Wyllys Russell House & McCabe House
History
of the Property / Proposed Development / Recent
Activity
Caroline
(Carrie) Jourdan lived most her life in the Wyllys Russell House (148-162
Main Street) and its two acres until her death in 1989 at the age of 102.
Carrie was one of the Branford Historical Society's past presidents and
very concerned with preservation.
Her sister Mae Jourdan McCabe lived at 26 Cherry Hill on 1.13 acres until
her death in 1985. While the two sisters were alive, the land between
their homes was maintained as a single property. They kept a wide path
mowed between the houses that they and neighborhood children traveled
often.
Mae McCabe was a master judge for the National Federation of Garden Clubs
and developed several new types of daylilies, some of which are still
visible from the street.
Barbara and Thomas McCabe inherited the properties, and rented out both
houses. Although 26 Cherry Hill Road is still occupied, two years ago
the tenant's lease at the Wyllys Russell house was not renewed because
of the pending condominium project. Both houses are sound, and in good
condition.
Proposed Development:
The developers for Sterling Ridge Condominiums are attempting to squeeze
12 two-story condominium units with underground garages, as well as a
free standing parking garage, between these two historic houses in the
Canoe Brook Historic District.
Plans include regrading
most of the land. This would mean the loss of many trees that provide
a natural buffer against the noise and dust of Route One and Main Street.
Sterling Ridge planned to demolish these two houses in the
Canoe Brook Historic District even though both houses were in listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. The Branford Historical Society
and concerned citizens petitioned the Connecticut Historic Commission
and succeeded in saving these houses from demolition.
The current plan separates the Wyllys Russell House from the rest of the
project but greatly reduces the lot size and parking for this house, limiting
its uses as a residence or a business.
Current plans incorporate the McCabe House as a "gateway" to the condominium
complex. However the large retaining wall, limited parking, and close
proximity to the condos will ruin the enjoyment of living in this house.
There would be two driveways to this project on Cherry Hill Road. One
entrance would be at 26 Cherry Hill Road, and the other entrance would
be next to the 1870 John B. Sliney House on 10 Cherry Hill Road, directly
across from the Senior Center.
The vinyl village of Sterling Ridge Condominiums looming above homes that
were built in the 1700s to early 1900s on Cherry Hill Road and Main Street
will not preserve the character of the Canoe Brook National Register Historic
District.
Recent Activity
Sterling
Ridge Notice
Planned
Development District PDD
Site Plans
P&Z:
SECTION 44 - Grading, Excavation, Removal or Deposit of Earth
P&Z: SECTION
6 - Definitions
P&Z:
Site Plans (excerpts below, full regulation at this site)
SECTION 31 - SITE PLANS
31.5.4 Landscaping and Screening That the proposed development will protect the environmental quality of the site and will preserve and enhance the adjacent property values. At least the following aspects of the site plan shall be evaluated to determine conformity to these objectives:
(a) Existing large and/or specimen trees shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible particularly within the front landscape and buffer strip areas.
(f) The preservation of natural attributes and major features of the site such as watercourses, waterbodies, wetlands, highly erodible areas, major trees, historic structures and scenic views both from the site and onto or over the site.
31.5.7 Character and Appearance: That the location, size and design of any proposed building structure or use, as well as the nature and intensity of operations involved in or conducted in connection therewith, their location on the site in relation to streets, parking and adjacent residences and their relationship to the natural terrain, watercourses, waterbodies, wetlands and vegetation, will be compatible and harmonious with the character and appearance of the surrounding neighborhood, and will not be hazardous or otherwise detrimental to the appropriate and orderly development or use of any adjacent land, buildings or structure.
SECTION 23 — PURPOSE OF DISTRICTS
23.1 General: The Town of Branford is divided into classes of districts of such number, shape, area and location as are best suited to carry out a comprehensive plan of zoning. The provisions applicable in one district vary from those in another, and each district, as hereinafter described, has a general purpose in providing for the orderly growth, development and improvement of the Town.
23.2 Residence R-1 District: These districts are primarily residential in nature and consist of areas built up in years past with single family, two family and multifamily structures. Their principal location is in the vicinity of Branford Center, where they constitute part of the village concentration around the Center. An important purpose of the standards applicable in these districts is to recognize the relatively high concentration of dwellings and population already present, while preserving existing development from overcrowding and permitting conversion to and construction of dwellings containing three or more families only at standards consistent with preservation of the character of the district. Institutions and similar uses will be necessary and appropriate in these districts but only as special uses upon a finding that development will be compatible with the character of the district.
23.10 Local Business BL District: These districts are designed to accommodate a variety of commercial functions necessary for service to the community including general automotive sales and service uses. The districts are situated on main highways and thoroughfares, and applicable standards are designed to recognize, preserve and improve the character of existing development as well as to be consistent with the intensity of use in adjacent residential areas; parking needs for each building will be satisfied on its own lot. Any new residential construction in these districts would be inconsistent with the purpose of the districts and would occur under conditions unfavorable for residential occupancy.
(The property is in both a R-1 and BL district)