nothin Shrinks & Dentists Out, Students In | New Haven Independent

Shrinks & Dentists Out, Students In

Allan Appel Photo

That’s what’s going to happen at the imposing pile of bricks known as 315 Whitney Ave.

The City Plan Commission voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve a site plan for the renovation of the three-story building and a two-story building in back to provide 19 residential units.

The proposed renovation will not alter the external facade of the building, which only will look spiffier, according to Fair Haven-based architect Gerald Kagan, who made the presentation.

It’s basically restoring the building to a lovely state. It has a beautiful portico, and we’ll revive it,” he said.

The medical, dental, and psychiatric denizens of the first floor are already out, attorney Jim Segaloff reported on behalf of owners Henry Harrison and Ruth Lambert.

The renovation will eliminate that and all commercial use, making way for 19 residents, likely students.

For them, and at the suggestion of City Plan staff, bicycle storage is being provided in the basement as part of the renovation.

The aldermanic representative on the commission, Westville’s Adam Marchand asked, as he often does, about the impact on traffic in the area.

Kagan replied that with the expected student residents using bicycles and no commercial use, the traffic ought to be improved.

City Plan Chairman Ed Mattison asked for reassurance that the outside of the building would not be touched.

Only a change in the windows, rendering them more energy efficient, said Kagan.

More of Those Students on Crown Street

In another victory for students’ sleeping requirements, commissioners granted a special exception at 250 Crown St., adjacent to the Bar restaurant and across from Louis’ Lunch.

In June the handsome former three-family house was converted into a student rooming house with rooms to sleep six students. Relief from the parking requirements —one parking spot for every three sleeping rooms — was approved then.

Wednesday night, the commissioners heard that not six students but nine are going to sleep at the 250 Crown Street rooming house, likely members of sports teams.

City Plan zoning expert Tom Talbot said the additional rooms would have no impact on traffic patterns.

These are student renters,” he said.

The commissioners agreed. The vote was unanimous.

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