Council OKs zoning change for condominiums

A recent zoning ordinance approved by the Town Council paves the way for the development of nine age-restricted condominiums on Irons Avenue.

“It’s his desire, after a lot of research with the town and with the neighbors, that this is the highest and best use for the property,” said state Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi, who is serving as the attorney for developer Daniel Mansolillo.

Shekarchi said his client has previous built approximately seven single-family homes in the area.

“[The property in question] is zoned commercial, but we sat down with the Planning Department and the mayor’s office, and there was a desire to see this property as residential, because that’s a very low-intensity use, and not be developed under its current zoning … which would allow more traffic and noise into the neighborhood,” Shekarchi said.

The development proposal for 54 Irons Ave. will target buyers who are at least 55 years old, with permanent deed restrictions in place for that age group if the units are resold.

There will be a total of three buildings constructed – each with three condo units of 1,350 square feet – within the next year.

According to the developer’s proposal, the new construction would not significantly impact the town in terms of children entering the school system, or place an undue burden on the town’s infrastructure, while providing for the potential of increased tax revenue.

Albert Coutu of Irons Avenue was the lone member of the community to address the developers with his concerns about the proposal, including traffic patterns, future development, and additional possible zoning changes. He offered his support after his questions were answered.

The town was also concerned that buyers may take exception to the property’s proximity to Johnston’s Public Works building, which abuts the proposed property. Reservations were raised that prospective buyers may later complain about round-the-clock noise that may come from the work yard.

“There’d be some kind of written document acknowledgement that the people who bought this property would understand they are buying next to the town’s public works department, and we realize that trucks will be going back and forth,” Shekarchi said.

Council members unanimously approved the zoning change.