After Borough Zoning Commission (BZC) Chairman Douglas Nelson opened the second meeting for a public hearing on a proposed assisted living complex for a 3.97-acre site at 37 Church Hill Road (US Route 6) on September 13, three members of the public voiced questions.The Newtown Bee, Teton Capital Company, LLC, of Old Greenwich, is proposing a 12-building complex of interconnected structures for the sloping wooded site on the eastern corner of Church Hill and The Boulevard. The site formerly was farmed and has remained undeveloped for decades. The facility would house elderly people generally over age 75 who require assistance with the activities of daily living, including some nursing care. Last spring, at the developer's request, the BZC created zoning regulations that would allow an assisted living complex in the borough, provided that the applicant meets the terms of those zoning rules.Public Input

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During the meeting, BZC members Brid Craddock and David Francis read a number of documents into public record, and Mr Nelson shared highlights from an 11-page report on the project by Hugh Sullivan, the Borough's engineering consultant.

"He looks at everything. He looks at all the correspondence that are there. He looks at all the drawings. He is very familiar with all the regulations," said Mr Nelson about Mr Sullivan, "and he basically takes everything that the applicant submits, compares it against the regulations, and then gives us input."

Mr Sullivan's report was based on submitted documents forwarded to his office and a meeting on September 5 with the applicant and representatives of the BZC.

"Based on my review of all materials submitted to me... your commission should consider the application to be complete, because the documentation is quite thorough and all aspects of the project are clearly defined by the design professionals," Mr Nelson read from the report.

Mr Nelson also specified that Mr Sullivan's report looked at the three applications for the project - the applications for the Village District, site development, and special exceptions.

"There are no issues with building heights, and the project seems consistent with the intention of the ongoing regulations," read Mr Nelson.

Some documents remain to be submitted, according to the report, including a review of any signage that may be used on the property. The report also noted the scale of the project is large for the site, but the architectural plans address scale and proportions of the proposed structures.

"The architect has created a variety of setting of buildings that have familiar exterior materials in windows/door patterns that are currently present in the Borough," read Mr Nelson. "Therefore I feel this project will be appropriate for this site location, specifically for an assisted-living use."

Members of the BZC also read two letters from residents who could not attend the meeting but wanted to share input on the proposal; one opposed the project based on traffic conditions and suitability, and the other supported the project, sharing that it is the best application the writers, Tony and Peggy Baiad, have seen for the property over the years.

Three members of the public spoke at the meeting.

Richard Frankonis, who said he works on Church Hill Road, called the proposal a "nice project," but he disapproved of its location.

"Church Hill Road is really rough," said Mr Frankonis. He added the new traffic light at the intersection with The Boulevard has helped, but he has also noticed more traffic on The Boulevard since its installment.

Mr Frankonis said he thinks the project will add traffic flow to the area and he voiced concerns about "minimal parking" being planned for the site.

"I would like to go on record as being opposed to it," said Mr Frankonis.

John S. Madzula, who lives on The Boulevard, said the zoning guidelines are set to protect the historic aspect of the Borough. He also said the guidelines are intended to be selective and restrictive, and preserving the rural New England village character essential architectural characteristics should be met.

"Over the years the town has become more urban and the Borough is following suit," said Mr Madzula. "I would hate to see this trend continue."

Mr Madzula also shared concerns about traffic in the area. He later also questioned the planned parking for the assisted-living facility, sharing Mr Frankonis's concern that there is not enough parking spaces planned for visitors or employees.

Resident Robert Hull, who works on Main Street, asked about feedback for traffic with the Department of Transportation, and learned an application will be submitted once documents are finalized and feedback is pending.

BZC members and Borough Warden James Gaston also asked a range of questions of representatives of Teton Capital Company and J. Randolph Parry Architects, before Mr Nelson announced the public hearing on the project will continue at the BZC's next meeting, which was voted to be held on October 11.