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Visions for Vacancies: 13 Acres Behind Planet Fitness

Instead of the proposed apartment complex, what could this land be used for?

You've probably driven by this parcel of land recently, though unknowingly, as it is very much hidden from view. Within the parking lot of on Bridgeport Avenue, a stone and dirt path leads to an overgrown open field -- an area of 13 acres that could be developed into a rental housing project within the next few years.

, attorney Dominick Thomas and developers Talbot Partners LLC presented a concept plan for the construction of a $30 million, 248-unit residential apartment complex on that lot. While Planning & Zoning commissioners seemed to take interest in the idea, some city residents and Patch readers are less than enthusiastic, predicting that such a building would bring more traffic to the already busy Bridgeport Avenue area.

Discussions about construction have thus far been informal, but if Talbot Partners does decide to submit an application to PZC, they will have to call upon the State Traffic Commission and the Department of Transportation to review the plans, ensure they are not causing any traffic-related issues and give approval.

Thomas said a residential development, even at this size, does not typically bring in the kind of "peak traffics" that come with a commercial or retail development.

Taking that into account, and judging from the pictures of the land in question, what do you think it could be best used for?

Leah Salomoni (Editor) June 20, 2012 at 02:12 pm
"How about we ask the wildlife what we should do with the space?" - Jamie Marie
"Is it bad to simply have open space in Shelton? It seems like it is becoming extinct. Just because there is a piece of land open doesn't mean it SHOULD be built on!" - Danielle Elwood (Shelton Patch Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SheltonPatch)
Thomas Janik June 20, 2012 at 02:56 pm
Stew Leonard's
Leah Salomoni (Editor) June 20, 2012 at 03:11 pm
I think there would be a town riot if this happened!
Susan June 20, 2012 at 05:11 pm
Trader Joe's
Fred Musante June 20, 2012 at 05:36 pm
Building 248 apartments on 13 acres is absurd. This will become apparent when the AvalonBay apartment house is completed on Canal Street. This development could be a showcase for how to do it right, but for the sake of greed and stupidity. But a nice, attractive, energy efficient apartment complex is a good use for the property. It is near a highway exit, walking distance from a supermarket, restaurants and an office supply store, and on a bus line. So think Smart Development: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_growth
katherine June 20, 2012 at 10:18 pm
i think we should preserve the 13 acres for a wildlife preserve and since there is so much land have an extension of the dog pound and cat rescue,which has been grossly overlooked in the years.lets stop adding more housing we dont need in shelton,huntington center and howe ave and the bridge are clogged enough as it is and with the price of gas who wants to sit in traffic for an hour when the drive should be shorter than that.come on everyone WAKE UP!! kate
Nanu June 21, 2012 at 12:01 am
Costco; Trader Joe's; Buffalo Wild Wings; Chowder Pot; Christmas Tree Shop; Sonic--ANYTHING BUT another apartment building...

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Thomas Paine June 18, 2013 at 01:47 pm
Why is it the panel for this event does not include a single advocate for gun-owners' rights? WithRead More all due respect to Chief McNamara, why does the panel no include a person who can speak to gun safety from a gun-owning civilian's perspective? ML, you claim that the assembled folks "do not offer judgements about gun ownership" but they are not including a single voice that can offer perspective on gun ownership. I have been to "education" sessions sponsored by Meg's March for Change and they are one-sided indoctrinations into gun control advocacy. >>>> I was in Hartford for the public hearings in January when both Meg and March co-founder Nancy gave their personal testimonies and they all but threatened the legislators on the panel with election day retribution for all those who did not tow the gun-control line of thinking (i.e. March and CAGV). To suggest that Meg "does not offer judgements" is fallacious and disingenuous.