New Haven Independent

Developers Becker & Becker propose to raise the city skyline with a 338-foot structure at 745 Chapel St., where the Shartenberg department store once stood. The development will include street-level retail, a grocery store, an early childhood center, a 500-space parking garage and 467 apartments.

Approval came relatively painlessly as developers came before the City Plan Commission for a second time on Wednesday night, with a few outstanding questions that will require further attention.

What exactly will the façade look like? the commission inquired. Becker and Becker has submitted this rendering of the street-level design, but commissioners wanted more information on the color, texture and architectural detail.

Developers agreed to come back to the commission with more specific plans.

Commissioner and Alderman Roland Lemar, who voted for the project when the development agreement came before the Board of Aldermen, told developers he was still “not the biggest fan of how this thing reflects the character of the surrounding neighborhood.” He said he hoped Becker and Becker would “keep the design community involved” in the process the design team hones its plans.

Sara Bronin (pictured) of Becker and Becker said that much of the project is no longer negotiable at this point, but she said developers would “continue to informally consult” with some of the myriad local architects and civilians who have lent them advice along the way.

After questioning the development team over the visual appeal of a corner fire escape, Commissioner Elijah Huge said he was glad to see it would be surrounded by glass. Of the project, he remarked: “I think it’s a great thing to have happening here in New Haven.”

Commissioners voted unanimously in approval of the site plan, with 14 conditions, including that the developers return with more detailed elevation plans, and that developers monitor vibrations on nearby buildings.

“All the pieces are coming together,” said Bronin, who helped shepherd the project through approvals from the Board of Zoning Appeals and a development deal before Board of Aldermen.

Bronin promised she would be back, however: The project still needs building permits, a special city permit for the parking garage, and at least one more appearance before City Plan. Construction, undertaken by the Fusco Corporation, is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2009.