Planning Commission OKs Connecticut Self-Storage Project

The East Haven, Conn., Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a new 57,120-square-foot self-storage facility at 494 Short Beach Road. The commission granted preliminary approval in July 2010, but has now agreed to the necessary rezoning for construction to begin.

New Town Engineer Kevin White told commission members that because he was coming into the project at a late stage, he did have a few minor questions he wanted answered by the developer before construction started. Therefore, the commission made the approval conditional, pending the address of White's concerns.

The facility will sit on approximately 12.4 acres directly behind a Dunkin Donuts. The parcel is owned by Archie Tracy. Rick Raymond addressed the commission on behalf of the developer, Anthony V. Giordano & Associates of West Haven. According to the source, Raymond said the facility will be valued between $5 million to $5.5 million.

Raymond also serves as the vice chairman of the commission. He removed himself from the commission's table just before the discussion and vote. On the other side of the table, he answered his fellow commissioners' questions regarding the proposed facility's plans. An alternate member was appointed to serve in Raymond's place during the agenda item.

Commission members and White questioned Raymond before the vote about the effect the new facility might have on traffic. According to the source, Raymond responded that the new facility should have a minimal impact on traffic flow, citing zero accidents in the area and the state department of transportation's approval of the project design.

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