Warehouse Proposal Prompts

Neighbors’ Concerns

By Andrew Gorosko

Some Fir Tree Lane residents, who live near Curtis Corporate Park, have raised concerns in connection with the proposed construction of another building in the industrial park, which lies off Toddy Hill Road.

E&R Commercial, LLC, is seeking a special permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) to construct a 24,175-square-foot warehouse on Lot #9 on Turnberry Lane in the industrial park.   

A representative from Borghesi Building & Engineering Company, Inc, of Torrington presented P&Z members with details on the construction proposal at a March 16 public hearing.

No tenants are yet committed to storing their goods in the proposed warehouse. The building’s interior could be configured, as needed, for multiple warehouse tenants.

Resident Michael Brennan of 2-A Fir Tree Lane told P&Z members that intense nighttime illumination emanates from the industrial park and streams toward his home. A new building  in the industrial park would generate more light, he said. The situation poses a lighting nuisance, he said.

Fir Tree Lane is a dead-end street extending from Route 34.

Daniel Doherty of 3 Fir Tree Lane said such lighting conditions can damage a property’s value.

Some site restoration work needs to be done in a buffer area lying between Fir Tree Lane and the industrial park to resolve the problem, he said.

Ken Kochiss of 4 Fir Tree Lane told P&Z members that a gap exists in a berm lying between the industrial park and the neighborhood. That berm should be restored, Mr Kochiss said.

P&Z Chairman William O’Neil said P&Z members will research the issues raised by the Fir Tree Lane residents before acting on the warehouse proposal.

The P&Z is expected to resume the public hearing on the warehouse construction proposal at an upcoming session.