story apartment building in Southington off 1104 S. Main St.

The apartment building would be located on a large parcel home to Rosewood Apartments (elderly housing), a jeweler, and Supreme Lake Manufacturing.

At the last Southington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Aug. 19, the PZC finally closed the hearing after four months, but it tabled any action on applications related to the project.

In order for the apartment building to get built, the developer needs the PZC to approve a text amendment in Southington's regulations to create an "affordable housing zone."

The PZC, then, must approve a change in the zoning district lines on the site, now zoned for business, to be included in this new "affordable housing zone."

Once those applications are approved, the PZC would have to debate and discuss a special permit to build the apartment complex.

A public hearing on the permits for the project opened May 20, continued to June 3, and, after a 21-day extension request, the hearing resumed at the last PZC meeting Aug. 19.

When the public was given the floor on May 20, no one spoke in favor of the project, while many expressed concerns and, at times, downright opposition.

Specifically, hearing speakers had traffic concerns about South Main Street as it is now, with a new housing development being pitched there only increasing those worries.

Those concerns were reiterated on June 3 and again, by commission members and the public, through Aug. 19.

Before the closing of the hearing on Aug. 19, zoning board members clashed with applicant representatives about whether their questions were answered, specifically relating to parking plans and other issues the commission had.

The hearing now closed, PZC members quickly voted to table all three items related to the project, and it is not known when it will be back on the town's docket.

The PZC next meets Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. at the John Weichsel Municipal Center.

For the minutes of the Aug. 19 Southington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From June 11: 'Action On Controversial Apartment Project Delayed In Southington'