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Neighbors press commission on trees, blasting and emergency access as P&Z closes Davis Avenue public hearing
Summary
The commission closed the public hearing on an 18‑unit Davis Avenue coastal project after extended testimony raising environmental and safety concerns — tree loss, staged modular deliveries, blasting and whether fire apparatus can access Home Place. Staff will follow up with Fire Marshal, DPW and the applicant before the next meeting.
The Planning & Zoning Commission closed a lengthy public hearing on a proposed 18‑unit coastal development on Davis Avenue after residents and organizations raised concerns about mature tree removal, blasting procedures and whether emergency vehicles can safely access Home Place during modular deliveries and construction.
TPF Homebuilders’ plan consolidates multiple parcels on Davis Avenue to construct nine new residential buildings and renovate two existing buildings for a total of 18 units, including four below‑market units. Applicant representatives described changes intended to improve affordability comparability — an updated comparability analysis showing about 84% living‑space parity for three‑bedroom units — and to intersperse affordable units across buildings per Connecticut Department of Housing guidance.
Public testimony was the meeting’s longest component. Kate Chvich, executive director of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, said roughly 27 mature trees (over 10" diameter) would be removed and urged re‑evaluation because canopy loss worsens air pollution, stormwater runoff and heat impacts. Multiple homeowners presented video and on‑the‑ground accounts showing delivery trucks and pods blocking the narrow Home Place and said small‑street staging raises real emergency access concerns; one resident said, “There is no way a firetruck is getting back there,” after sharing a video of constrained maneuvering.
Staff summarized the Fire Marshal’s blasting permit process for residents: blasters must meet permit requirements, carry liability insurance, and insurers are required to offer pre‑blast surveys to property owners within 250 feet at least 21 days in advance. Staff also noted the town issues blasting permits regularly (about 30–32 since July 2025). Commissioners asked staff to obtain a direct response from the Fire Marshal on recent videos and asked DPW to confirm wall and drainage details; they asked the applicant to provide a contractor‑level construction logistics plan (truck routing, crane placement, staging) suitable for conditioning if the project moves forward.
The commission did not decide the application; it closed the hearing and directed staff to follow up with the Fire Marshal, DPW and applicant, then reconvene in two weeks to determine whether to advance or to impose conditions.
Key quotes: “Nearly 100 trees are slated for removal,” said Kate Chvich; a resident said, “There is no way a firetruck is getting back there.”
Provenance: topic introduced SEG 572, topic finish SEG 2269.
