With Permission
The Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission will make a decision next week regarding a proposal for a 16-lot residential subdivision, tentatively named Cosgrove Court, on a 10-acre cornfield owned by Dan Cosgrove’s family.
In other business last week, the P&Z approved two projects—a new crepe bakery in the Town Center; and additional parking at the Stony Creek Brewery. The commission is also reviewing a proposal to build a Chipotle Restaurant near the Starbucks on Route 1.
Cosgrove Court
Developer Alex Vigliotti hopes to build 16 homes on approximately 10 acres at 99 Cherry Hill Road near the family compound. The land is currently owned by Cornfield LLC, a corporation created by Susan Cosgrove Barnes, Daniel T. Cosgrove and Mark Cosgrove, whose father is the legendary Dan Cosgrove, one of Branford’s most famous political figures. First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove is the son of Daniel T. Cosgrove and the grandson of Dan Cosgrove.
Diana Stricker Photo
Engineer James Pretti explains the Cosgrove project.
Engineer James Pretti, of Criscuolo Engineering in Branford, told the commission Thursday that the utilities would be underground, and a stormwater detention basin would be constructed on an undeveloped lot. Five of the homes would be along Cherry Hill Road, and another 11 would be built along a proposed cul-de-sac that would exit onto Todd’s Hill Road.
The parcel is zoned Residential-4, as are the adjoining properties, which means there is a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet.
“It’s a fairly simple subdivision,” said Assistant Town Planner Rich Stoecker as he gave the staff report.
The commission discussed conditions that will be put on the subdivision, and most of the commissioners seemed in favor of the project. Chuck Andres, who chairs the commission, said it would be better to table the vote until March 3, when all the conditions will be listed.
A public hearing is scheduled March 3 on another proposal by Vigliotti. He is seeking to re-subdivide a 1.3-acre site owned by the elder Cosgrove at 19 Parish Farms Road. That proposal involves splitting off a small portion of the property. According to state regulations, public hearings are not required for subdivisions, but they are required for re-subdivisions.
Crepes Coming to Branford
The commission unanimously approved a proposal by Robert and Sara Amato to open a crepe bakery at the site of the former clothing shop, Envy,
at 1044 Main Street, across from the Town Green
Robert Amato told the commission that the shop will specialize in crepes but will also serve other homemade desserts and coffee. “The crepes will be made right in front of you,” Amato said.
He said the probable hours will be 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There will be seating for about 15 patrons.
Stoecker said the proposal was recommended by the Town Center Revitalization and Review Board. “They were very much in favor of this,” he said.
More Parking for Brewery
Final approval was given Thursday for additional parking at the Stony Creek Brewery on Indian Neck Avenue. The project was discussed earlier this month but the P&Z commission waited to vote until after the Town Center Revitalization and Review Board reviewed the proposal. The Review Board recommended the project at its Feb. 10 meeting.
The brewery has 152 spaces in the lot which is adjacent to the building. The overflow parking, which will be across the street., will add an additional 48 spaces.
Brewery owner Ed Crowley said the extra parking is needed during the busy summer months.
Chipotle at Starbucks?
Plans were presented Thursday to build a Chipotle restaurant at 2 Commercial Parkway, replacing the small plaza where the Subway and other businesses are located near the Starbucks on Route 1.
Engineer John Mancini, of BL Companies in Meriden, said the plaza is currently about 5,000 square feet, but about half the building will be demolished and the new restaurant will be about 2,500 square feet. “The whole building is going to be completely changed,” Mancini said.
Diana Stricker Photo
Engineer Matthew Bruton explains the Chipotle project.
Engineer Matt Bruton of BL Companies said the building will be smaller than the current plaza, but about 46 percent of Chipotle’s business is takeout.
A decision on the project was tabled until the next meeting.
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