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Community Corner

Town Greenlights Carter Lane Condo Complex

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a plan to build 14 condos on Carter Lane.

Despite a swarm of opposition from residents, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a 14-unit condominium complex Tuesday, to be built at Main Street and Carter Lane.

 Proposed by developer Anthony Denorfia, the plan drew opposition from neighbors who said the project would create traffic and safety hazards.

 Commission member James Sinclair was the only member to speak against the plan before members cast a 6-1 vote of approval.

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"This has been a very difficult decision for me," Sinclair said. "But I don't think the application fits within the area that is there, that's why I'm voting no."

Denorfia said he expected the project to pass because it fit within the town's regulations. He said he recently had meetings with area residents and nearby condominium association members to ease their concerns.

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 "We went over and above what we had to meet the existing regulations, so we weren't surprised," Denorfia said. "After meeting with the people in the area, I think most of them are OK with it -- not all, but most."

 The proposal calls for the development of a dozen 1,580-square-foot units as well as two 1,890-square-foot units along Cater Lane.

 Sitting on properties at 45 Carter Lane and 595 Main St., each townhouse will be sold for $260,000 to $290,000, according to Denorfia. He plans to break ground in the spring.

Commission Chairman Michael DelSanto paused before the vote to air frustration about  rude and accusatory e-mails opposing the project. He said that correspondence is  welcome, but shouldn't verbally assault members.

 "I just want people to keep in mind we are all town residents with families who care about this town; that's why we give our time twice a month to do this stuff," DelSanto said. "The inappropriatness and rudeness is unacceptable."

 
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