Development to consist of retail, apartments in town

RENDERING COURTESY TOWN OF BERLIN
Renderings showcase the plans owner Ernest Gerardi has for a three-story property on Stevenson Lane in Berlin. The first floor would have retail space, with three, two-story apart- ments above. Berlin’s Planning Commission unanimously approved the site plan during a meeting last Wednesday.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2019) A proposed housing and retail property in downtown Berlin received a unanimous endorsement of its site plan by the Berlin Planning Commission last Wednesday.

Property owner Ernest Gerardi showed members renderings of his three-story property on 2 Stevenson Lane, with retail shops on the first floor, and three, two-story apartments atop them. He said it would consist of approximately 1,178 square feet.

“I think they will look nice in the neighborhood,” Gerardi said. “That’s my intent.”

Gerardi added that the two-bedroom apartments would have several amenities including molding, “nice cabinets” and “ample closets for storage.”

Gerardi also said the apartments would include parking, but are also within the 300 feet of a large parking lot.

A metal staircase would go up to the apartments on the second floor, according to the renderings. Gerardi also said that the front would be salt-treated, painted and covered with cypress green siding. The roof would also have lighter colored shingles.

Gerardi also stressed the importance of having a second staircase.

“Frankly, I just feel better having a second egress,” he said.

The property would also have a sprinkler system.

As for the first floor storefront, Gerardi said he expects it to have a similar look to DiFebo’s Italian Restaurant on 104 N. Main St. in downtown Berlin.

It’s unclear what type of store or stores would occupy the space, but Gerardi said he expects to have “one or two stores once we go to market.”

Gerardi received approval from the town’s historic district commission and the board of zoning appeals earlier this summer.

Gerardi also said there would be a 48-inch walkway to line up with the nearby Palmer’s Appliances on Stevenson Lane after obtaining a variance from Berlin’s board of zoning appeals in July.

Commission Chairman Chris Denny praised Gerardi’s efforts on the project.

“I think it’s another great job,” Denny said.

However, Commission Vice-Chairman Ron Cascio took issue with the symmetry of the storefront’s windows.

“It looks to me something more like Ocean City than Berlin,” he said.

Commission member Pete Cosby moved to approve Gerardi’s site plan, which Commission member Phyllis Purnell seconded.

“I look forward to another nice project, Mr. Gerardi,” Cosby said.