New Haven Independent

Developers The Christie Wareck Company (partner Andrea Christie Pizziconi is pictured above at left) propose turning the Star Supply warehouse between State and Mechanic Streets into a mixture of retail and 139 rental units. Ever since a meeting last week with developers, East Rockers have been abuzz about the project’s potential impact — on traffic, nearby merchants, residents and the “feel” of the area.

Most are enthused about the project — members of the East Rock Management Team announced their support, yet had reservations about traffic and parking. Click here to read a previous story with full details on the plans, and ERMT member’s response.

The project was to be considered at Tuesday’s Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, yet hit a procedural snag — there was a flaw in the required public notice that ran in the Register. So, presumably to the dismay of developers and owners itching to close the sale, the application was postponed.

Apparently in effort to quash a rumor, BZA Chair Eduardo Perez announced: “I have no interest in the matter, financially or otherwise.” He announced the proposal would not be taken up until the next BZA meeting on Nov. 14.

The extra time was just what some neighbors had wanted — though they were generally supportive of the plans, they’d called a last-minute meeting with Christie Wareck just before the BZA to talk about outstanding reservations.

Roland Lemar (pictured), the unchallenged Democratic candidate for East Rock’s Ward 9 aldermanic seat, came with enthusiasm for the project as well as a list of concerns.

“Everyone’s excited, everyone really wants it — I think it’s just ideal for the site,” said Lemar. But the project “dramatically changes the area,” and must be carefully examined, he said.

On Lemar’s to-do list:
-A design review — this is not required by zoning laws, but City Plan Director Karyn Gilvarg said the BZA could ask for a review to be done.
-Fix shoddy sidewalks on Mechanic Street, and protect the street from possible added runoff.
-Add on-site bicycle racks.
-Ensure, as developers pledged, there will be pedestrian walkways through the complex from Mechanic and State Street, so that the project doesn’t become a walled-off community, but instead blends with the nearby residential area.

Lemar hoped the extra month would give all interested parties — such as those who live on Mechanic Street, or work on State Street — time for input. Then he left for Café Botega, where East Rockers and developers met to continue cordial discussions.