A development proposed by a South Windsor resident looking to utilize 32 acres of land in an innovative way, has taken the spotlight. The Estates at 100 Oakland Rd is designed to be an accessible senior residence neighborhood consisting of 69 one-story homes for adults aged 55 and over.
Applicant, Jim Newbury has been a proud resident of South Windsor for 50+ years, owning the property of 100 Oakland Rd since the 1970s and the surrounding area for approximately 25 years. What was once tobacco sheds and potato fields is now a canvas for Newbury, who envisions creating a luxury active adult retirement community within the heart of South Windsor.
Starting before the COVID-19 pandemic, Newbury and his team of hired professionals have drafted numerous design plans, aiming to utilize the area in a responsible manner. However, despite their careful planning, locals have expressed their concerns regarding the project.
A resident-run protest has emerged, with social media postings, lawn signs, public appearances and carefully curated websites working to slow down Newbury’s progress, and opposing the development as a whole due to concerns: traffic congestion, disturbance of wetlands, animal habitats, destruction of biodiversity, lack of vegetation buffer between preexisting homes and estates, etc.
Leading the movement; South Windsor Initiative for Thoughtful Growth (SWIFT), are residents who own homes bordering the proposed building site.
“My biggest concern is looking out into our backyard, and instead of seeing trees and beautiful forest landscape, I’ll be looking into someone’s living room right near our property line,” resident of Scott Drive, Liam Davis explained.
While Newbury has expressed his understanding for their position, he believes the impact of the 55+ community will be beneficial for South Windsor.
According to a population breakdown curated in September of 2023, South Windsor has 26,918 residents, of whom about 8,044 are aged 55 and over — roughly 30% of the population. About 350 households in the town are over-55 housing residences, less than 4%, which does not accommodate the needs of this demographic. Therefore, Newbury feels this push for 55+ housing is absolutely necessary.
Various town meetings have been held to provide residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions in front of South Windsor officials. Public hearings, regular meetings, and informational sessions have taken place, with the majority assembling a large attendance.
Due to major concerns revolving around the wetlands disturbance, the South Windsor Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission and South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission have been occupied reviewing proposals, noting concerns, and providing constructive feedback for the developers.
According to Newbury, of the site’s 32+ acres, 20± will be developed and the remaining 12± will be preserved in their natural state. The proposed wetlands work is tied to restoring the stream and surrounding riparian areas that were previously disturbed. Building a bridge over the intermittent stream to reach the residential area will permanently affect about 1,182 square feet of wetlands.
The original bridge model was proposed to be approximately 20 feet wide, but after public feedback, it was updated to a 60 foot pathway, suspended 18 feet above ground level to allow wildlife easy access to the surrounding wetlands area.
In tandem with the proposed development, Newbury and his team of specialists have promised to mitigate additional wetlands and eroded stream channels, remove invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed and Burning Bush – both of which are detrimental to wetlands health – all while conserving the majority of the preexisting wetland area.
Japanese Knotweed has a dehydrating effect on the land it inhabits, and has no natural predators in the South Windsor area, allowing it to grow exponentially, destroying wetlands. By removing the Knotweed, Newbury hopes to salvage the remaining wetland, and prevent the invasive species from spreading further.
As for the development, the homes themselves will range in size from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet; each with 2+ bedrooms, 2 baths, an attached 1- or 2-car garage, full basement, and whole-house air conditioning. Newbury intends to construct an affordable, high quality residential area promoting community.
“We’re gonna have a community building with a kitchen and an outside patio, so the residents can hold community events. These events will also be open to town seniors as well,” Newbury told the Prowl.
Newbury has carefully constructed the layout of the neighborhood, alongside design professionals and the Planning and Zoning Commission. He expressed the desire for creating intentional community for those approaching elderly status.
“We designed these homes with people 55 and older in mind. We wanted a community where people could walk around, so there are sidewalks all around, there will be porches on almost every house so the people, when they’re 55 and older, could walk around and say hello to their neighbors,” Newbury explained.
In addition, with the interest of accommodating the physical limitations of aging residents, amenities such as snow removal and lawn care will be provided.
As town speculations spread, Newbury remains set in his plan, hoping his development will bring the needed accommodations for residents 55+.
“I understand their position, but it’s not gonna make me change my mind,” Newbury told The Prowl.
An upcoming meeting regarding the Estates at 100 Oakland Rd will be held by the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission on October 15th, where further review will be administered.
