New Milford’s vacant ShopRite could make way for shops along River Road, an outdoor dining plaza, and apartments set farther back from the street. Plans for the main apartment building include an open-air courtyard and a rooftop deck for residents.
The developer, 814 River Road Urban Renewal LLC, proposes tearing down the former supermarket and the medical office next door near Dilworth Road. The New Milford Planning Board began reviewing the plans on Oct. 20.
Of the 160 proposed rental apartments, 32 would be affordable. Eight would be set aside for seniors in a one-story building with shops. The other 24 would be in the main apartment building alongside 128 market-rate rentals.
The main building would have four stories of apartments above a parking garage, with homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Residents would have a fitness room, a clubroom, and a shared workspace with a library overlooking the lobby.
The courtyard would include a lawn, seating, and outdoor dining space. Plans also show a dog run along Dilworth Road, with trees and shrubs lining both streets to screen parts of the parking area.
The building with senior apartments would have 9,500 square feet of retail space. A separate building beside the dining plaza would add another 3,000 square feet of commercial space. The project’s architect told the board that tenants hadn’t been confirmed.
The developer proposes about 300 parking spaces, including 158 in the garage and 142 outside. The board’s planning consultant calculated that the project would need 315 spaces after credits for electric vehicle parking. The developer proposes sharing spaces between residents and businesses because demand can peak at different times.
The Planning Board is scheduled to continue the hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10. The developer is asking the board to approve the site plan and allow exceptions to some design and sign rules.
