MIDDLETOWN — A proposed 5,020-square-foot quick-service restaurant with two drive-thru lanes is facing public opposition, along with a 2,500-square-foot credit union that would include a two-lane drive-thru.
The businesses are proposed for 797 Washington St. and 809 Washington St. Residents speaking at a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing last week raised concerns about the development’s potential traffic impact and the removal of the historic house and barn at 797 Washington St.
The 2½-story saltbox house, known as the Partridge-Southmayd Homestead, was built in 1739. Several speakers lamented the loss of the historic property’s presence, while others expressed concern that the house and barn would be demolished.
According to the application, however, preservationist and antique-house and barn restorer William Butterly III has offered to dismantle the structures and rebuild them elsewhere at no cost to the city. Attorney Richard Carella, the applicant’s agent, said Butterly would remove the structures plank by plank, catalog their historic interior and exterior features, and rebuild them within two years in either Guilford or Madison.
The city’s Design Review and Preservation Board has approved the structures’ removal.
Regarding traffic, David Hopkins, an engineer with SLR, told the commission that his analysis found no significant impact on congestion. Hopkins said the project would cause a minor increase in delays for eastbound traffic and that the existing traffic signal would be upgraded.
The Liberty Bank exit also would be closed, Hopkins said, while signal timing on Plaza Drive would be improved when the signal equipment is replaced.
Interest in what might occupy the restaurant space was heightened by a project narrative filed with the city on Aug. 20. The narrative said the business would be “one of 17 in Connecticut.”
Chick-fil-A appears to fit that description. The chicken chain’s website lists 17 Connecticut locations.
Evan O’Brien, owner and manager of 797-809 Washington Street LLC, declined Tuesday to identify the prospective tenant.
The public hearing has been continued to Sept. 23.
Dining and Cooking