A second step involving a proposed multi-million dollar housing project along Meadowbrook Road could be taken tonight if Bridgeport City Council approves an ordinance that would rezone the property in question.

 

It will play out this evening during the first October meeting of Council at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. The regular meeting begins at 7 p.m.

 

Prior to the vote on the ordinance that would change 38 acres from Industrial-1 zoning to Residential-3 zoning, Council will first have to accept the report and recommendation of the Bridgeport Planning Commission. On Monday, that board unanimously agreed to recommend to Council that the zoning change be granted for the lane on Route 2, which is know my most as Meadowbrook Road. The land in question is known as the Belcastro farm.

 

After reading the report, it will be up to Council to consider approving the rezoning. Currently, the land in question is set for industrial use only. Community Development Director Randy Spellman said the property was initially being looked at by the oil and gas company Baker Hughes and as currently zoned, any company of that nature or with an industrial use could utilize the property.

 

AB Contracting, which has corporate offices in Point Pleasant, is looking to do the project. However, the deal is contingent upon the rezoning. If rezoning is approved, Melanie Goode, who is a marketing specialist with AB Contracting, said the closing on the deal would be Dec. 1 and that dirt could begin moving “that evening.”

   

The I-1 designation allows for any type of industrial activity. The R-3 designation being sought would allow for single family, duplex, and multi-family residential units. The initial plan is to build more than 300 units – none of which would be single-family units. Goode did say the buildings would be stick built and will feature many upscale features such as granite countertops.

 

“Our preliminary plans call for that many units,” said Goode Monday. “… They will all be multi-family units.”

 

The units created would not be sold under the current plan. All of the units created would be leased. Goode said they would be multi-family units featuring one to two bedrooms and town homes with garages.

 

If Council approves, a second reading that will include a public hearing will take place at the Oct. 26 meeting of Council.

 

The city’s governing body will also be asked to approve the contract for infield renovations at the baseball fields at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex. The recommended contractor is Playing Surface Solutions.

 

 

Much of the agenda for Monday’s meeting involves appointments to boards and the swearing in of others to various city groups. Sam Kuzbari, Debra L. Ayers, Michael A. Craft, Adam Walker, and Joan Rogers will all be sworn in as new Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) members by Council,  while Fred Satoris will be considered for a three-year appointment to the Bridgeport Development Authority..

 

There will also be several reappointments up for a vote. Jolie Carter and Patrick Jeffers will be up for additional three-year terms on the Planning Commission, while Bridget Furbee and John Stogran will be up for a free three-year term on the Bridgeport Development Authority.

 

There will be a work session at 6:15 p.m. Shortly after the start of the regular meeting, Mayor Robert Greer and City Manager Kim Haws will provide reports to Council and there will also be a public forum for anyone wishing to address Council.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of Mayor Robert Greer, while City Manager Kim Haws is pictured below.