Special Zoning Board Meeting Tops the Week Ahead

Dominating the week in New Milford is Monday night's special meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment devoted entirely to the continuation of the United Water property development hearing. 

Hekemian's proposed development includes:

• 70,500 sq. ft. supermarket 
• 4300 sq. ft. bank with two drive-thru lanes 
• Four-story 221 unit multi-family housing complex, that will include an affordable housing component, a 428-space multi-level parking garage and a pool.

Hekemian is seeking a "D" variance to change the current residential zoning to a "mixed use" retail and residential development. Additionally, variances for building height, building coverage, impervious coverage, number of parking spaces, and number of families per building are needed. 

At the , Michael Dipple, Hekemian's engineering expert and principal of L2A Land Design in Englewood, who had previously  as part of the proposed development of the United Water property, was recalled to answer questions from the public during the last five minutes of the hearing. 

Michael Gadaleta of New Milford had just begun to question Dipple about whether the subdivision of the United Water property created the irregularly shaped lot, and about the flooding of that property during Hurricane Irene, when the meeting was adjourned.

Although it is anticipated that Dipple will return to the stand, it has not yet been confirmed. It has been confirmed that members of the grassroot group will be present and armed with questions for Dipple. However, they said that they are well prepared to question any expert Hekemian may put on the stand. 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of .