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Opposing zone change for 38 Hubbard St:Promote improvement not overdevelopment

43 Comments

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Tracy Leonard
12 years ago Featured

I would like the developer redesign the current proposal. I ask that the developer/TPZ/Town Council take into consideration those comments/advise of those living, and directly affected in the area into consideration and redesign a more mutually fair and equitable proposal. I am a personal example of how this can be done. My home was built by a developer that enabled affordable housing for two families via Hartford Habitat For Humanity, here in Glastonbury. I think many have learned from this particular developer's experience and this new developer for Hubbard Street may wish to reach out to the developer of our homes for some guidance or insight. Just a thought. Good luck to all.

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Jim and Lise Switzer
12 years ago

It would be a shame to destroy the charm of this area.

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Robert Gagnon
12 years ago

The Green is a valued part of our community that must be preserved. I am vehemently against this proposal.

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Amy Luzi
12 years ago

Generally speaking, I am in favor of adaptive reuse; however, I feel the density of this proposal will cause headaches for future residents and existing neighbors. I read in the newspaper that the developer is in compliance with the proposed zoning for this parcel. I think we should revisit the regulation that would allow the proposed density on a site of this size in regards to parking. A one bedroom apartment would easily accommodate a couple. In today's society, it is not unreasonable to assume that each individual living in that one room apartment would own their own car. If you assume 2 cars per one bedroom apartment and potentially more cars for a 2 bedroom apartment, there are far too few spaces to accommodate the occupants of this building. In planning a development like this, you should also have some parking spaces designated for visitors. On a personal note, when we went before the town for a zoning variance, we were told on multiple occasions that we could not use a financial hardship as an excuse for a zoning variance. I understand the developer wants to make money, but it should not be to the detriment of the neighbors or future residents. This property is also located next to the Historical District. Although it has been there for a number of years, architecturally speaking, it does not look like a historic building to me. Maybe in this instance, the best solution for this property would be to demolish it and build single family homes, or adjust the plan and build fewer apartments allowing for adequate parking.

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Rachel Kohl
12 years ago

TPZ: please step up and show your support for Glastonbury's beautiful historic district.

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thomas Huck
12 years ago

develop not overdevelop

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Doreen Campbell
12 years ago

I support the comments of Aileen Charland and Stephen Radocchia ,thanks.

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Lisa Bremmer
12 years ago

There are more efficient and aesthetically appealing ways to utilize this property, which do not impact traffic flow and the residential environment surrounding this site. Hubbard Street is a highly traveled area of town...on foot, by car and school bus. The intrusion of an apartment building would be counter productive. Consider the infringement on neighboring single family residences, who have invested well to maintain the value of their property, only to have its value diminished by an apartment building in such close proximity. Let us respect our neighbors as well as the enormous value in preserving a sense of community. The return on this level of thoughtful investment is priceless. Given the rate of growth Glastonbury is experiencing at this time, which is driving home values up as well as interest from home buyers looking to make Glastonbury their home, the Hubbart Street site would be best served by leveling the property to accommodate one or two beautiful single family residences. In lieu of apartments, perhaps designing historic replicas which complement the traditional architecture of this area would serve a more useful purpose. Such an effort would not only enhance existing home values, it would provide a beautiful visual from Hubbard Green, to visitors and passers by. We have so few single family homes available along Main Street in this specific area, which is such a desirable address in town. There is greater value in creating more of a familial presence alongside the Hubbard Green. Best of luck with this project, Lisa Bremmer

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Robin Apanovitch
12 years ago

This will adversely effect traffic for GHS. Please redesign!

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Aileen Charland
12 years ago Featured

Clarification: The Soap Factory has a little more than 3x the number of units and resides on on 17 acres which is almost SEVEN TIMES the amount of land per unit as the above mentioned proposed project

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Aileen Charland
12 years ago

My name is Aileen Charland. I serve as the marketing coordinator and chair for the Historical Society and am also a board member at the Soap Factory Condominium Association located just around the corner from Hubbard Street. Given the right scenario, generally I am a proponent of adaptive reuse development. I live in wonderful example of a very successful adaptive reuse and conversion project. Glastonbury's former Soap Factory is now a 116 unit condo complex located on 17 acres. This complex has a little more than 3x the number of units and resides on almost SEVEN TIMES the amount of land as the above mentioned proposed project. Newspaper archives indicate that when the Soap Factory was going to be converted it was met with “enthusiasm” from the town. The enthusiasm was likely due to the approach and factors taken into consideration throughout the planning process. I understand a lot of time, effort and work was put into developing a plan for 38 Hubbard Street. However, unfortunately the negatives effects of this plan, far out weigh the positives ones. The current plan does not enhance, add value or contribute to this community and nor would it ever. Rezoning of this area based on the current redevelopment plan which includes a 40 Unit apartment conversion in 53,000sf on 1.2 acres (40 units representing the optimum number for the project to work financially for the developer) and the mentioned alternative usage being affordable housing, is not justified or in the Town of Glastonbury’s best interest. At this time, I highly recommend that Town Council reject rezoning this area until the time an alternative plan is considered and met with the general community’s enthusiasm

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Catherine cooney
12 years ago

Too dense

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Sharon Tomany Marone
12 years ago

I oppose this zone change. Overflow parking will end up at the Green across the street. And there will be overflow parking. One of so many reasons to stop this project in it's tracks.

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BARBARA fRAHER
12 years ago

On weekends, just how often do the buses run for tthose with no car? And what happens when the "young professionals" run out of space to put their stuff in these small apartments?

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Anne Magnavita
12 years ago

I oppose the zone change - too many units for the neighborhood.

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jordan f smith
12 years ago

I oppose zone change

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Christina Smith
12 years ago

I oppose this project; too much for that space

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Marnie Serksnas
12 years ago

I oppose the zone change for 40 apartments.

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Lee Conway
12 years ago

I am opposed to the zone change for 38 Hubbard St.

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Stephen Radocchia
12 years ago Featured

As a resident of Glastonbury for 54 years and a regular user of the Green, I am strongly against this project as it would have a huge negative impact on the charm of the green and neighborhood.