Derby Downtown LLC Received Approval Of Text Amendment Change For Building Multi-Use Complex

DERBY, Conn. - Oct. 17, 2018 - PRLog -- Derby Downtown LLC received approval Tuesday evening, October 16, 2018, for a text amendment change for a proposed new zone district. This approval paves the way for their submission of a plan to develop a mixed-use residential and commercial project on the south side of the downtown area of Derby.

Derby Downtown LLC will now move forward finishing plans and designs on the first 200 market rate one to two-bedroom apartment units complete with amenities. The buildings will be four stories with commercial space on the first floor that would feature an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops.

Applicant Derby Downtown LLC executives explained that "A zoning text amendment is a change to the text in the Zoning Ordinance. The text change could amend the list of uses permitted in any zoning district, i.e. it could amend the setback required for a building or an amendment which changes the size of a permitted sign.

"At the public hearing," stated Steven Lepore of Derby Downtown, LLC. "Our application was presented to seek a text amendment to create a new Planned Development District Zone. Our next step will be to obtain a zone change for the project by submitting a site plan to the commission. That site plan is expected to provide 200 apartment units plus commercial space."

Proposed leasing agreements for the Factory Street Square apartments will include amenity packages with access to high-speed Wi-Fi, indoor golf simulator, health club, in-complex library, bike racks, dog-sitting-walking and grooming services, possibly a rooftop garden, and community spaces.

The Factory Street Square mixed-use complex is proposed to offer easy commuter access to Routes 8, 95 and the Merritt Parkway, plus the Bridgeport-New Haven-Waterbury rail lines. Hiking, walking and biking recreational trails are nearby and will add unique advantages to this distinctive location.

Representatives of Derby Downtown LLC stated, "Since 2005, the City of Derby has been working diligently to revitalize their once-industrial downtown. The upcoming improvement to Main Street/Route 34 in this area will demand a large-scale residential complex that offers affordable, modern rental units and attractive lifestyle for today's young and retired Connecticut residents.

"Factory Street is immediately adjacent to where off Route 8 and intersects with Main Street. This presentation before the Planning Sub-Committee is the first step in an anticipated timeline of additional presentations and public hearing that will take us to 'shovels in the ground' by early 2019."

When initially proposed in July of 2018, City of Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan commented, "I couldn't be happier that we are starting to see some action on the south side of Main Street. The people of Derby have waited a very long time for this. My administration is committed to being business and development-friendly and we will continue to do whatever we can to accommodate everyone involved in development within our city's borders.

"We hope that once the Factory Street project starts, it will create a 'domino effect' for the rest of the downtown area. The private entities involved in the development of Factory Street have been very organized and impressive in their presentations to the city thus far, and I look forward to seeing their concepts come to fruition."

Derby Development LLC land use attorney Christopher J. Smith, Esq. of Shipman & Goodwin LLP of Hartford, presented the developer's amended plans to the Planning Sub-Committee and commented, "This continues to be a tremendously exciting proposal as it is a classic redevelopment plan. It is a rare opportunity that all the pieces for such a large project are in place at this early stage. The developer's proposal presents a real opportunity for this mixed-use complex to have a meaningful impact on the entire community."

Factory Street Square is the result of the City of Derby demolishing structurally unsound, long-neglected 19^th-century buildings beginning in 2003. In 2005, the City's Redevelopment Agency adopted a 14-acre area south of Main Street known as the "Business Revitalization District" which removed blighted buildings with the intention of making the area an 'active residential mixed-use community.

During the October 16 public hearing, Derby Downtown LLC representatives reiterated, "Our proposed Factory Street Square multi-use complex fits perfectly into the City's vision of bringing a youthful vibrancy, and a convenient and affordable style of living. In addition to the easy access to Routes 8 and 95, the commuter rail service, and fixed-route bus connections, the complex offers a much-desired wealth of amenities all within a beautifully-designed neighborhood.

Derby is the hub of the largest metropolitan area in Connecticut with its borders reaching New Haven, Bridgeport and north to Waterbury, plus it is just a one-hour drive to New York City. The popular Derby Greenway Trail is easily accessed from the proposed Factory Street Square.

The developers are looking forward to receiving public comment as the proposal works through the various City of Derby boards and commissions.

Commercial interests can email Derby Downtown LLC via derbydowntown@outlook.com.