Developer Greg Vaca is bringing more detailed plans to the town Planning and Zoning Commission next week for his Windsor Center Plaza project.
Vaca in June presented the commission with conceptual plans, which were approved. He is now presenting his final plan for design development to the board at the next regular meeting Tuesday where members could vote to approve.
His multi-phase project would turn an outdated strip mall at 144 Broad St., into a mixed-use residential development.
Phase one, for which Vaca is seeking approval, calls for a large new building in front of the existing strip mall, with 6,000 square feet of commercial storefronts for four or five tenants along Poquonock Avenue.
The building will have up to 60 apartments — six studios, 44 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units – as well as outdoor pet and other leisure areas, and parking.
According to town officials, the plan calls for 20% of the units to be affordable at 80% area median income, and the remainder of units to be market rate.
The 2.65-acre site is located at the junction of routes 75, 159 and 305, “a highly visible and central location within the Center Design Development District adjacent to major mass transit nodes,” the application reads.
Further, it intends to fulfill the town’s vision in the 2012 Plan of Conservation and Development and 2014 Transit Oriented Development Master Plan and Redevelopment Strategy by enhancing walkability; providing much-needed and high-quality housing near mass transit; creating a mix of uses like retail, offices and wellness amenities to promote vibrancy and inclusion; and supporting climate goals through electric and solar energy options, according to the application.
Town officials have said that projects such as this aim to revitalize the town center and support the state’s investments in transit-oriented improvements.
Vaca will get a $3.2 million state grant from the Connecticut Communities Challenge program that supports transit-oriented development projects that revitalize existing properties, and provide community space and areas for walking and biking.
Phase two features 36 one-bedroom apartments in a new building on the north side of the property.
Information on attending the meeting is available on the town website, townofwindsorct.com.
