New London — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved plans for the construction of a $14 million 104-unit multifamily development at the end of Mansfield Road.

Construction of the development on a vacant 5.5-acre plot of land near the Waterford town line, one of the last undeveloped spots in the area, could start as early as late spring.

The complex will be constructed, owned and managed by A.R. Building Company Inc., doing business as Mansfield Apartments LLC.

Land-use attorney William Sweeney, representing A.R. Building, said the rental costs of the apartments likely would range between $1,000 and $1,500 a month and will be marketed to “upwardly mobile young professionals with disposable income.”

He said the development would be a boon to economic development in the community.

Thursday’s approval came after a half dozen neighbors raised concerns focused on quality-of-life issues, including increased traffic and noise from the planned blasting of rock ledge at the site.

Iris Lampert, who has lived at 45 Mansfield Ave. for the past 42 years, said she recalls that when other area apartment complexes were built, “I had crystal falling off my shelves.”

Blasting would occur for several weeks but mostly would amount to a few “shots” a day followed by excavation of the rock, Sweeney said.

Pre-blast surveys also would be performed on neighboring properties to ensure any damage, though none is expected, is covered by insurance.

Rock crushing also will be performed on site.

Sweeney said traffic studies show that between 50 and 75 new motor vehicle trips would be generated at peak hours in the morning and evening.

There is an elaborate stormwater system and landscaping planned for the borders of the property, which many have said has been used as a dumping ground for years.

Commission Chairman Barry Levine gave residents time to speak about the concerns but said in many cases the requests — including several for speed bumps — were beyond the scope of the commission's powers.

The plan calls for 165 parking spaces and a recreation area. The complex will include 45 studio units, 49 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units.

City property records show Mansfield Apartments LLC purchased the property last month for $150,000 from Mansfield Road New London LLC.

A.R. Building Company was involved last year with a proposed $18 million residential development in the Fort Trumbull area, but has since abandoned those plans.

Sweeney said the company has plans for a residential development in Groton.

g.smith@theday.com