The proposed Towne Center at Shelter Ridge would cause too much traffic, destroy a scenic road and hurt the town’s quality of life, protesters said in calling for the P&Z board to vote no on the project.
The commission took up the issue late Thursday but didn't vote, according to the Valley Independent Sentinel via Twitter. The board asked for more information -- especially about traffic.
The next meeting on the proposal is set for Feb. 14.
Some say the 123-acre mixed-use development is not the best use of the Bridgeport Avenue site while questions abound about the viability of luxury apartments and brick-and-mortar stores in the internet-shopping age, Caitlin Augusta, a member of Save Our Shelton (SOS), said in an interview Tuesday.
“We feel Shelton is losing its essential character and its quality of life for residents,” Augusta said Tuesday.
Augusta said the proposal — which includes 450 apartments and 300,000 square feet of retail space — would spell intense road work and congestion and could harm the Far Mill River.
The development has received much attention and concern from residents during public hearings over the last year. Hundreds packed Shelton Intermediate School for one meeting.
One of SOS’s prime concerns is zoning and residential life, especially for homeowners just behind the property in one-acre zoning.
“They purchased their properties in accordance with current zoning believing they would have the residential experience and their property values would remain stable,” Augusta said. “A development of this size is going to severely impact their property value as well as their quality of life.”
Many of the homes have wells and owners worry that blasting and construction might put those in jeopardy, she said.
The proposal also calls for a mandatory fire exit onto winding Buddington Road.
“Residents on Buddington are extraordinarily concerned about safety, because Buddington Road cannot be safely improved to accommodate for this added traffic,” Augusta said.
Check back with Daily Voice for more on the meeting about the proposed Towne Center at Shelter Ridge development.
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