The new owners of contiguous parcels in downtown New Canaan are seeking to develop the property with 26 residential units, according to new filings at Town Hall.
Four parcels near the corner of Cherry Street and Burtis Avenue were purchased for a total of $6.1 million, according to property transfers recorded Dec. 13 in the Town Clerk’s office.
The owners want “to merge the properties and redevelop them with residential and live-work uses that will reinvigorate this block and contribute to the success and vibrancy of the downtown area,” attorney Jacqueline Kaufman of Stamford-based Carmody, Torrance, Sandak & Hennessey LLP said in a Jan. 20 letter to the town.
“The proposal includes 26 residential units (inclusive of flats and townhouse with 1-3 BR counts), ground floor live-work offices accessible from Burtis Avenue, residential amenity uses, concealed parking spaces and new landscaping,” the letter said. “The proposal will also provide affordable units under the newly crafted regulation.”
Kaufman referred to the “Inclusionary Zoning” section of the New Canaan Zoning Regulations as approved unanimously by the Planning & Zoning Commission in September (see page 160 here).
The four parcels in question total .73 acres, Kaufman said in the letter. They were purchased by individual limited liability companies variously named “Ventana,” property records show. They include the 18-space “Telephone Lot,” a permitted municipal parking lot on Cherry Street.
The proposed development addresses goals set forth in documents that guide development in New Canaan and identify needs for seniors in town, the letter said.
Kaufman said she’s seeking a “pre-application review” at P&Z’s meeting Tuesday. Such a review allows a developer to receive feedback from the Commission without bringing a proposal before a public hearing.
A presentation prepared by New York City-based rePLACE Urban Studio appears to show four-story structures.
If you would like to peak at the future of downtown New Canaan just travel 30 minutes south on the Merritt to Bronxville NY. There one can experience what can happen to a town when multi-family development is permitted to run amok. Terrible traffic congestion, not enough parking and a the evisceration of a lovely small town environment.
I totally agree David. We call these monstrosities Yonkers in Connecticut. Enough already.
New Canaan is now one of the most charming towns in all of New England. But its growth, if not slowed, will quickly ruin its special nature.
‘Transparency is the best disinfectant’ … the owners through counsel convey ‘trust us’, yet hide behind an LLC; strike-one, Team Ventana
LLCs are how business is done. Also for those complaining about the loss of a small town environment, please walk or drive past 11, 21 and 25 Burtis Ave and ask yourself if that is your preferred small town look. You can look it up on Google Maps street view if you don’t want to walk your village.