Developer Revises Rejected Plan for Proposed Mixed Use Building in Farmington Historic District

A developer whose application to construct a building behind Farmington's Brick Walk Shops for residential space and offices was previously struck down by the town's Historic District Commission is reapplying with a revised building plan. 

Patrick Downend also appeared before the Town Planning and Zoning Commission in late June to discuss the revised proposal and a public hearing was held. Downend is looking to knock down a garage on the 767-771 Farmington Avenue and 2 High Street properties to construct the new building.

The new proposed building is two stories as opposed to the three-story building the historic district commission rejected. The office space proposed – 1,500 square feet – is the same as the original proposal, according to Farmington Town Planner Jeffrey Ollendorf. The plans include three apartments in the building.

The applicants are also looking at relocating the proposed building 90 degrees from the alignment presented to the commission in order to set it further back from surrounding neighborhoods, according to Ollendorf.

During the public hearing for the agenda item at the planning and zoning meeting, Ollendorf said it was clear “the neighbors were very strongly opposed” and concerned about the building  “encroaching” on their privacy and property lines.

The Historic District Commission will review the revised application on July 16, Ollendorf said. The item is not on the agenda for Monday's Planning and Zoning Commission, but may reappear in the future.