By Ben
Rayner, Sound
Senior Staff Writer:
NORTHFORD:
The fire
that destroyed Northford Market in March also destroyed dreams, hopes, and
history, but not permanently. Plans for the rebuilding of the structure, which
will include residential apartments and a drive-through service for vehicles,
have been approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC).
There was
some disagreement over the drive-through application; it passed by only a 3-2
margin. Residents said that traffic would become a problem at the oddly
constructed intersection of Route 22 and Route 17 where the property is
located. However, after consideration of a traffic impact study and testimony
from the applicant’s engineer, the commission ruled the project conformed to
all codes and approved the plans.
Several PZC
members thought the drive-through proposal would add to the congestion that
occurs at the multiple convergence spot right in front of the store. Several
other businesses, however, including the Rite-Aid next door and a Wachovia Bank
nearby, have not had a significant impact on traffic, according to the
commission, and so the approval was passed.
Owner Nick
Demos said he was optimistic that work could begin soon, but with uncertain
energy prices and the economic variables involved, no firm date has been set
yet for construction.
“We are
really pleased with the effort on the town’s part, especially the town
employees, Carol Zebb, the building inspector, and [Town Manager] Richard
Branigan,” said Demos. “There are a lot of things pending. The economy has
really changed dramatically in the last few months, so we will take it
step-by-step.”
The
mixed-use proposal was also attractive to the commission. The town, especially
in the Northford area, has limited housing available for rent, and the added
five units will help at least a handful of renters.