Advanced Fusion Systems—

ZBA OKs Variances

For Tech Firm

By Andrew Gorosko

A technology firm that wants to put a vacant industrial building on Edmond Road back into use as a manufacturing plant and research/development facility cleared one of three local regulatory hurdles this week when the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) granted zoning variances to the company for the project.

ZBA members on April 7 unanimously approved the request from William Joyce of Advanced Fusion Systems (AFS) for two building height variances and for one setback variance required in connection with the firm’s proposal to add 40,000 square feet of space to an existing 212,000-square-foot industrial building at 11 Edmond Road. Mr Joyce is the chairman and chief executive of the firm.

The 40,000-square-foot expansion project would be comprised of two separate building additions that would stand 50 feet tall, a height taller than permitted by the zoning regulations. The vacant 30-foot-tall building formerly was occupied by Pitney-Bowes, Inc.

Besides the ZBA approval, AFS would need an approval for the project from the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) in connection with the proposed construction’s proximity to wetlands. Also, the firm would need an approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) due to the large size of the proposed building additions.

About a dozen residents living in the area near 11 Edmond Road attended the ZBA session to learn about the industrial proposal.

One resident, James Rodriguez off 55 The Boulevard, was especially critical of the AFS proposal to construct two 50-foot-tall building additions.

Mr Rodriguez said that the view from his home would be obstructed by the presence of a 50-foot-tall structure nearby. Having such a structure near his home would greatly reduce his property’s value, he said. Mr Rodriguez strongly opposed the AFS application.

Scott Baggett of 26 Hall Lane asked whether AFS’s activities in testing the products that it manufactures would pose any hazards to the neighborhood.

Mr Joyce responded that such testing would be conducted within an enclosed area and would not create public hazards.

Also, Mr Baggett asked how many work shifts would occur at an AFS plant. Mr Joyce said the firm eventually hopes to employ people around-the-clock. He added that the firm’s operations should not create noise problems in the area.

Richard Lawson of 46 The Boulevard asked about the firm’s equipment testing and whether it would pose any  public hazards.

AFS President Curtis Birnbach said that all testing would be done inside a suitably shielded room, adding that the company would take all necessary precautions for safety.

Sheila Maher of 74 The Boulevard said she opposes the tree cutting that would come in connection with the firm’s building proposal. 

Ms Maher said she opposes the firm’s plans, expressing concerns about electrical fields present due to  equipment in use by the company. Mr Joyce said the firm would not create public hazards due to the presence of electrical transformers on the property.

Mr Joyce added the firm would eventually need access to electrical high-tension lines to provide sufficient voltage for its activities. The installation of such high-tension lines would be subject to approval by the Connecticut Siting Council, a state agency that regulates such facilities, he said.

AFS would manufacture high speed electrical switching devices for very high electrical voltages, environmental cleanup equipment, sterilization gear, and X-ray laser microlithography equipment.