13-Unit Workforce Housing Development Proposed by McDonald’s in Riverside

A new pre-application has been submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning to redevelop property at 1205 East Putnam Ave, next to the McDonald’s, a stone’s throw from the I95 exit 5 interchange by Riverside Commons.

Today the property features a 2,163 sq ft house that dates back to 1900, plus a detached 730 sq ft two car garage. There are four parking spaces – two in the garage, and two in the driveway.

According to the narrative submitted by applicant/owners’ representative, Joe Pecora, the property owner is 1205 East Putnam Avenue LLC, and the application is being submitted pursuant to Greenwich’s 6-110 moderate income, “workforce” housing regulation. The LLC is registered to Gordon R Rogers Jr.

1205 East Putnam Ave, Rendering, Architect Christopher Pagliaro

The proposal is for a 21,411 sq ft, 13-unit residential rental development.

There would be two buildings.

Building A would be 9,802 sq ft and have six 3-1/2 story townhouses.

Building B would have 11,608 sq ft and seven 3-1/2 story townhouses.

The 13 units would have a total of 39 bedrooms.

Two of the 13 units (15.38%) would qualify as “housing opportunity dwellings” under Greenwich’s 6-110 reg and would remain so for 40 years.

There would be 33 parking spaces (26 car port, 6 outdoor, and one ADA space.)

Subscribe to the daily Greenwich Free Press newsletter.

Each townhouse would have two carport spaces at grade, three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.

The developer intends to market the townhouses as rentals, but reserves the right to convert to a “for sale” community.

There would be an on-site driveway system, with associated parking, full service access on Neil Lane and partial access to East Putnam Ave (right turn only).

According to the narrative, “The traffic associated with the proposed residential community will not adversely impact the level of service at nearby intersections, nor the operation conditions of adjacent roadways.”

The property is in the LB zone, on a “through lot,” with frontage on both East Putnam Ave and Neil Lane.

The applicant narrative says, “The stormwater management system HAS NOT YET BEEN designed to address stormwater quality and quantity.”

Runoff would be collected and treated prior to discharge. In addition, peak flow rates and water quality volume would be addressed through retention and detention measures.

The property is currently served by public sewer and water.

1205 East Putnam Ave, Rendering, Architect Christopher Pagliaro

1205 East Putnam Ave, Rendering, Architect Christopher Pagliaro

1205 East Putnam Avenue. File photo

1205 East Putnam Avenue is between McDonald’s by Exit 5 and Pet Pantry in Riverside. Photo: Leslie Yager

Back in 2019 there was a proposal from Andrew Toth for 20 units at 1205 East Putnam Ave.

It was also submitted under the town’s 6-110 reg. At the time, the the Planning & Zoning commission balked at the bulky building that was proposed.

Neighbors turned out to oppose the proposal, sharing fears about worsening traffic at the intersection and issues with additional traffic on to Neil Lane, which is a narrow residential street.

At the time, 20 units were proposed. Neighbors hired attorneys. At one hearing, the commissioners asked where children who would live in the building would play. One attorney joked that they’d play at McDonald’s.

The application did not advance.

From there, in 2022 there was a proposal for a Shake Shack where customers exiting the restaurant would only turn right onto East Putnam Ave.

There were concerns that vehicles would make the right onto Putnam, and loop around on Neil Lane to get back onto I95.

The application faced scrutiny regarding its “fast food” versus “restaurant” zoning classification.

Ultimately Shake Shack pulled their project in 2023.