NEWINGTON - A 12,000-square foot convalescent home expansion got both special permit and site plan approval from the Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ) when the body convened for its Nov. 12 meeting.

       The unanimous approval of the project, which involves the addition of 45 living units to the tune of 40 new parking spaces, came after architects working with New Britain Avenue-based Bel Air Manor made slight aesthetic changes to the blueprint in order to address concerns expressed by neighboring residents.

       A berm, along with 8 to 10 feet of additional vegetation, is expected to decrease the amount of the building seen by area residents.

       During the discussion, the elimination of six parking spaces close to the outpatient portion of the site was suggested, but the commissioner consensus was that the aesthetic adjustments rendered such an adjustment unnecessary.

       â€�"If the berm we suggested is done the right way, I don’t think we’ll be able to see the six parking spaces,” said Commissioner Frank Aieta. â€�"If we eliminate the six parking spaces, people that come in on the outpatient basis for physical therapy, they wouldn’t have a place to park that’s within a close vicinity to the entrance. Some of these people I would assume, if they’re going for therapy, they might have limited mobility. I think if we eliminate them, we’re doing a disservice to the facility.”

       Commissioner Stanley Sobieski agreed.

       â€�"I think it’ll be a good cover for the residents,” Sobieski said. â€�"So I concur with [keeping] the six spaces. You don’t want somebody walking from the end of the building or having to be pushed in a wheel chair.”

       A couple of residents that came out also expressed concerns regarding traffic safety, but project representatives said that the facility will be occupied by elderly patients, many of whom no longer drive. A few other residents signed a petition against the expansion that went to the TPZ.

       The additional spaces are necessary to meet increased demand brought an increase in residents and, consequently, a higher volume of visitor traffic on weekends and holidays, said Alan Bongiovanni, the land surveyor presenting the plan on behalf of Bel Air Manor Associates.

       While residents disputed the expressed need for additional parking, the consensus among members of the TPZ was that the primary concern was regarding the size of the building’s addition.

       Bongiovanni came to the TPZ at its Sept. 24 meeting with a completed traffic study--information that was requested by Commissioners at the previous hearing. According to the Newington Police Department’s own statistics, there have been three accidents in the area over the past five years, he said.

       The discussion regarding the special permit status and site plan for the facility began with a public hearing Sept. 9. Bongiovanni fielded TPZ questions and residents, and the hearing was continued for a few weeks before the Commission opted to move the item to a vote.

       The expansion will increase the number of beds at Bel Air to 116--well below the maximum 210, Bongiovanni said at an early hearing. The addition will also require the hiring of 10 more staff members.