UPDATE: Developers of 143 Sound Beach Ave Postpone P&Z Appearance

extension letterThe developers seeking to replace a one story building at 143 Sound Beach Ave with a 44 unit multi-story apartment building have postponed their application, which had been on the tentative agenda for Tuesday, March 7.

The application is extended for 30 days.

A website, stop143soundbeach.com has been established to unify neighbors who object to the proposed development. The website features a petition on iPetitions.com that simply states “Stop 143 Sound Beach Ave Apartment Development.” As of midnight on Saturday, the petition had reached 655 signatures out of a goal of 1,000.

Original story:
After word spread of a proposed residential development at 143 Sound Beach Ave, a project that would replace the one-story building currently occupied by Hospital for Special Surgerym the reaction among neighbors was swift and negative.

Feedback, much of which was through neighborhood associations, focused on the themes of adding traffic to an already congested area – specifically the bottleneck by the railroad track underpass – and the building’s appearance.

Perrot Library on Sound Beach Ave

Perrot Library on Sound Beach Ave

The developers have since reconsidered their design, offering a rendering of a building that, without the arched windows, appears inspired by the Perrot Library.

“Kudos to all those in Old Greenwich who voiced their concerns and brought about this positive result,” said Chris Franco of the Greenwich Point Conservancy. “I’m thankful that the owners listened to the objections of the community regarding the former design, and modified their project.”

The proposal is on the tentative March 7 agenda for the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Specifically the application is for a preliminary coastal site plan and special permit to remove the existing structures and construct a new four-story, 43,200 sq ft moderate income housing development where 20% of the total number of units would be restricted to moderate income households.

Revised rendering of proposed apartment building at 143 Sound Beach Ave

Revised rendering of proposed apartment building at 143 Sound Beach Ave

The proposed building, which will contain 44-unit apartments, is between Potter Drive, and the Old Greenwich Tennis Academy. The building abuts Binney Park to the rear. Across the street on Sound Beach Ave, there is a row of storefronts that includes Old Greenwich Social Club and the adjacent Old Greenwich train station.

The property owner is 143 Sound Beach Avenue Associates, LP, which has a Delaware address and is registered to Ivy Realty XVIII, LLC.  The principal of Ivy Realty XVIII, LLC is Russell F Warren Jr.

The applicant is being represented by Chip Haslun of Johnson, Haslun and Hogeman. The architect is Richard Granoff.

Existing one-story building at 143 Sound Beach Ave. Photo: Leslie Yager

Initial rendering of proposed apartment building for 143 Sound Beach Ave.

Initial rendering of proposed apartment building for 143 Sound Beach Ave.