P&Z Approves More Dwellings At Liberty At Newtown

By Andrew Gorosko

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have approved increasing from 92 to 96 the number of planned dwellings at the age-restricted Liberty at Newtown multifamily housing complex, which is now under construction in Hawleyville.

P&Z members October 30 endorsed Ginsburg Development Corporation, Connecticut, LLC’s, request to add four condominiums to the complex, which is now being built at a rugged 40-acre site at 178 Mt Pleasant Road.

Under the plan, the firm would increase the number of condos in the planned Building 4 and in the planned Building 9 from six units each to eight units each, resulting in a net increase of four units, bringing the planned total at the site to 96 units. The proposed increase in units would not increase the volume of construction at the site, but would reconfigure the internal designs of two buildings on the property.

Ginsburg describes the project as a “common interest ownership community,” which is similar to a condominium complex.

In modifying its construction plans, Ginsburg is adjusting to real estate market conditions. In a recent letter to the P&Z, Thomas Gissen of the development firm wrote, “These floor plan modifications will enable us to offer smaller dwelling units, which will be more attractive and economical to a broader segment of our customers.”

P&Z members sets some conditions on their October 30 approval. Before a building permit is issued, Ginsburg must submit proof to the zoning enforcement officer that the four additional units will be served by a public water supply and by sanitary sewers.

The Liberty at Newtown site is served by the United Water public water supply. The property is adjacent to the Mt Pleasant Road municipal sanitary sewer line, which discharges wastewater into the Danbury sewage treatment plant.

In approving the increase in dwellings, P&Z members decided that the application is consistent with its provisions of its EH-10 (Elderly Housing) regulations. The P&Z approval takes effect November 10.

With the design changes that were approved by the P&Z, the complex would hold 12 residential buildings, each of which would contain eight dwellings.

Construction work on Liberty at Newtown, which is intended for people over age 55, is progressing, with initial occupancy expected either late this year or early next year. The P&Z approved Ginsburg’s initial 92-unit construction proposal in August 2002.

A 1,700-foot-long private road will serve the property. Two spur roads will extend off that road. The site will contain three four-building clusters. Construction is planned in three phases. Extensive landscaping has been underway at the project’s Mt Pleasant Road entrance for the past several months.

The sale price of condo units is expected to range from the lower $400,000s to the lower $500,000s. Each building will contain an elevator. The complex will include a clubhouse, outdoor swimming pool, health club, billiards room, and function room, plus a network of sidewalks and trails.

Ginsburg Development Corporation of Hawthorne, N.Y., has done extensive development in Westchester County, including condominiums, cooperative apartments, single-family houses, apartments, and commercial development. The firm also has built housing complexes in Danbury and Redding.