Date: Fri 08-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-Sand-Hill-Plaza

Full Text:

Sand Hill Plaza Expansion Proposed

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has received plans for a proposed

expansion of Sand Hill Plaza.

The expansion project, however, would not involve adding onto the existing

large plaza building, which holds numerous stores. Instead the construction of

a free-standing, 6,000-square-foot building is proposed on what is now a

parking lot south of the section of the plaza known as the mini-mall. The new

building would have dimensions of 60 by 100 feet.

Applicant R2D Corp reportedly wants to use the proposed building for a video

store. R2D Corp is the agent for DD Newtown Partners, Limited Partnership,

which owns Sand Hill Plaza.

Barakos-Landino Design Group of Hamden drew plans for the project.

A traffic report submitted by the applicant states the presence of a

free-standing store would have no significant impact on traffic flow in the

area. Also, the project would have no effect on area property values,

according to the applicant.

The proposed building would be served by a public water supply. Sewage would

be handled by the plaza's sewage treatment plant.

The applicant requires a special exception to the zoning regulations to build

the proposed structure. A public hearing on the requested special exception is

slated for 8 pm August 21 at the town land use offices at Canaan House at

Fairfield Hills.

Notice of the public hearing will be provided by mail to the 23 property

owners who have holdings within 500 feet of the plaza.

In July 1995, the former owners of Sand Hill Plaza, known as Sand Hill Limited

Partnership, gained P&Z approval to build a 21,450-square-foot expansion wing

on the northern end of the existing 160,000-square-foot plaza building at 266

South Main Street.

The plaza's new owners, however, didn't pursue that construction project.

The new owners bought the plaza for $20 million in December 1995. The

37.4-acre shopping center site is in an M-6 industrial zone.