New Haven Independent

The commission approved a Planned Development District proposal for the Brookside and Rockview public-housing developments in West Rock. The $175 million plan calls for building 463 new homes in two connected developments. It will replace the old barracks-style housing that was recently torn down. (Read more here.)

The plan provoked a contentious discussion when it was presented at last month’s City Plan Commission meeting. But at Wednesday evening’s meeting the motion carried unanimously and with no discussion.

Planned Development Districts (PDDs) have a tumultuous legal history in New Haven, having prompted a State Supreme Court battle and a law written for New Haven. The Brookside project is the first of two PDD proposals that have come before the City Plan Commission recently. The other is Yale’s School of Management building plan.

On Wednesday, City Plan staff presented commissioners with an updated report on the project. The report featured several pages explaining how the proposal meets the requirements of Section 65a of the zoning ordinance, which covers PDDs. The language was reviewed by city corporation counsel to ensure that it meets all legal standards, said City Plan Director Karyn Gilvarg.

After the commissioners’ unanimous approval, the matter now passes to the Board of Aldermen’s Legislation Committee, where it will be given a public hearing on Nov. 30.