The next major residential development in Bridgeport took a big step forward Monday as the Bridgeport Planning Commission approved a subdivision request that will set the stage for up to nearly two dozen new residential units in the city.

 

The Commission unanimously approved the request of Trailhead Investments to subdivide a trio of parcels totaling 72 acres into 23 parcels ranging from roughly one acre all the way up to eight acres. The subdivision comes on the April 9 approval by City Council to annex the 

property owned by Beau Henderson and Adam and Rhea Dyer.

 

At Monday’s meeting, Henderson was joined by Ascent Engineering’s Mike Nestor, P.E., to talk about the project. Several Commission members, led by Rodney Kidd and Robert “Bob” Greer, inquired about the storm water control off the property.

 

The property will be accessed off of Platinum Drive. The lots will be built in the area behind Emily Drive all the way down to property behind Gourmet Café. The section in the past has been hit with flooding as development has taken place in property above it.

 

“The biggest thing, to me, is to work with the city engineer’s office on drainage and sub-drainage,” Kidd said.

 

Nestor and Henderson tried to ease those concerns. They also tried to ease similar concerns brought up by residents Stan Cutright and Sam Lacaria.

 

“We’re working with the city, the state and DOH on this. We’ll have multiple storm water controls,” said Nestor.

 

The units will be estate homes. Henderson said that pricing has not yet been determined for the lots, but should be in the near future. He also said a name for the development also hasn’t been determined. He did say that the total buildout, with infrastructure work and property costs involved, should top out well into the eight-figure range.

 

“I think you’re conservatively talking, at a complete buildout, of about $13 million,” said Henderson.

 

The project still isn’t ready to begin. Henderson some engineering work is still being done and infrastructure work should begin by the summer. The goal, he said, is to see the first home going up next spring.

 

“We’ll be able to sell lots by the first of this summer, however,” Henderson said.

 

Monday’s meeting was the first Planning Commission meeting since Dec. 4, 2017. It also marked the first meeting since Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman left and former City Clerk Andrea Kerr took his place. Greer had words of praise for Kerr.

 

“You have big shoes to fill, but are off to a great start,” said Greer, who noted building permits in the first quarter during Kerr’s tenure may be at a city high.

 

Also Monday, the Commission approved officers for 2018. The officers will remain the same with Kidd serving as president and Doug Gray remaining as vice president.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Beau Henderson, standing left, and Engineer Mike Nestor, sitting addressing the Planning Commission. Bottom photo shows resident Sam Lacaria talking to Commission President Rodney Kidd, left, and Community Development Director Andrea Kerr.