I'll be curious to see how many hoops our P&Z requires this developer to jump through, and how long it takes before shovel finally meets dirt

One way to approach the affordable housing problem is to increase the supply of all housing. From what I’ve observed, however, our P&Z doesn’t agree with that strategy and instead prefers to dither and preen and make lofty, self-congratulatory pronouncements that will demonstrate, they think, their concern for “the underprivileged”. Delays cost money, prices increase, and so it goes. We’ll see

Forty-four new apartment units proposed at an office building in the west end of Greenwich

GREENWICH — The trend of converting underutilized office buildings into housing in Greenwich and around the region is continuing, with the latest proposed conversion slated for an office site at 1 East Weaver Street.

Fareri Associates and developer John Fareri are looking to upgrade the exterior of the three-story office building and turn the office areas into 44 residential units.

According to the attorney representing the project, John Tesei, the 41-year-old building would undergo a makeover to make it more attractive to residents. "There are no site changes proposed," Tesei said, "Minor architectural changes will be made, such as adding small balconies within the building frame itself and rooftop terrace amenities for the residents.... A small portion of the upper level garage area will be converted to resident amenities."

Besides the new balconies, the new facade would be composed of granite, metal, glass and wood-like paneling, according to the architetectural renderings submitted to the town planning department. The new residences would be called the J Lofts on East Weaver.

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The building is described as "mostly vacant" by the development team. 

The units would be a mix of 22 one-bedroom units, 20 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. 

The site has ample parking, with 224 spaces, more than the necessary requirement of 90 spaces for the proposed residential units. No new landscaping is planned, according to Tesei, and the traffic impact will be minimal. The site is just off West Putnam Avenue.

The planned conversion is part of a larger a real estate trend across the region, as numerous office buildings are being converted into residential buildings after a major shift in the commercial real estate sector. 

The plan for the office conversion is due for review by the Planning & Zoning Commission in coming weeks.