Not Your Average Housing Development 

      The Cherenzia development proposed on Mary Hall and Greenhaven roads is not your average housing development. Normally, we think of a subdivision as land carved up into building lots, roads following an existing landscape and houses situated within that existing landscape. 

     To understand the Cherenzia project, picture a commercial site such as Stop and Shop on Route 2.  To prepare such a site, the developer clear cuts all trees, strips the land of its topsoil, blasts any rock in their way and levels the area.  Now they have their industrial building pad.

      Posted on the website today are three site plans derived from the Ledge Removal Plan submitted by Cherenzia to the the Stonington Planning Department as part of their application.  Unfortunately, I have only an 11” x 17” to work with.  The usual 2’ by 3’ version is not in the packet. 

To read more, click on “Site Plan-Blasting & Filling” under LOOP LINKS TO CHECK OUT  at the left of your screen. We apologize in advance for the side-ways format of the documents.

Is This the Right Site for High Density Housing? 

At the public hearing on June 7, 2011, a Planning and Zoning commissioner asked why the acreage on Greenhaven and Mary Hall roads was the “right site” for a high-density condo/townhouse development.

Mr. Ligouri, Cherenzia’s attorney and spokesperson, gave two responses.  First, the site is “the largest RM 20 site available ... and a site that has public water and sewer available.”

           Then Mr. Ligouri cited the 2004 Plan of Conservation and Development as his second reason.  I’m quoting him loosely here but my notes have him saying:

          “The Plan supports such a development.  The regulations say such development should occur in this community.  This is probably the only site [where it could be built.]”

          I have a moment of guilt.  Am I being a NIMBY, insisting that a proposed development is bad, not on its merits or demerits, but only because the development is sited in my backyard? Am I allowing my own self-interests to cloud my civic judgment?

          If the town really needs this type of development, could I support it, for the good of the community?  I ask some friends where else such high-density, urban housing could be built. It would have to be a site in Pawcatuck with public sewer and water; a site “close to amenities, close to shopping.” (Two other criteria Mr. Ligouri says are important.)

           “What about the Threadmill on River Road?” Sally suggests. 

  I remember a sign posted on the corner of Clark Street. The website address (www.corebuilds.com) appears across the bottom. The website lists the Pawcatuck Threadmill as “an upcoming project.” 

           I call Construction Resources, Inc., a construction management/general contractor located in Farmington. I speak with Nick Matarazzo, the company’s vice president. He is friendly but his cell phone keeps crackling. 

           “The Threadmill is a great project. It’s a 129,000 mixed use development ... been in the works for three or four years. All the site development plans have been submitted. We’re approved for 58 units and 9,000 square feet of retail space. The economy, being what it is, financing has been delayed. But we hope to have the money will be in place by the end of 2011.”

           What a great project! It’s a triple win! 

           CORE will give an old mill, built in the 1880s, a modern purpose. The building will supply high-density housing in Pawcatuck ... and Cherenzia won’t have to build in my backyard! 

         My momentary guilt is totally assuaged.