Mary Johnson Photo
Development is gearing up in Branford. The new owners of the former Atlantic Wire Company site received approval to begin manufacturing windows in one area of the expansive structure. In addition, public hearings are scheduled next month for various retail, industrial and residential projects throughout town.
“Things are definitely picking up,” Town Planner Shirley Rasmussen told the Eagle. “There are signs of life.”
With Permission
Site plan.
Kevin O’Neill, president of Cherry Hill Glass Co. on Elm Street, received unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) Thursday to use 40,000 square feet of the rambling 158,000 square-foot building for production and storage of windows and skylights. It will serve as an additional site for the glass company he’s been operating since 1992.
Following the meeting, O’Neill told the Eagle he hopes to set up shop at the new location as early as August.
Diana Stricker Photo
O’Neill (pictured) is one of the principals of 1 Church Street LLC, which purchased the seven-acre site along the Branford River in December 2010.
“We look at this as phase one of what would happen,” said Bob Criscuolo of Criscuolo Engineering in Branford. “It’s a massive building with lots of potential.”
First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos, who was not at the P&Z meeting, told the Eagle he was pleased to hear O’Neill got the go-ahead for the initial phase. “It will be a great place, this is a good sign,” he said.
DaRos also said that a second manufacturing company is interested in locating in the building, and that there is ample space for other uses such as retail or office. He did not disclose the company’s name.
“It think that’s wonderful. That means jobs,” DaRos said.
DaRos said the town and O’Neill are also working with the state on efforts to realign the adjacent intersections of South Montowese and Meadow streets and Pine Orchard Road.
Criscuolo told the P&Z that about 15 to 20 people will be employed at the new glass company location. He also outlined efforts to renovate the site.
Mary Johnson Photo
“You’ve noticed all the improvements he’s doing,” Criscuolo said, noting that O’Neill will continue to clean up the exterior of the building and improve the streetscape and lighting. He said O’Neill is working with state Department of Environment Protection and the local fire department on clean-up efforts at the building. According to the site plans, the remaining 118,000 square-feet of the multi-floored building will remain vacant pending future renovation.
Criscuolo said removing a 65-foot by 190-foot metal shed will be a “massive undertaking” that will greatly improve the area.
Rich Stoecker, Branford’s assistant town planner, told the commission there have been “a lot of good improvements” since the new owner took over.
Atlantic Wire, founded in 1906, closed its doors in 2008 after it went bankrupt. The company had been charged with federal crimes and state violations for systemic pollution of the Branford River. The company pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges in 2008. Prior to being sold, the site had extensive clean-up as a result of a deal the state made with the owners of the wire mill.
The property was on the market for about two years before O’Neill and his partners purchased it for about $850,000. The initial asking price was $2.8 million. According to state records, Jeffrey A. James and Theodore J. Cwiertniewicz are among the principals of One Church Street LLC. The corporation was registered with the state in October 2010.
DaRos said O’Neill has a good record for renovating dilapidated buildings in Branford, including the old Nutmeg Steel Castings building on nearby Elm Street where his glass company is located. In addition, he recently transformed the former Branford Automotive Supply building at 531 Main St., which now houses the Bridal Trousseau shop.
Prior to Thursday night’s vote on the site plan, the P&Z voted that a public hearing did not have to be held on O’Neill’s initial project phase since he was not expanding the building or changing its use. “Basically, it’s the same use, only a different product,” said board member Stephen Duhamel.
Additional Projects
Several projects throughout town are on tap for Planning and Zoning consideration.
Public hearings will be held July 7 for:
• Expansion of the Premier Subaru dealership at 150 North Main St. The auto business was started in 2000 by Robert J. Alvine, president and general manager.
• An addition to Accurate Wire manufacturing company on Baldwin Drive. The company, founded by Douglas J. Milheim and Matthew B. Smith in 1988, produces wire for electronic, automotive, medical, commercial and aerospace markets.
• Proposed conversion of 78 Cedar St. into 18 apartments. The building, which has been vacant for many years, formerly housed a convent and later a nursing home.
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15-20 jobs? I urge the developers to engage the existing Creative Economy of Branford while recognizing that a site like that would be ideal to build as a tourist destination and artist community. This would entail the evaluation of our community assets, trusting an arts based revitalization as a viable long term plan while building on our town's rich history. There is evidence that growth in a creative sector helps regenerate regional economies time and time again.