Tomorrow evening (April 5) the Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a petition by the Berquist family to subdivide the property at 2048 Elm Street to allow construction of a new home at the corner of Elm Street and Academy Hill terrace.
Many homeowners in the Historic District are alarmed by this development, which would dramatically affect the character of Academy Hill, the very heart of the “Old Stratford” from which our neighborhood association takes its name.
If 2048 Elm Street is not the jewel of Academy Hill, it is certainly among the Historic District’s most distinguished homes. As many of you know, this property has been on the market for many month. While we do not presume to know Mr. Berquist’s motives for seeking a zoning variance, it is evident that the ability to market the property as a potential “two for one” parcel would enhance its value.
No new construction has taken place on Academy Hill in more than half a century. If you believe, as I do, that a new house on a tiny (1,000-square-foot) lot would negatively impact the architectural and aesthetic character of Academy Hill, then I urge you to attend the April 5 hearing and enter your testimony into the public record. For more than 30 years, the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association has been a respected voice for the neighborhood that town officials take seriously. We have the ability to influence policy and maintain the character of our wonderful neighborhood – but only if we speak up.
I hope you will make time to attend the BZA hearing, which will take place at 7 p.m. April 5 in Council Chambers at Town Hall. If you can't make the meeting, please write a letter to the BZA to have your opinion entered into the public record.
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