Pollution worries drive development opposition

Would bring 24-hour station, future housing to Bloomfield

BLOOMFIELD — Following several hours of questions and statements from residents who are worried that a zoning change at Bloom Hill Farm will lead to light and noise pollution, more crime and decreased property values, the Bloomfield Town Planning and Zoning Commission continued the meeting to April 15 for a vote.

At issue is a requested change from a professional/office zone to a commercial zone for a 24-hour Noble Energy gas station that also includes a car wash EV charging station, coffee and ice cream shops, a deli and future housing on the 9-acre site just east and south of an adjacent residential neighborhood.

Residents of that neighborhood rallied in recent weeks to stop the development at 696 Cottage Grove Road from moving forward, including circulating a petition to force a super majority vote by the commission and starting a Facebook page called “Preserve Prospect Street.”

On Thursday a number of those residents reiterated their opposition.

“Why would you go to all the trouble to put this into a neighborhood that doesn’t want it?” asked neighborhood resident Carol Noyes.

Michael Frisbie, the owner of the proposed development, responded “I’m sorry you feel that way,” and added that there will be something built on the property and that he hopes it’s by him.

Others commenting on the project suggested that Frisbie build it near his home in Somers, wondered if the rear of the gas station with outdoor seating and a fire pit would become a hangout for rodents and partying college students and suggested that the intent of the gas station — and planned future housing — was an attempt to gentrify the neighborhood and drive out Black residents.

Frisbie, who has created similar developments in Hartford and New Britain has promised that he would do what was necessary to prevent noise and light pollution and pledged to be ready to work on any issues that arose with his neighbors.

“I hear and understand the negative feedback,” he said, adding that neighbors will have his cell phone number to contact him directly.

A site plan included in Thursday’s virtual meeting showed about 75 trees and shrubs planted along the boundary between the development and the neighborhood.

Kevin Solli, the engineer for the proposed project, also said the buffer would increase from 20 feet to 50 feet if the zoning change was approved.

Solli’s remarks prompted resident Tyson Boisvert to ask him if he would buy a house next to a gas station.

“Yes, I think I would,” Solli replied.

The image shown of the project also sparked some controversy as attorney Timothy Hollister said the rendering showed “an encroachment on my client’s property,” and asked that it be withdrawn from the record of the project.

Solli disagreed, saying that they have maps that show that area “as a right of way.”

In February, Frisbie presented his plan to the Bloomfield Economic Development Committee, which viewed it favorably. Jose Giner, director of planning & economic development, also spoke favorably of the proposed zoning change on the property.