New Haven Independent

In an exquisite expression of hope springing eternal in the heart of those afflicted with condomania, developers will try to build six residential condominium units at the pictured location, 136 Hemingway St., near Russell and just before Eastern, in the awesome shadow of titanic Bella Vista.

The developers, Conrad’s Residential Development LLC, received needed approval to proceed with their plan at Wednesday night’s meeting of the City Plan Commission.

Commissioners did attach a serious condition: that the development not be plunked on any remaining wetland.

The parcel is what’s left of a large adjacent lot that the city sold to the New Haven Land Trust. The reason the parcel was sold to the trust — it will not be surprising to hear — is to protect the nearby wetlands.

City Engineer Richard Miller said that street flooding at this location occurs without fail every year. So what are the chances that official wetlands will be found on the 29,000 square foot parcel that fronts the street?

City Plan staff said that developers are hiring a soil scientist. If he determines that wetlands exist on the sold parcel, they will not build within 50 feet of them. “The developer,” said Stephen Harris of the staff, “is also willing to reduce his density to four residential units if necessary.”

Anyone taking bets?