PHOTO COURTESY TOWN OF BERLIN
A rendering shows plans to redevelop The Willows at Berlin, formerly known as Wolf Terrace, on Maple Avenue. David Holden, development principal at Ingerman, and Dave Rovansek, of George, Miles & Buhr LLC, presented a concept plan to Berlin’s Planning Commission during a meeting last Wednesday.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Nov. 21, 2019) The Berlin Planning Commission reviewed the preliminary aspects of two proposed projects last Wednesday, one a residential development and the other involving the subdivision on church property.

The residential development is proposed for Maple Avenue. The Willows at Berlin, formerly known as Wolf Terrace, could add between 50 and 60 new residents, according to David Holden, development principal at Ingerman.

There are 31 existing units on the property on 212 Maple Ave., but developers plan to add 34 residential spaces and a community building.

“It’s a very attractive project and it’s much needed,” said Planning Commission member Pete Cosby.

The plan would be to offer a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment rentals, according to Holden. Dave Rovansek, of George, Miles & Buhr LLC, is also working on the project.

Commission members posed questions about several factors, including lighting and parking.

Holden emphasized the importance of quality at the preliminary stages.

“I’m going to editorialize,” Holden said. “It takes a year to build it and then it runs for 30 years,” Holden said. “Everybody focuses on this phase. We want to make sure it’s accessible 10, 20, 25 years from now.”

After receiving notes from the planning commission, Romansek and Holden will have an opportunity to revise the project renderings before an official site plan review.

The subdivision inquiry was made by Sonrise Church regarding its property on Main Street.

The lot is zoned B-2 shopping district, according to the planning com- mission application. Keith Hammer, executive pastor at Sonrise Church, also said during the preliminary plat review that he’d like to have three lots on 10026 Main St. in Berlin.

The first lot is designated for the existing church property, according to Planning Director Dave Engelhart. The second has four 10,000-square- foot storage spaces, which the church plans to break into 5,000-square-foot units.

Engelhart also said the proposed third lot has the capacity for 12, 2,000-square-foot storage slots. Hammer added that the church tentative plans to sell the plot with the larger storage units and lease the smaller units.

Merry Mears, project broker and advisor with NAI Coastal, said the storage units would be used to store items like classic cars and boats in an upscale environment.

“I think that’s a good use for that spot there myself,” said Planning Commission Chairman Chris Denny.

Other members inquired about different aesthetic components, including siding. Hammer did not have a definitive answer, but all concurred that appearance is a priority.

“In concept, we are in complete agreement, we just haven’t gotten to that level of discussion,” Hammer said.

Representatives from Sonrise Church will go before the town’s planning commission at a later date for a site plan review.