Greenwich Free Press (https://greenwichfreepress.com/tag/8-30g/)
After rejecting a 70-unit proposal with 12 affordable units in 2017, the Greenwich Planning & Zoning commission approved Joe Tranfo’s 120-unit 6-story building in May 2024. The development will feature two structures separated by a driveway, a total of 120 units and 180 parking spaces. Submitted under the state’s 8-30g statute, a whopping 40% of the units will be affordable, far more than required in an 8-30g. Continue Reading →
Despite the P&Z commission having approved the residential redevelopment at the former Honda site, the applicant, Mason Street Partners, with Josh Caspi as principal, wants the court to invalidate the approval and what it says are “invalid” conditions under 8-30g. Continue Reading →
Modifications include no commercial uses, except those pre-existing at 405 Greenwich Avenue. Also, below market condos must be sized at 90% of market rate condos. Continue Reading →
P&Z commission chair Alban and attorney Tim Hollister disagreed on whether 8-30g can include retail.
Ms Alban said the history of the site was car dealership.
“You have not had retail, unless you consider a car dealership retail, which we don’t.”
“Car dealerships have a retail component. You can buy your antifreeze there,” Hollister said.
“The use isn’t classified by most towns as a retail use,” Alban said. Continue Reading →
Commissioner Nick Macri referred to a proposed “socioeconomic bifurcation” as “a return to days gone by.” Continue Reading →
Commissioner Dennis Yeskey shared concern about having two buildings – one with mostly the affordable units and one with mostly luxury condos. He said that posed an issue of equity for residents. Continue Reading →
The commission said they were unsure that existing legal non-conformities would carry over to a new development because while non-conformities travel with a property, when 9 properties are merged, the legal non-conformities might cease to exist. There were also concerns about the optics of developing affordable housing on a contaminated site. Continue Reading →
This is proposed as a “set aside” development under 8-30g. Four of the 18 units (22%) are proposed to be affordable, with assistance from the town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Continue Reading →
The P&Z commission noted that while 8-30g waived regs on setbacks for residential, it says nothing about commercial. The application includes retail in both buildings. There were still concerns about a condo building separate from affordable building, as well as height and mass. Continue Reading →
“I’m seeing such a tight development. What should give hints of green space, there is a little patio and it’s sitting on top of a parking garage. That’s pretty much it. You have low affordability, you have no outside space, and you’re basically building to the edges.”– Margarita Alban Continue Reading →