From Pit to Possibility: A Community Update on 1666 Whitney & Spring Glen’s Future
An update on the former hardware site, the realities of the Spring Glen zoning overlay, and what thoughtful development could look like moving forward.
Hello, neighbors!
Recently I saw conversations in the Spring Glen Facebook group and heard from several residents about concerns around what is not so lovingly referred to as “the pit” at 1666 Whitney Avenue, formerly the Spring Glen Hardware site next to Canteen.
There are a lot of narratives floating around about the project. Rather than speculate, I reached out directly to the property owners, Carol and James at Farnam Realty Group, to better understand where things stand. They were responsive to my outreach and shared updates about the current status of the site, along with an openness to collaborate with the community as it moves forward. This update starts with the property itself, but also provides context for the broader development and zoning conversations happening in Spring Glen.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
As many of you know, the project experienced an unexpected setback when the foundation of the existing structure failed during construction work. The original vision was to renovate the building and bring in a small antique store, but once the structural issues surfaced, that plan became unworkable.
Anyone who has dealt with insurance claims or major construction surprises can imagine how complicated and time-consuming that process can be. Rebuilds are expensive, and developers have to balance community vision with the financial reality of making a project viable.
Farnam Realty Group has continued moving forward despite those challenges. They have begun assembling an architectural and development team and have met with Town Planner Eugene Livshits and Planning and Zoning staff to begin discussing potential paths for the site. The goal, as described to me, is to create something that works financially while contributing positively to the Spring Glen neighborhood. The project proposal is not finalized, so I will share more when that becomes available.
At the same time, the property faces hurdles connected to existing zoning regulations in this area, and any future proposal may require additional approvals or variances.
A Serendipitously Timed Housing Conversation
Around the same time I connected with James about the Whitney Avenue property, I had a serendipitously timed conversation with local resident Marie Bravo. Marie volunteers with CONECT’s Hamden Affordable Housing Team. In her free time, she researches housing policy and shares educational resources on affordable housing for residents through her fantastic blog, Home in Hamden.
Our conversation wasn’t about any one specific project, but it helped me better understand some of the broader zoning structures that exist in Spring Glen, including the Village District Overlay. The timing felt notable, because it provided helpful context as I was learning more about the status of the former hardware store site.
The overlay is part of the larger framework that shapes how development moves forward in this area, and it’s one of the reasons zoning keeps coming up in conversations about this part of Whitney Avenue.
The Spring Glen Village District Overlay
How We Got Here
The Spring Glen Village District Overlay was adopted in 2009 and was spearheaded by a group of our neighbors with concerns about preserving the small-scale, walkable character of the Whitney Avenue corridor. The idea was to ensure that new development fit aesthetically and architecturally with the surrounding neighborhood.
Village District overlays are allowed under Connecticut law and are often used to guide design and protect historic village centers. In Spring Glen, however, the overlay adds a layer of review and submission requirements that do not exist in other parts of Hamden.
Over time, that has created strong opinions on all sides. Some residents view the overlay as an important preservation tool. Others believe it adds cost and uncertainty that can make redevelopment more difficult, especially for smaller projects. In recent years, broader conversations have also emerged about how zoning policies across Connecticut may intersect with historic patterns of segregation or exclusion, and some local reporting has explored those questions in the context of Hamden’s development history.
You can read more about the Spring Glen Village District Overlay in Hamden’s current zoning regulations document. It starts on page 49 and is titled “Section 450 - Village District Overlay Zones”.
Process and Practical Implications
This part of the Whitney Avenue corridor already sits in a T3.5 zone, a type of zoning meant to support walkable, village-style growth. It allows for small, neighborhood-scale changes: apartments above shops, reinvestment in underused buildings, or modest mixed-use spaces that bring more people within walking distance of Spring Glen businesses without dramatically changing the character of the area.
While the overlay does not change the underlying zoning, it adds an additional layer of design-focused review. The underlying zoning outlines what could be built, the overlay changes how projects move through approvals.
In practice, this means developers must hire architects and consultants to produce detailed design plans, three-dimensional renderings, and highly specific material lists (down to lighting fixtures and even the colors of bicycle racks) to demonstrate a “harmonious relationship” with surrounding properties. Proposals are also reviewed by a Village District Consultant appointed by Planning & Zoning, with the cost of that review typically paid by the applicant, along with any additional drawings or studies the Commission determines are necessary to protect the neighborhood’s “distinctive character.” All of this work happens upfront, out of pocket, and without any guarantee that a project will ultimately be approved.
These additional steps increase upfront costs and extend timelines, which may influence how some projects move forward.
Next Steps for 1666 Whitney
Farnam Realty Group has committed to keeping me informed as plans evolve so that I can continue sharing major updates with residents. We have also discussed holding community meetings as plans progress to give residents an opportunity to learn more and share their input. I really appreciate their willingness to collaborate and engage with the community as the project moves forward.
Another Whitney Avenue Property to Watch
The commercial building at 1648 Whitney Avenue (currently home to Strong Kitchen, Woodwinds, and the Guitar Shop) is listed for sale. The owner of Strong Kitchen has publicly announced plans to relocate, meaning the four-unit building could soon have multiple vacancies and a new owner evaluating future possibilities for the site.
Any future buyer or developer would need to navigate the same zoning framework and Village District Overlay requirements discussed above, which may shape what changes are ultimately feasible there.
A Bigger Conversation Worth Having
Residents want to see vacant spaces improved and Whitney Avenue activated, but there are also strong feelings about what change should look like, placing the overlay at the center of an ongoing conversation about Spring Glen’s future.
Zoning discussions can bring out strong opinions, and I know residents care deeply about maintaining the character of Spring Glen. At the same time, Hamden faces real fiscal challenges, and many residents have asked thoughtful questions about how vacant properties, redevelopment, and tax base growth fit into the bigger picture.
Several residents have suggested that a broader community discussion about the overlay could be helpful, simply to understand what it does, what it costs, and what options exist. If you’re interested in having a community meeting about this, please take the poll below or email me at gteodosio@hamden.com.
I am grateful to residents like Marie and many others who spend their time researching and educating neighbors about these issues. Whether someone supports keeping the overlay exactly as it is or believes it should be revisited, having informed conversations helps us move forward together.
Thank you for staying engaged!
Warmly,
Councilwoman Grace Teodosio
gteodosio@hamden.com
Count me in for broader community discussions/helping to spread the word about broader community discussions!