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Convent OK’d To Become Apartments

by Diana Stricker | Jul 22, 2011 12:15 pm

(3) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Housing

With Permission. Plans to convert a former convent in the heart of Branford into 18 apartments were approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday.

The apartments, which will be not be age-restricted, will feature six efficiencies, seven one-bedroom units and five two-bedroom units. The building at 78 Cedar St. is less than two blocks from Main Street and is within walking distance to Blackstone Memorial Library and the Town Green.

“We think this will make a very nice place to live,” architect George Buchanan told the commission.

The developer, Al Ridinger of Branford, said he hopes to start renovations as soon as possible. “We’re very anxious to get going,” he told the Eagle following the meeting. Ridinger converted the Branford Theatre building on South Main Street into apartments and retail units about nine years ago. “We hope to have the same success we’ve had there,” he said.

The former convent, which is adjacent to St. Mary’s School, was built in 1960 and served as a residence for nuns until it was converted into 26 assisted-living units known as Cedar Knolls. It has been vacant for a few years.

The property was purchased in April 2011 for $760,000, by LZ Group LLC, which is comprised of Ridinger and his business partner, Randy Poxson of Branford. The two men operate Paragon Construction Company in New Haven.

Buchanan, a Branford resident who founded Buchanan Architects LLC in New Haven, said the exterior of the three-story brick building will remain the same, except for a few alterations.  A canopy and gazebo will be removed, and a new covered entrance-way will be added.

“We made a decision not to expand the building at all,” Buchanan said, explaining that the 26 current units will be converted into 18 units.

A sidewalk will be added along Cedar Street, and the parking lot will be expanded to a total of 27 spaces.

Buchanan said the “unruly landscaping,” which is in poor condition, will be removed and shade trees and shrubbery will be added.

Town Planner Shirley Rasmussen said the plans “will greatly improve the appearance of the site.” 

No one from the public attended the hearing, but two neighbors who live across the street wrote letters asking that a sidewalk be included in the plans. The neighbors also asked if the new owner could be required to install sidewalks on adjacent properties, but Town Engineer Janice Plaziak said that is not an option.

The project was unanimously approved by the commission.

BEACON HILL ESTATES

Also on Thursday, the commission unanimously approved the final development plans for Beacon Hill Estates, an open space residential subdivision featuring 10 homes. However, the approval is contingent on two factors. The open space provision must be approved by the Board of Selectmen and the Representative Town Meeting. The storm-water and sewerage plans must be approved by the Water Pollution Control Authority.

The Beacon Hill project received preliminary approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission in October 2010 after the developer, Susan Doing of Branford, submitted revised plans.  Her original plans were denied after issues were raised by the commission and environmental groups. (link to March 12 story)

The homes would be built at 83 Rose Hill road, adjacent to the 70-acre Beacon Hill Preserve in the Branford Hills section of town. The revised plans submitted last year call for more open space in the area bordering the preserve. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission will not meet in August, but will resume regular meetings on Sept. 1. 

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posted by: Branford Citizen on July 22, 2011  4:38pm

This building on Cedar Street is a very convenient location for apartments. Its within walking distance of the train station and bus service.  I hope the rent is affordable for working folks!

posted by: Debbie St. Thomas on July 22, 2011  7:27pm

This is great news! Just one correction: the assisted living complex was called Cedar Woods, not Cedar Knolls.

posted by: Debbie St. Thomas on July 22, 2011  7:38pm

Oh! Sorry, it used to be Cedar Crest. Cedar Woods is next door and everyone who lived in Cedar Crest was invited to more next door when they decided to close the building a few years ago.

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