BRANFORD — A Birmingham, Ala.-based company’s proposal to build what eventually could be an 80-bed, $69.5 million inpatient medical rehabilitation facility on the former Hilltop Orchard site off East Main Street received a generally favorable reception from the Planning and Zoning Commission this week, though members postponed a decision while seeking additional information. Following a public hearing Tuesday conducted via Zoom, the commission continued Encompass Health’s application until July 9 after asking for more details on several issues, including planned sidewalks and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The application seeks two special exceptions for three parcels totaling 20.63 acres. Among the questions raised was a request from Leslie Johnson of the Branford Bicycle Pedestrian Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee for additional details about sidewalks proposed as part of the project. Johnson also asked whether Encompass Health would comply with updated state requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. John Knuff, the attorney representing Encompass Health, said he would review the applicable regulations. He said the company may have filed its special exception application before the new requirements took effect but would report back to the commission.
Proposed $69.5M Branford rehab hospital at Hilltop Orchards site well-received at public hearing
