A two-building, 20-unit condominium development for this substantial site along the Q River between Aner and Oxford Streets has seen no shovels in the ground since the project was approved a year ago. That may soon change.
Oyster Shores, as the development is known, comes before the Historic District Commission (HDC) Tuesday night for a re-approval of the certificate of appropriateness (or “C of A”) granted a year ago. That approval was the culmination of a long yet productive battle with residents on the east side of the avenue and those living in the heights who did not want their views interrupted or to see an historical inappropriate structure built in the Quinnipiac Historic District.
Click here and here to read how an initial project, designed by Gary DeWolfe, of some 60 units was scaled back to 20; how public access to the water was guaranteed; and how the massing of the rooflines of the condos are to be reduced.
The development will also have 46 garage and surface parking spaces, situated between the two buildings, and a small marina. The C of A cites references in the architectural plans down to details that materials and visual styles be consistent with those found in the historic district.
According to Gary Montano, a Milford-based businessman who is one of the principals, “That design will be followed to the tee.”
Montano said in a phone interview that his partner in the enterprise, Louis Damato experienced financial reversals. Montano is taking on a new partner, Allan Timkin, of Country Club of Connecticut, which is based in Torrington.
Their appearance before the HDC, said Montano, is a formality: a reapproval of the C of A. “Without it,” said David Barone, of the City Plan Department staff (pictured), who advises the HDC, “the developers would have to go through the whole process yet again. “I expect it to be pro forma,” said Barone.
Architect DeWolfe confirmed that last week he resubmitted to the HDC members identical drawings and renderings that had been approved last year.
Does all this mean that construction will begin soon? Montano certainly hopes so. But the first step must be the filing with the state Department of Environmental Protection to initiate the construction of a sea wall. That’s because the conditions on the shore line, where oystering went on for perhaps a century, are poor.
Montano said that the Timkin Family, doing business as Country Club of Connecticut, have been successful builders of residential units throughout the state for 40 years.
Attorney Anthony Avallone will be representing Oyster Shores at the HDC proceeding. Montano said he was not sure they would continue calling the development Oyster Shores.
