Should fast food replace 1900 house? – NewsTimes

When the trustees of New Milford United Methodist Church sold the circa-1900 house next door, they had no idea a fast food restaurant would be proposed for the site.

The two-story white house was demolished Monday to make way for a commercial building.

The new owner, 68 Danbury Road LLC, is before the Zoning Commission with an application to construct a 3,000-square-foot fast food restaurant with a takeout window on the site.

That fact and an "emotional attachment" to the house is causing some church members anxiety, said trustee Tom Nixon.

But the property was "sold in good faith and the church is supportive of the new owners and development of the piece," Nixon said.

"But a fast food restaurant going in -- we never anticipated that," he added. "That would have a significant impact on the church. Our building is extensively used throughout the week."

Access to the restaurant would be through the church's existing driveway at the signalized intersection of Danbury Road (Route 7) and Pickett District Road.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Laura Regan has calculated that 1,659 vehicle trips a day could be generated if the 58-seat proposed restaurant is approved.

Paul Szymanski, of Arthur H. Howland & Associates, representing the owner, told zoning board members Tuesday that any number of businesses could end up on the property.

"The owner is proposing a fast food restaurant for the site at this time, but the future tenant could be a bank or a retail store," Szymanski said. "The applicant's goal is to receive approval for maximum use of the (1.11-acre) parcel."

Read more here:
Should fast food replace 1900 house? - NewsTimes