Developer plans massive housing, retail project in CT town. It’s making waves.

A developer’s plan for a mega apartment building on the site of a struggling Connecticut outlet center has taken a step forward, despite objections from residents of the Shoreline town.The Westbrook Zoning Commission recently approved the “text amendments” to zoning regulations that would allow for five-story apartment buildings and an increase in real estate density limits.The vote took place this week following a public hearing that same evening at which about two thirds of residents in attendance opposed the amendments by a simple show of hands. The residents raised concerns that such a project would change the character of the shoreline town, which has a year-round population of about 6,800. Population swells to about 10,000 during summer months.The Zoning Commission decision clears the first hurdle for Hartford-based real estate developer Lexington Partners to fully redevelop the 50-acre parcel, now home to the struggling Westbrook Outlets and the 12-screen Westbrook Cinemas. Lexington’s plan is to demolish it all and build a 695-unit five-story apartment and condo complex, along with a hotel and retail and recreation facilities.Lexington Partners has a number of multi-unit projects under its belt, including in West Hartford with 292 apartments, and others in Windsor, Wethersfield, Hartford, and Old Saybrook, with 186 apartments at Saybrook Station adjacent to that town’s train station.7 major projects to watch this summer in CT city. Why they bring change, what could come next.The Westbrook development on Flat Rock Place would be the company’s largest ever, by far, according to Chris Reilly, Lexington Partner’s president and CEO, who envisions occupants ranging from downsizing seniors to rising young professionals.Pricing for units is a “guesstimate.” Reilly projects, based on current economic trends, possibly with a studio apartment for around $2,000 per month, one-bedroom in the low $2,000s, two bedrooms from $2,500 to $3,200, and three-bedrooms above $4,000. Townhouse-style condos are projected to cost $650,000 to $900,000.“That doesn’t sound very affordable,” were words echoed by residents at an informational presentation on July 18, which was held in the Westbrook High School auditorium and filled to capacity.  Resident sentiment was not necessarily against housing, but to the scale of it.Westbrook has long been on a mission to develop affordable housing on the shoreline.Reilly said the project would include a percentage of affordable apartments, but said he could not commit to an actual number of units or price.The Westbrook Zoning Commission decision clears the first hurdle for Hartford-based real estate developer Lexington Partners to fully redevelop the 50-acre parcel, now home to the struggling Westbrook Outlets and the 12-screen Westbrook Cinemas. This is a preliminary drawing. Contributed,This project would require a very large monitored septic system and wastewater treatment facility.“The septic is an asset costing us a small fortune. We need to amortize that piece over as many units as we can build,” said Reilly.The impact on groundwater is, for now, undetermined. Approvals would need to be granted by the Westbrook Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.Opponents say that a nearly 700-unit housing development would put added demand on infrastructure such as police, fire and ambulance services, raising taxes for everyone. They also said they envision increased traffic along the Interstate 95 interchange at Exit 65 and the surrounding area on Route 153, which would be the only way in and out of the complex, In addition to 695 housing units, the project would include a 100-room hotel and multiple restaurants and retail shops.The idea of adding an entrance from Old Saybrook near the turnpike Exit 66 has been discussed, but is not in the current plan. “We spoke recently to the folks in Old Saybrook and they’re open to it,” said Reilly.The zoning change applies to the Turnpike Interchange Zone around Exit 65 and not to the entire town. Still, many residents said they are concerned that this may set a precedent for future development.“We’re finding that the 25- to 35-year-olds who are the target market for a lot of apartments are averse to homeownership these days,” said Reilly. “A huge component of the housing market really isn’t looking at single family homes or even the condo market. They want to be in a place where it’s highly amenitized where they may live for a year or two and then hand in the keys.”Data from many sources shows that today’s young workforce changes jobs, relocates, may work remotely, and may be less inclined to set down roots at the early stage of a career.With a median age of 55, and a downward trend of young families moving to town to feed the school system, Westbrook has been looking at planned economic development.Westbrook business owner Tabatha Black said she is optimistic that more housing and retail would bring customers into Westbrook’s Town Center, which is now a half-empty area by the Town Green facing Route 1. The need for a public sewer and wastewater system for this Town Center area has been discussed for more than a decade, but a plan has not been implemented and, as a result, the location doesn’t work for several types of potential business. Black, owner of 640 Massage, relocated her growing business to a spot on the Town Green six years ago.“The town still needs to have a focus on growth and development for a wastewater facility for the rest of the town,” Black said.Marcia Simon is a Connecticut-based writer interested in health, wellness, environment and travel. Her email is marcia@mseusa.com.
Originally Published: July 25, 2024 at 5:45 a.m.

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