BRANFORD, CT — Dozens of residents turned out Thursday, Oct. 29, to try to block a proposed BJ's Wholesale Club and retail development on East Main Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission heard public comment but took no vote, WFSB reported.
The hearing was moved from Branford High School to the auditorium at Walsh Intermediate School, 185 Damascus Road, Patch reported. Some in the crowd held small signs reading "No," NBC Connecticut reported.
Residents Split on Traffic, Pollution and Jobs
Opponents say the store would add traffic and pollution and does not fit the character of the town. Branford resident Kathleen Etkin said, "I am opposed to the proposed development." Shirley McCarthy, also of Branford, said, "You are here to protect us. Please do the right thing and reject this zoning change."
Supporters argue the project would bring tax revenue, jobs and cheaper groceries and gas, and would spare residents a trip to the BJ's in North Haven. Some noted that the leading opposition group, Branford Citizens for Responsible Development, has never fought development anywhere but this property, WFSB reported. "One small self appointed group shouldn't get to dictate economic choices for an entire town of 28,000 residents," Cynthia Rudd said.
Todd Petrowski said, "This is something that could be beneficial to the town in all ways." He argued the land will be built on one way or another, and that the alternative could be a large housing application under the state's 8-30g affordable housing law, WFSB reported.
The commission's chair, Charles Andres, said commissioners are weighing all of the public's comments and do not intend to rush. "We obviously want to do the best that we can for the town," Andres said.
What Is Proposed
The application, PZ-26-39, from BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. and Sound Development Group LLC, asks the commission to rezone 569 and 573 East Main Street, near Sycamore Way, as a Planned Development District with its own master plan, Patch reported. Besides a 106,700-square-foot BJ's and its liquor store, the plans show a gas station with eight pumps on East Industrial Road, two fast-food restaurants with drive-thrus, a sit-down restaurant and a retail plaza.
Patch describes the vacant parcel as 37 acres once eyed for a Costco; WFSB reported Costco sought to build there in 2015. NBC Connecticut put the site at 40 acres at the former Hilltop Orchards property. Developers estimate the project would bring the town $350,000 in benefits a year, and they declined to comment, WFSB reported.