#MiddleburyCT #LuxuryApartments #MayflowerInn #Winvian
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
Two projects discussed at the March 2 Planning and Zoning meeting included “luxury” as an adjective describing the projects. The first was in a public hearing in which Dean Yimoyines is asking for a zoning change for the former St. John of the Cross rectory, which he acquired in December 2022. The second was an apartment project brought up during an informal discussion with Metro Realty regarding the best use of 124 Kelly Road and 1535 Straits Turnpike (the property is between the two roads).
Yimoyines is asking for the current R-40 residential zoning for the former rectory to be changed to CA-40 commercial district zoning. He said he purchased the property in December 2022 and that he also owns the adjacent property. He said if his request is approved, he would add additional gardens to the property to maximize its potential.
He said he already had made renovations and improvements and currently has the property rented. He said his future plans are to convert the buildings into luxury short-term accommodations similar to the Mayflower Inn or Winvian.
Chairman Terrry Smith said changing the zone to CA-40 from R-40 would make it non-conforming since it is being rented as a residence. He said CA-40 does not allow this. The hearing was continued to April 6, but Yimoyine’s attorney, Michael McVerry, sent a letter asking for a one-month extension. The public hearing is to continue at the May 4 meeting.
Kyle Richards of Metro Realty discussed the best use of the Kelly Road/Straits Turnpike property. He said retail or medical offices would be unlikely to succeed there due to the location and no visibility. He mentioned a warehouse as a feasible option and also discussed 50 to 60 2,500 to 3,500 square foot homes, but he then went on to discuss in detail plans for 200 units of luxury rental housing. Half would be one-bedroom units renting for about $2,200 a month and half would be two-bedroom units renting for about $2,800 a month.
Smith encouraged Richards to contact the Water Pollution Control Authority regarding its sewer capacity. Smith said he didn’t believe it would support 200 units.
Commissioner Matthew Robison asked where the entrance access would be. Richards said the entrance would be from Straits Turnpike and, if emergency access was needed, it would be the only access from Kelly Road.
