Last Thursday, October 1, by Zoom, the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) held the first public hearing on the BJ’s proposed development. If you missed it, you can watch it at https://vimeopro.com/branfordtv/branford-town-meetings/video/1232460370.
This was the Developer’s opportunity to present its case. The presentation began with comparisons to the 2015 Costco proposal, showing lesser coverage, fewer parking spaces, etc. This doesn’t matter; the BJ’s development is still oversized and not good for Branford!
The Developer then presented its traffic analysis which claimed that traffic in the area would not be negatively affected at any of the existing intersections or at the proposed driveways. Among other things, their analysis did not take into account summer traffic or the almost constant backups on I-95 southbound.
BCRD, via our attorney, requested that the scope of the peer review be expanded to include the increase in air pollution but this request was denied by the Commission. Air pollution, which affects health, is important!
The Developer’s rosy interpretation did not change the facts of the matter:
- These uses are not allowed in this zone.
- The application is inconsistent with recommendations of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
- The project will bring about a large increase in traffic.
- Its construction will irreparably change the character of this segment of East Main Street.
- There are more financially advantageous and less intensive uses could be found for the site.
We need to continue to speak out! Send your comments to Planning and Zoning planningandzoning@branford-ct.govAS SOON AS POSSIBLE as the staff, who receives those comments, will be presenting their recommendations at the October 15 hearing.
Please attend the upcoming hearings! See below for dates.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 7 – Community Study Hall
Want to learn more? Come to a “study hall” at the Willoughby Wallace Library in Stony Creek on Tuesday, October 7, any time between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. We will have a full-sized set of the plans for the project with volunteers on hand to explain them and answer your questions.
OCTOBER 13 – Editing Session with Amy Bloom
Editing Session with Amy Bloom
For those of you who are struggling a bit with what you want to say to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners about the BJs proposal, bring your draft to an editing session at the WWML on Tuesday, October 13, 5-7 p.m. Amy Bloom, a local Branford author, has offered to help residents craft their statements. Amy’s latest book, In Love, is scheduled to be made into a major motion picture starring George Clooney and Annette Bening.
OCTOBER 15 – Public Hearing
Public Hearing
Thursday October 15, 7:00 p.m., by Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82772420034. BJ’s will likely submit revisions based on comments from October 1 and the intervenors, at this point BRCD and the Branford Land Trust, will make presentations to which BJ’s will be able to respond.
OCTOBER 29 – Public Hearing
Thursday, October 29, 6:00 p.m. in person at the high school. THIS WILL BE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. WE NEED YOU THERE!
We are working hard to defeat this unsound proposal and we appreciate your support.
