Date: Fri 04-Jul-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-Route-34-Maguire-proposal

Full Text:

P&Z Approves Commercial Building For Route 34

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has approved construction of a

one-story, 7,500-square foot office building on one acre on Route 34 in Sandy

Hook.

P&Z members Wednesday night unanimously approved James and Kathryn Maguire's

proposal for the structure to be built across Route 34 from the G&H Tool

Company, Inc, in the vicinity of Newtown High School.

P&Z members had considered the construction request at several recent

sessions, maintaining that the Maguires should make the building more

attractive than was initially proposed.

Mr Maguire told P&Z members he will build a five-foot-deep projection on the

facade near the roofline to enhance the planned building's appearance.

In order to do so, the building will have to be built five feet farther back

from Route 34 to meet building setback regulations.

Mr Maguire presented P&Z members with various versions of such a roofline

projection.

Mr Maguire said he wants to start building the structure as soon as possible,

adding it will take about six months to construct.

In approving the office building, P&Z members are requiring that Mr Maguire

obtain a town construction permit to remove 2,800 cubic yards of earth

material from the site; that a well be drilled on the site and that its water

be tested to ensure it meets quality standards; and that architectural

detailing on construction plans be revised to indicate the canopy, which will

project from the front of the building.

P&Z members approved the construction project unanimously.

The 75-by-100 foot building will have a brick veneer and a flat roof. The

structure will have oblong, vertical casement windows. The building, which

will be used by Maguire's construction company, will include garage space.

Extended discussion of the building's design had come in response to Mr

Maguire's initial proposal to affix a fluted metal fascia panel around the top

of the building. P&Z members had said that design element could be improved

upon.

P&Z members had said the appearance of the building will set the architectural

tone for the largely undeveloped commercial area with B-3 business zoning.

Creating an overhang along the top of the building will increase construction

costs.

P&Z members also had Maguire provide more extensive landscaping for the site

than was initially proposed.

An office building had been planned for the property about 10 years ago, but

it was never built.

The P&Z's site development plan review for such an office building doesn't

require a public hearing.