With Permission
Sketch of orthopedic site Addition is red square to right.
Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists’ expansion plans that were approved in July have expanded even before construction began. The Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission approved revised plans last week for the North Main Street facility that will provide more outpatient surgical space; and also more overnight recovery rooms, which is a new concept for the Branford site.
The commission also approved plans for a kick-boxing fitness facility on West Main Street; and previously approved plans for an office building on Cedar Street; and a new storage facility on Harbor Street for Cherry Hill Glass Co.
The upcoming P&Z meeting on Jan. 19 will include a new public hearing for modified plans for affordable housing on a half-acre lot on Pawson Road; and a continued hearing for a solar facility on town-owned Tabor Drive property. In November, the P&Z denied a request by Arsalan Altaf to construct two buildings with six residential units under the state’s affordable housing statute CGS 8-30g. Altaf then filed a modified plan to construct one building with three units, one of which would be affordable. Click here to read about affordable housing in Branford.
Ortho Expansion
The owners of Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists buildings at 84 N. Main St. said they needed more space than requested last summer. The P&Z approved plans for an addition in July that would add out-patient surgical rooms on the first floor and eight overnight recovery rooms on the second floor.
Diana Stricker Photo
“They’d like to make the addition slightly larger,” said engineer Jim Pretti (pictured) of Criscuolo Engineering in Branford. He said original plans called for a 40-foot by 66-foot addition; and the new request would be 62-feet by 66-feet. That would allow more room for out-patient surgical suites on the first floor; and 10 instead of 8 patient recuperation rooms on the second floor.
The recuperation rooms, which are a new concept at the site, can be used by surgical patients who opt to remain for up to a couple days to recuperate rather than returning home the same day. Officials said no nursing services will be provided, but patients may hire a service to assist with meals and personal care.
The orthopedic site, which is owned by Branford Partners LLC and Dr. John M. Aversa, includes two buildings — one of which houses the Ortho NOW walk-in center, medical offices and physical therapy. The two-story addition would be added to the second building which currently features a surgical center on the first floor.
One neighbor spoke during the public hearing. “We’re here in support of this. “They’re good neighbors,” said Sandra Astarita, president of the nearby Cedar Knolls condo association.
Diana Stricker Photo
The commission unanimously approved the request, with conditions.
Kickboxing Comes to Branford
A Branford couple who own five kickboxing fitness centers in Connecticut are planning to open one at 972 W. Main St. in the Branford Hills section of town.
Shaun Berner and his wife Tina Valaouras operate the 9 Round Fitness Gym, which offers 30-minute workout sessions featuring kickboxing and weight ‑training.
Diana Stricker Photo
William DaSilva (pictured), whose family owns the property, said the couple plan to close the East Haven facility and open the Branford site.
The DaSilva family purchased the former Monro Muffler building in 2015 and renovated the site. He said one or two additional tenants are also interested in locating there.
The commission unanimously approved the change of use request.
Home Care Offices Approved
Following three sessions of public hearings, the P&Z voted unanimously Dec. 15 to allow offices to be built on a vacant lot at 10 Cedar St. The applicant, Charles F. Shelton Jr. of Branford, who serves on the town’s Board of Finance, plans to build a two-story office building for the Shelton family’s business — the Stonewall Lane Associates home care and companion agency. The site is across the street from the Blackstone Library.
Numerous neighbors spoke at the public hearings, expressing concerns that construction would worsen the flooding that already occurs in the neighborhood. They were also concerned about increasing traffic.
At the December meeting, Engineer Jim Rotondo of Godfrey Hoffman Associates in North Haven presented additional information about the stormwater management plans. Changes were also made to lighting, landscaping and building design. The Town Center Review Revitalization Board approved the design.
When the commission asked if there would be an increase in stormwater runoff, Rotondo said the amount would actually be less than currently occurs. There was also a letter from the town engineer stating the proposed site plan and stormwater management plans appear to address the requirements and regulations.
The commission placed 12 conditions on the approval.
Cherry Hill Glass Storage
A public hearing was held Dec. 15 for a request from Kevin O’Neill, president of Cherry Hill Class Co. on Elm Street, to build a new commercial building at 360 Harbor St. to serve as a warehouse for his glass company.
Bob Criscuolo , of Criscuolo Engineering in Branford, said plans call for a 50- by100-foot building which would be used to store finished windows, frames and other supplies. The building would have electricity but no sewer connections since there will be no employees at the site.
Two neighbors spoke —one was concerned about traffic; and the other said he was glad the property wouldn’t be used for a scrap yard.
Following a brief discussion, the commission unanimously approved the project, with conditions.
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