Tennis court relocation back on Quinnipiac’s agenda under planned development district

HAMDEN — Quinnipiac University has submitted a new application to add three projects to its already approved planned development district, including a new guardhouse, a new bus shelter and the relocation of its tennis courts.

The move came as the university began construction on its South Quad project, which consists of two new academic buildings and a residence hall. The project was approved after the town Planning and Zoning Commission designated the Hamden campus as a planned development district, despite pushback from neighbors.

It’s not the first time the university tried to relocate its six tennis courts (the first time was May 2021), but it had faced delays and opposition from residents because of a proposal for light poles taller than the legal maximum height.

Quinnipiac spokesperson John Morgan said the university doesn’t comment on pending applications to the PZC. An email seeking comment was sent to the town planner.

The tennis court plan this time around still includes those 50-foot light poles, something the university previously said would better prevent light from spilling.

What’s different is that under the planned development district rules, the university doesn’t have to go through an appeals process to obtain a variance for the light poles, which was the process the university struggled with in 2021.

The regulations were intended to aid Quinnipiac’s expansion and other developments in town by giving developers more flexibility to design their projects beyond bulk-written rules and standards for certain zones.

The town, at one point, considered creating new regulations to allow taller light poles, but it sparked concerns among zoning officials about the push behind the amendment and traffic and environmental issues that could follow. The university, at one point, looked at North Haven as a second option, but eventually withdrew its application there.

“After further investigation and study, the University has determined that the proposed location, still proximate to the existing Recreation Center, would be the best location for the tennis courts,” the application stated.

That location is the North Lot facing Mount Carmel Avenue, west of Hogan Road. If approved, the relocation would take up 145 parking spots, which the university said wouldn’t affect its parking needs. The need to relocate stemmed from the construction of a newly opened recreation center.

While the university doesn’t have a tennis court on campus, Morgan said players have been using courts at the Guilford Racquet and Swim Club and North Haven Health and Racquet.

Also in the application are a new bus pull-off on New Road for its shuttle buses and a security guardhouse at the New Road entrance near Sherman Avenue.

The university currently utilizes its visitor parking lot at the Harwood Gate entrance for its shuttle services, instead of the parking that was closed due to the ongoing construction.

The new stop along the town road across from Peter C. Hereld House for Jewish Life has been approved by the Traffic Authority. If approved by the PZC, the construction would include a reconfiguration of the sidewalk and a bus shelter installment. The university also would be responsible for maintenance and repairs including snow removal. No trees would be removed for the project.

For the guardhouse, the university said it needs a secure entrance that provides sole access to the College of Arts and Sciences building, underclassmen residence halls, the facilities building and the Hilltop parking lot, due to the ongoing construction. The university eventually would get rid of its current New Road entrance under its 10-year master plan, according to the application.