Commission moves toward favorable resolution for hotel-to-apartment conversion but sets conditions

The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 27 closed the public hearing for application 25-16, a proposed major modification to Plan Development District (PDD) No. 8 that would convert the existing extended-stay Residence Inn at 1001 Bridgeport Avenue into a 96-unit apartment complex with 18 affordable units restricted at 80% of area median income under Section 8-30g rules.

Attorney Donna Thomas and representatives from Bluevale Capital, the developer, presented the plan and said the project would primarily involve interior renovations of the existing structure, upgraded resident amenities, and site improvements. Chrissy Martell of Bluevale described the firm as “an ESG-focused real estate developer” that converts underutilized commercial buildings into residential units. Luke Morrow of Solely Engineering told the commission the proposal increases on-site parking from 106 to 120 spaces, using pervious pavers for several added stalls, and that a traffic study shows no adverse traffic impact compared with continued hotel use.

Neighbors and commissioners raised concerns about buffering, lighting spillover, dumpster placement and capacity, and the proximity of parking to adjacent property lines. A property owner abutting the site asked that the existing privacy fence and buffer be preserved and expressed concern about new lighting and nighttime spill. Commissioners asked the applicant to revise the site plan to relocate one proposed parking stall so it would not encroach on the neighbor’s buffer, to provide a revised lighting approach that ensures downcast fixtures and minimizes spillover, and to repair and enclose the dumpster area (applicant agreed). WPCA (sewer) fee and historical payment amounts were discussed; staff indicated the property is connected to WPCA and that current payments are on record.

Commissioners did not take a final approval vote that night. Instead, the commission indicated a majority would support a favorable resolution, subject to written commitments and revised plans addressing the neighbor-buffer/parking location, lighting fixtures, dumpster enclosure and final WPCA/utility clarifications. The applicants asked the commission to adopt a favorable resolution promptly because financing and construction schedules are time-sensitive; the commission directed staff and the applicant to produce a draft favorable resolution and revised site materials for review at the next meeting.