MERIDEN — The city’s Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday nigh to approve an application to build a 163,000, square-foot warehouse and distribution facility off Murdock Avenue.
The application to build on the 48-acre parcel in the city’s research and development district zone was made by local businessman John Orsini, doing business as Mark Development LLC.
Local land use attorney Dennis Ceneviva represented the plan to commission members, The warehouse and distribution tenant is a Branford operator who plans to consolidate seven warehouses and corporate offices in the facility.
Ceneviva was joined by an engineer who presented wetlands impact, traffic and stormwater runoff studies. No construction will occur within 100 feet of the wetlands that are located in several spots on the property near the Wallingford town line.
Most of the public comments were favorable to the plan but at least one Murdock Avenue resident called in to the virtual meeting to complain about heavy traffic on Murdock Avenue. The site has a history with local neighbors, who opposed Orsini’s earlier plan to build an auto auction business.
Orsini appealed Meriden’s rejection but the decision was upheld by the Connecticut Supreme Court.
In the meantime, Orsini developed the Wallingford side of Northrop Road with warehouse, office and distribution facilities.
“The driveway access is good, and it’s staying out of the wetlands,” said commission alternate member Kevin Curry. Orsini’s “eight buildings are very well done. I think it sits very well into the neighborhood.”
Plans call for 195,000 square feet of impervious pavement, including 92 parking spaces. The developer has also included storm water management systems, and evergreen buffers.
The operation will share a driveway with Flexo Converter Inc. on Northrop Drive.
A traffic consultant hired by the developer told commission members the operation would yield no adverse traffic impact, even considering a new development across the street.
The approval came with conditions that the applicant register its storm water plan into the land records, and put up an erosion control bond to protect the public safety and infrastructure. The city’s engineering department also asked for traffic control modifications.
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