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Council argues for industrial building makeovers CONNECTICUT POST September 21, 2005 BILL CUMMINGS BRIDGEPORT — A group of city councilors is trying to prod the Planning and Zoning Commission into allowing developers to convert vacant industrial buildings into trendy housing. The council's Economic and Community Development Committee Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution that "urges" the P&Z to amend its regulations so housing can be built in industrial zones. The city's adaptive reuse provisions apply to commercial and mixed-use zones, but not industrial zones. The city is estimated to have 2.4 million square feet of vacant, unused industrial space that could be converted into housing. City Council member Robert Walsh, D-132nd, said while the resolution cannot force action by the P&Z, it's intended to voice the council's preference. "All this says is the belief of the council is that the city should move in this direction. It's not like there is a scarcity of this type of property so the city should feel it might miss some golden opportunity," Walsh said. Council members Elaine Pivirotto, D-132nd, and Edwin Gomes, D-135th, are also sponsoring the resolution. Walsh, Gomes and Pivirotto often combine forces to support council initiatives. Caryn Kaufman, Mayor John M. Fabrizi's spokeswoman, said the city recognizes the issue and is looking for ways to resolve the dispute. "We are supportive of adaptive reuse, but projects have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The situation is more complicated than just making a blanket change to the regulations. We need to strike a balance," Kaufman said. The debate came to a head this summer when Fairfield developer Garfield Spencer attempted to change the city's industrial zoning regulations so adaptive reuse provisions could be applied in those zones. The zoning code now only allows such use in commercial zones. Spencer is trying to convert an aging industrial building on Cherry Street into Manhattan-style lofts. The building is within a West End industrial zone. But as Spencer faced opposition to his proposal, and reluctance by the P&Z to allow changes in industrial zoning, the developer withdrew his request. Spencer is already converting the former Warnaco factory in the South End into housing, along with a nearby, former school. Both of those buildings are within a mixed-use, commercial zone. Spencer said he does not understand the city's reluctance to open up industrial zones. "They say they don't want to open the door. But what the zone change does is allow adaptive reuse for particular types of property. Anything would be one a case-by-case basis," Spencer said. "You are opening a door, but it would get spot checked," he said, while pointing out cities across the country are reusing old industrial buildings in the same way he proposes. City council member Angel DePara, D-136th, said the idea is a good one, as long as approvals are issued on a case-by-case basis. "This has a lot of potential. I feel more comfortable now," DePara said after listening to Spencer. The resolution now goes before the full council for consideration. Bill Cummings, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6230. (c) 2005 The Connecticut Post. All rights reserved. |
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