Bethel. Demolition is underway on a vacant building next to the Metro North rail line in downtown Bethel.
Observers are on southbound streets as work continues. They can see the building at 77. It used to be the location of the Smirnoff Distillery and the Topstone Rubber Toy Company.
A 12-story residential building will be built in the area as part of a development project spanning 77 and 81 South Streets.
"Our goal has always been to do the right thing with this development ... to make Bethel better," Michael Kozolowski said when he submitted the revised site plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission in October 2021. project
77 South St. After receiving building approval for a 14-unit building at 77 South Street, developers returned to work in October 2021 with a revised site plan and 77 South Street. A four-unit apartment building at 81 South Street.
The plan that was originally approved was to demolish the single house on 81 South Street and build a parking lot in its place.
Although the house 81 South St. It will be more expensive, but developers say it is important to gradually change the urban landscape and maintain the area's "rustic" look.
Kozlowski told the committee in October 2021, "We believe that preserving 81st (South Street) accomplishes little more than the purpose of the TOD regulations, which is to preserve as much residence as possible to create a unified cityscape. "
Since the house survived, the developers requested additional space at 77 and 81 South Street, so that the interior staircase at 77 South Street could not be used outside. They also asked that the number of parking spaces be reduced from 23 to 21.
The committee approved the ordinance dated October 26, 2021, amended to provide text for the development of 77th and 81st South Streets.
