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We, the undersigned, members and friends of The First Congregational Church of Danbury, respectfully request that the Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals approve the variance application for 160-162 Deer Hill Avenue (Assessor Lots I14 and 14 105). These lots are currently owned by the First Congregational Church of Danbury. The church’s leaders are working with Robert Botelho and his company, Victorian Associates L.L.C., to construct thirty apartments for the elderly on this site.
PRESERVING A HISTORIC LANDMARK BUILDING
This variance is in the City’s best interest because it will preserve within its downtown core, a historic landmark building which, as part of its heritage, served as the first religious organization, the seat of government, and the center of social activity for the settlement that would later become Danbury. While the present building was constructed in 1909, the First Congregational Church of Danbury was gathered in 1696 and, for those who settled in the area, it carried out many needed functions until Danbury came into being as a governmental entity. The current building, the fifth meeting house, is descended from the first small meeting house built by Danbury’s eight founding families in 1696. Among other matters of historic and social significance, First Congregational Church played a seminal role in Thomas Jefferson’s call for an Establishment Clause that was incorporated into the U.S. Constitution.
CONTINUING THE VITALITY OF THE CHURCH
Mr. Botelho has already made substantial improvements within the church buildings and the grounds. He is the prospective purchaser of these properties and this agreement includes a perpetual leaseback to the church so that its congregation may continue its regular operations and enhance its service to the community. This project and this deal will allow for the on-going vitality of the church while adding much-needed age-restricted housing in the downtown area.
PROVIDING FOR A CHURCH THAT SERVES HOMELESS PERSONS AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS
Our Deer Hill Thrift shop serves the community with high quality clothes and home goods at very low prices. It also provides free clothing to those without a home and household goods to families in crisis. This ministry of the First Congregational Church is managed and run by volunteers.
CREATING SENIOR HOUSING WHERE IT’S NEEDED
Mr. Botelho will build thirty senior housing units on the property that will connect to the church’s sanctuary and indoor gathering spaces. This will help establish a more appropriate heterogeneous residential age mix in the downtown. Residents will have the option to participate in the life of this church for religious services, social activities or community outreach as they desire.
MAINTAINING AN AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Because it is a highly desirable venue for concerts, community-based arts organizations such as the Danbury Music Centre and the Connecticut Master Chorale have long made use of the church’s sanctuary. The church also provides free meeting space for Alcoholics Anonymous and, with the sponsorship of The Dennis Perkins Farmers Insurance Agency, schedules free monthly movie nights, with dinner, for the community . And it rents event space to the West-Conn Toastmasters and Dorothy Day Hospitality House as well as worship space for a Seventh Day Adventist congregation and a Hindu meditation group. Further, because of the city’s current dearth of suitable multi-functional event space, the church is negotiating with other community-based organizations interested in using its facilities.
My signature or email address above represents my support of Victorian Associate’s variance application.
Thank you for your consideration.