More Info Needed on Aquinas Site
By Robin Vinci at July 15, 2024 | 7:00 am | Print
The Common Council delayed a decision on a project that would lead to the development of low to moderate income housing at the old Aquinas site on Kelsey Road Wednesday night.
Alderman Tonilynn Collins said, “We want to put together another informational meeting for residents that were unable to make the previous meeting for questions that were unanswered.”
She said there was a meeting on June 30 and not all questions were answered.
“Before we vote on this we want to feel comfortable with the residents that are interested in this development,” said Collins.
The City entered into a purchase and sales agreement resolution for the former Aquinas building, at 74 Kelsey Street with Community Builders Inc. of Boston, MA.
The City is looking to sell the property for $145,200. The company is looking to build housing development, based on the assessment of residential market potential consisting of about 50 mixed income rental apartments.
Several residents voiced concerns on the project Wednesday.
Sue Holt of Kelsey Street told the council that the neighborhood has one and two family houses.
“We don’t think you understand our neighborhood,” said Holt. “Our neighborhood is very stable.’
Fred Latoon of Kelsey Street said his wife Rebecca Wood collected signatures for a petition against the project.
“She did not find a single person who was in favor of the sale,” said Latoon. “It will increase traffic, parking problems and put a lot of strain on the school systems.”
He said in New Britain residents should worry that even if an area is zoned for one and two family homes it can be changed.
Sandy Hrubiec said she and her husband bought their single family home over 5 years ago on Kelsey St. and this proposal threatens to negatively change the community.
“The property proposed is too large for the lot leaving inadequate space for parking,” said Hrubiec. “Where are the children going to play? The residents are the only ones who will lose if this proposal moves forward as is.”
Previously, Mayor Timothy Stewart said that the parking would be internal and the streets would not be utilized for parking.
Jay Robinson of Fairview St., said more children will put a strain on the school system.
“The school system is already overcrowded especially at New Britain High,” said Robinson. “There are teachers being laid off….You will have people living one on top of one another and their quality of life will not be as good as everyone thinks.”
Marissa Nealy of Fairview Street said she moved to the area because of the neighborhood single family home feel.
“For decades psychology has done research on how the environment effects people,” said Nealy. “High density buildings tend to contribute to the development of higher levels of stress, aggression and crime. People who live in areas with few green areas experience more fear, instability and more aggressive behavior. The plans are currently for a concrete jungle and do not consider the welfare of the people that lived there.”
The City purchased the property in October 2010 from Seventy Four Kelsey LLC for $1 in lieu of taxes owed. The owners had fallen behind on their property tax payments, and the buildings were on the City’s blight list due to their deteriorated condition which necessitated the City’s action.
