P&Z alters zoning for affordable apartments

CORNWALL — A zoning regulation change needed for a planned elderly housing development has been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Dec. 14 decision was unanimous. However, opposition to the plan was expressed at a public hearing.

The change amends the regulations to raise from six to 10 the number of units allowed in an apartment building that meets affordability guidelines and is owned by a nonprofit or the town.

A subsidized apartment complex proposed for Route 7 in the center of Cornwall Bridge has been the focus of the Cornwall Housing Corporation (CHC) for several years now, as they dealt with acquiring land and seeking approval of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Preliminary design plans called for one or two single-story structures of attached apartments.

CHC is now considering a two-story building that would use less land and allow the apartments to be farther back from the road. The zoning change was sought by CHC to allow that option.

Those opposed to the plan are concerned about how a building of that size will impact the character of the town.

During a discussion by the commission on a motion to approve the change, P&Z members cited the goal of promoting affordable housing that is in the newly revised Town Plan of Conservation and Development.

The commission is scheduled to inspect the site at 2 p.m. on Jan. 9.

A final plan for the project will need further approvals by the town.