University of New Haven Eyes Hubbell Property for Campus

The 46.9-acre Hubbell property in Orange could soon be the new home to several of the University of New Haven's graduate programs.

"The University is excited about its plan to bring several of its graduate programs to this excellent location in the Town of Orange, and believes that the presence of its graduate school here will benefit the University and the Town," writes Joseph P. Williams, an attorney with Shipman & Gooodwin, which is representing the university in its application.

"UNH intends to use the existing building without any exterior modifications and without constructing any additional structures," he writes. "We propose to add some parking on the site to accommodate our students and staff."

The site plan review application will be vetted during a Town Plan and Zoning Commision meeting today, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Orange Town Hall. It is expected to be denied — yeah, you read that right. Here's why:

"We have been advised that the Orange Zoning Regulations require a site plan to be submitted first to the Town Plan and Zoning Commision for rejection and report to the Zoning Board of Appeals before a variance application can be filed," Williams writes.

The university is requesting a variance of the zoning regulations to reduce the setback for parking areas and waive the requirement for planted islands within parking areas. The abutting property is owned by the Town of Orange and, therefore, is not expected to be an issue.

In Williams' letter, he notes that the university has entered into a contract with Hubbell Inc. to purchase the property, located at 584 Derby-Milford Road in Orange.

What Do You Think?

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