Rocky Hill Open Space and Conservation Commission Continues River's Edge Proposal Public Hearing

The Open Space and Conservation Commission heard from the developers of the proposed River’s Edge development at the former home of the CT. Foundry Wednesday night and continued its public hearing after almost two and a half hours.

Attorney Michael Romano and Jim Cassidy presented the plan for the mixed used project while commissioners asked questions and for clarifications.

At issue was a berm that is proposed to be eliminated in an effort to increase the flood capacity as well as a set of piers that in its current state look dangerous but might be able to be rehabilitated as a viewing platform.

The commissioners agreed that it would be helpful to have a site walk with the developers to get a first-hand idea of their plans. The Commission also wanted to know who was going to be the responsible party at the DEEP when the remediation takes place.

While most residents who spoke were in favor there were a few who spoke against the project.

“People might say that I don’t want economic development in town and that’s bull,” Jim Zagroba said. “I have a number of issues with this project. I have been living there for four generations, I boat it, I walk it, and I know it like the back of my hand.

“They are listing these apartments at $300,000 and I’m already hearing two families are going to get together and move in and have the nicest views in town. Don’t let them fool you. We have a moratorium on multi-family housing since it got to 44 percent. It hasn’t been rescinded and it will end up as a legal issue.” 

Former Mayor Anthony LaRosa, who has been a big backer of the project, added a few comments.

“I don’t know if you can make it as a condition of approval but it would be nice to see them use organic fertilizers because the town may have to take ownership of Tulisano Park at some point in the future,” LaRosa said. “In addition, we faced an erosion issue when we built Ferry Park and we were able to put stone down there to stem the tide. It looks to me like they have a plan to combat flooding and erosion. They are not ignoring it.”

Ed Chiucarello said he has grand visions of the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.

“I think of those great national parks when I think of this site,” said Chiucarello, head of the Rocky Hill Riverfront Preservation Society. “This is a long process, we all know this. This is a great opportunity for the town and I think we would be foolish to pass it up.”