Peter Daddeo News Today

The creation of a special development overlay district in 2019 has spurred a recent boom in mixed-use projects along the busy Berlin Turnpike. Since its inception more than three years ago, the Berlin Turnpike Development Zone has allowed building plans that combine residential with retail and commercial projects. Historically, residential units were not permitted along the turnpike except in a very small section, Economic Development Director Chris Edge said.

Bulldozers are moving earth in a field behind Acura of Berlin, preparing the land for a 72-unit apartment development tied to the dealership and neighboring shopping plazas along the Berlin Turnpike. The luxury Turnpike Ridge Apartments — the work of Executive Auto Group owner John Orsini — is one of several multifamily developments underway in Berlin, a largely suburban, upper middle-class town of about 20,000. Two additional multifamily projects approved by the town’s Planning and Zoning...