Enfield development to have little impact on Longmeadow
Date: 6/27/2013
By Chris Maza
chrism@thereminder.comLONGMEADOW — What kind of impact would a large apartment complex built near the border of Longmeadow and Enfield, Conn., have on the town?
Not much, Planning Board Chair Walter Gunn theorized.
The Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission hosted a public hearing on June 20 regarding a proposal to build a 340 unit multi-family housing development on Mayfield Drive. Mayfield Drive is located off of North Maple Street/US Route 192, which becomes Shaker Road in Massachusetts, and runs parallel to Maple Road in Longmeadow.
Gunn said that while he has not heard specifically about this proposal, he said he foresaw "no impact on Longmeadow residents," adding that "northern Connecticut and Longmeadow are literally like comparing apples to oranges."
The land in question, a 69.6-acre parcel that has almost 68.44 usable acres, was already a construction site, as the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission previously approved it for a 159-unit assisted living development. That project never came to fruition, however.
The 340-unit development would be by far the largest in the area. Currently, a 32-unit condo development abuts the property to the east on Dartmoor Road. A 40-unit senior residence has also been approved for construction on Mayfield.
Also close by to the west off of Route 192 is the Olde Maple Farms and The Laurels condominium developments.
Gunn said usually, housing complexes built in the area have been highly appreciated and well-managed properties that have encouraged some Longmeadow officials to consider allowing similar complexes on their side of the border.
"Every ex-'Longmeadowite' that ends up living at The Laurels or similar place in Enfield begs us to develop the water tower area of town for high density, condo style housing," he said.
He added that an increase in population near the border could have a positive impact on the local economy.
"It will strengthen the commercial scene in Longmeadow, especially the shops on Maple and Shaker roads," he said.
No decision on the proposed development has been made as the June 20 hearing was continued to July 11. The hearing will take place in the Town Council chambers at Enfield Town Hall.
