Two housing development plans get PZC approval

HAMDEN — Two projects that bring housing to northern Hamden are set to move forward after receiving approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Commissioners originally had expressed reservations about one of the applications, which seeks to install about 31 townhousestyle units at 455 Sherman Ave. At least 30 percent of the development’s units are expected to meet affordable housing requirements.

But after having the application on the table for months, the commission voted unanimously to approve it, according to Joseph McDonagh, the board’s vice chairman.

The site sits in a manufacturing zone. During a March meeting, some commissioners shared concerns about losing industrial land.

One factor that helped McDonagh decide to vote in favor of the project was “the realization that there’s little else that can go in there,” he said.

In a review of the project, town staff said the nature of the driveway and a limited turning radius “make the site challenging for commercial / manufacturing use.” Required infrastructure investments also are cost prohibitive, the review says.

For the housing development, applicant John Ranciato has proposed extending the Whitney Avenue sewer line to the property. Before the application can move forward, the town will need the New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority to confirm the line can be extended, McDonagh said.

Town Planner Erik Johnson confirmed the PZC approved the application.

The commission also green-lighted a plan for a mixed-use development that will take up several addresses between 3311 and 3341 Whitney Ave. Those parcels make up a vacant lot.

The applicant, Noble Energy Real Estate Holdings LLC, proposed building a gas station and a three-story building containing a convenience store and 12 apartments, according to a memorandum Johnson sent the commission.

It will include six filling stations and four electrical vehicle charging stations, the memorandum says.

Noble Energy has similar properties in the state, according to McDonagh.

Before moving forward, he said, this business plans to complete a lot line revision that will combine the properties into one. The project could be completed this time next year, McDonagh said.

The site is located near the intersection of Whitney and Sherman avenues, near Mikro Depot.

Meghan Friedmann / Hearst Connecticut Media A stretch of road near 455 Sherman Ave in Hamden, site of proposed affordable housing.