Shelton PZC Approves Zone Changes For River Road Development

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved two zone changes this week, paving the way for a Shelton developer to move ahead with his plans to build a five-story office building and two retail buildings on River Road.

The commission, during its meeting Tuesday, granted developer Howard Saffan, who owns the nearby Sports Center of Connecticut, two separate zone changes for properties at 762 River Rd. and 781-785 River Rd. The zone changes from light industrial and residential, respectively, to Planned Development Districts will take effect Sept. 1, according to Rick Schultz, the city’s planning and zoning administrator.

Saffan will next need the commission’s approval for detailed site plans for each property.

Saffan’s plans for the property at 762 River Rd. calls for converting an existing 11,800 sq. ft. industrial building on 3.95 acres, and transforming it into a single-story retail building. The building could likely house one large tenant, or up to four smaller tenants.

Situated toward the back of the same property, overlooking the Housatonic River, Saffan has proposed building a 58,00 sq. ft., five-story medical/office tower. There would be about 260 parking spaces created on the property.

Proposed for the second property at 781-785 River Rd., Saffan wants to build a 5,800 sq. ft. single-story retail building on 1.08 acres, but in order to do so, would have to blast though rock ledge. The building would likely house three retail shops, complete with one drive-through window, but Saffan said he would not entertain bringing a fast-food restaurant onboard. There has been talk of a bank occupying the space with the drive-up window. There are 29 parking spaces proposed for that site.

By the commission granting the zone changes to Planned Development Districts, it gives them much more discretion in the types of uses they’d like to see for the properties.

Commissioner Joan Flannery cast the sole dissenting votes on both zone changes. Flannery has repeatedly expressed concerns about Saffan proposing to use a wall of reflective glass on the exterior of the office/medical building, which she believes will create an environmental hazard for wildlife, namely eagles. Flannery also doesn’t want to see River Road become another Bridgeport Avenue, and believes Saffan’s plans are better suited for that part of town.

Some neighbors had previously expressed concerns about additional traffic on River Road, caused by the proposed developments, which they said is already heavily congested with Sikorsky Aircraft located just down the road.

Saffan’s traffic engineer countered neighbors‘ traffic concerns, saying a comprehensive study of traffic patterns in the area concluded that with the two proposed developments, traffic would remain  ‘average.’

William Purcell, president of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, has previously voiced his support to Saffan’s proposals, saying he was excited to see new office construction, which he said hasn’t occurred in the area in quite some time.

Saffan had told the commission he would have pre- and post-blast surveys done, just like he did when the Sports Center was built, and said that he worked with adjoining property owners to make sure they were satisfied with the plans.