top of page

Application seeks approval for 54 apartment units at 38-42 Dowd Ave. in Canton

An option for commercial space along road frontage now included in application

Dec. 20

The public hearing for this application is now set to take place at a special meeting on Jan. 10, 2024. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. in Room F of the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave.



Dec. 19 update.

It has come to our attention that this hearing will be postponed, likely to a date of January. More details to come.


Dec. 15 update

The public hearing for a proposed 54 apartment project at 38-42 Dowd Ave. is set to open on Dec. 20. Additionally, the plan was recently updated and now contains an option for 6,000 feet of commercial space as part of the project.

"The initial application includes a text change request seeking to construct a development of apartments, with residential on the first floor of the Dowd Avenue frontage buildings," the revised document narrative states. "The amendment of this application proposes, per the existing zoning, to create a mixed use development of 54 apartments, with commercial uses on the first floor of the Dowd Avenue frontage buildings. The area surrounding the site is residential, the application is providing the P&Z the option of approving a mixed-use development, within the residential portion of Dowd Avenue, or approving a pure residential development within the primary residential area."

The application also contends that the parking plan supports 2,400 square feet of retail space and 3,600 feet of office space.

The hearing will take place Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. See more detail here.

Click on 2023 and then 12/20/23. From there, find public hearing folder and then select the 38-42 Dowd Avenue.




Original Oct. 10 story (Please note some aspects of the plan have been updated)

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

This rendering from the application shows the project site.

CANTON – An owner of property on Dowd Avenue is seeking approval for three apartment buildings adjacent to the Canton Village Condominium Complex.

An application filed at Canton Town Hall seeks site plan and a special permit related to a plan for 54 multi-family units over 3 buildings at 38-42 Dowd Avenue.

The application was filed by Philip Doyle of Simsbury based Landscape Architectural Design Associates on behalf of owner Frank Zacchera.

As proposed in the application, the project would include 30 one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units with sizes ranging from 858 square feet to 1,300 square feet.

Rutgers University data suggests that the project would generate 3 school children, according to the application.

The plan calls for 84 total parking spaces, 54 of which would be exterior. However, those would not be visible from the roadway, according to the application.

Also proposed are 4 bike parking spots, as required by regulations, as well as three benches along interior sidewalks. The sidewalks would tie into the existing sidewalks along Dowd Avenue.

“The site abuts the west side of the Canton Village Condominium Development,” the application states, going on to say, in part, “The site is part of the area studied by the Town during a charette process which led to the creation of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), and eventually the Form Based Code and the Canton Village Design Village District (CVDVD). The goal of the Town for the entire area has been to create a village with higher density housing intended to support the redevelopment of the existing retail center into a vibrant mixed-use retail, service and housing complex, with interconnected driveways and Sidewalks.”

The application notes that the east side of the development will be more developed with the large buildings while the open space and smaller building would be on the west side of the site.

“Open areas” to the northeast and west areas would provide buffer to adjacent single-family homes, according to the application.

Currently the 3.1-acre site is primary second growth woodland, except for a half-acre of lawn area, the application states.

Filed on Oct. 3, the application would not be subject to the recent 15 percent affordability requirement since that was set to take effect Oct. 10.

“The applicant believes this proposal meets all the requirements of the Zoning Regulations and is consistent with the site Zoning and the POCD, believing the proposed use is superior to a permitted commercial or mixed use because the multi-family housing use will act as a transition to single family homes further west. The application respectfully requests the Planning and Zoning Commission approve the Type II Site Plan, approve the Earthwork Special Permit, Certify the Erosion Control Plan. Also note, the applicant and design team have been developing plans for this site for over a year, with the intent of filing a conforming land use application. The application submittal date was selected well before the Commission moved to approve a modification to the Canton Zoning Regulations, requiring a portion of any residential development include affordable units. Financing, for this conforming development, would not be possible with the inclusion of affordable units, and the application is submitted before the effective date of the recent regulation modification.”

The Canton Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing has been postponed to Dec. 20.

The proposal shows two buildings along Dowd Avenue and one to the rear of the property.


This map shows the site - marked in red.

This rendering shows how one frontage building could look with a retail option.


This rendering shows some possible looks for the rear building from different viewpoints.


VAL_01.jpg
WHL_01.jpg

Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

Have a press release or story idea? Send me a note.

Thanks for submitting!

© 2023 by Train of Thoughts. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page