Brookchester Plans Major Facelift on Aging Properties

Joseph Brunetti, owner of the Brookchester Garden Apartment complex, came before the Mayor and Council Wednesday evening to give an informal presentation and present a conceptual design of his plan to refurbish a number of apartments and replace 752 apartments with approximately 1000. 

Brunetti's lawyer, Stephen Sinisi of Paramus who specializes in land use law, stressed that this appearance before the Mayor and Council was a very preliminary conceptiual presentation.

"We do not want premature speculation of what we're planning to do," Sininsi said. "We have a preliminary concept we want to share with you. We want to get it out open and up front that we have a vision that we believe will benefit the community."

Part of the benefit to the community is Brunetti's agreement with Mayor Ann Subrizi to take on New Milford's third round COAH (Council of Affordable Housing) obligation, which is 14 apartments. Another benefit is the infusion of new ratables. 

According to the preliminary conceptual plans, the area to be rehabilitated and redeveloped is approximately 33 acres of land with 752 apartments built between 50 and 60 years ago. The plan calls for the refurbishing of some apartments and the new construction of rental apartments in a three or four-story complex with a buffer that contains a walking trail designed to benefit the entire community. 

Because the property is currently zoned for garden apartments, there would need to be a zoning change to accommodate the design, or variances would be needed from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. However, the Mayor and Council passed a resolution recommending that in its scheduled review of the Master Plan, the Planning Board take under consideration a zoning change for the Brookchester area. 

The area in Brookchester slated to be redeveloped and refurbished is the highest density property located the furthest away from single family residences. Also, rather than parking lots, Brunetti has designed parking decks that blend into the landscape so that the parking will not be visible. According to Sinisi, the new construction will take cars off the streets since currently there is not adequate parking to accommodate the total number of cars. 

Brunetti's architect and planner, David Minno of Minno and Wasko, presented slides that laid out Brunetti's preliminary conceptual design. He stressed that all trees will be preserved and open space will be incorporated into the design around the perimeter to create a natural buffer and a trail system that will be open to the community. He has also planned for "beautiful landscaping and courtyards"  as well as a club facility and outdoor pool.  

The preliminary slides showed enhanced streetscapes described as "more pedestrian friendly." Minno also said that by removing the impervious surface of the current parking lots, on-site and off-site drainage will be improved while enhancing green space.

"We're not presenting something on a take it or leave it basis," Brunetti said. "We want to study and learn what will better the community."

In further explaining his position, Brunetti told the audience, "I want your input in taking Brookchester into the next generation."

The Brookchester Garden Apartment complex was built upon former farmland and primarily served the housing needs of men returning home from the service. Brunetti said that the property served the community for many years, but it needed to be refurbished to suit the current needs of the housing market. What he wants, he said, is to launch a rennasaince for the entire community.

According to Brunetti, the entire project is projected to take approximately 5-7 years until completion.

Brunetti's team will return with a fiscal impact analysis to determine the impact of the project on the community. 

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