The Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday continued a hearing on a proposed 25-unit subdivision at 8517 and 8518 Morea Road, near the Bristol line
The cluster subdivision, proposed by Carrier Group Inc., has been hotly contested by neighbors who say it would disturb woodlands, cause traffic problems and change the character of the neighborhood.
The property is owned by the Estate of Marian D. Cardone, Mary T. Petrucci, Nancy Fetera and Teresa Lattizori. A family member, Lisa Mancini of West Hartford, said the family sought ways to develop the property in a prudent manner, while maintaining open space.
Under the proposal, more than 76% of the 87.7-acre site would remain undeveloped open space. The 25 lots sit on 20.9 acres.
Christian Hoheb, an attorney for the developer, said the proposed housing would be market rate. However, if the application is denied, a developer could propose affordable housing under Section 8-30g, which would be difficult for the town to deny.
“I think you are all acutely aware, because there’s a lot of discussion about affordable housing, that when an applicant brings in an 8-30g proposal, it shifts the burden completely to the town to find viable reasons why it should be denied,” Hoheb said. “… That’s not what we’re presenting, but it may be in the future if things change.”
During a public hearing that lasted more than two hours Monday, residents voiced numerous concerns, including that Planning and Zoning Commission member Patrick Carrier, along with his brother, Town Councilman Johnny Carrier, are principals of Carrier Group. Patrick Carrier has recused himself and did not attend the meeting.
The hearing is set to resume during the commission’s next meeting on April 24.
