An interesting new site is now being considered for the ice rink originally planned to be built on the old dump on Old Nod Road—the Unilever building. While nothing has been signed to finalize the plans, the discussions are a good step for the Town of Clinton, according to Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) member Kirk Carr.

“Without knowing all of the facts and figures and how it fits in with our zoning regulations, I can’t prejudge it, but it sounds like a good thing for Clinton—definitely better than the location on Old Nod Road,” said Carr. “This can really transform Clinton.”

The proposed facility not only includes the possibility of two ice rinks, but also an indoor soccer field, indoor golf academy, a restaurant, and tenants in the office building. Carr noted that the interest in the Unilever property came after the release of the charrette that was recently completed.

Over the past year, Clinton’s Planning Committee, along with the PZC, has been working with the Cecil Group on the Action Plan for the Historic Unilever Property and Area, which Carr feels was a big influence on the developer’s interest in the property. The full plan is available online at clintonrsvp.com.

“With the help of a grant, the Planning Committee was able to put together a very comprehensive study of what could be done with the Unilever property and I think it may have piqued their interest,” said Carr, adding that Planning Committee Chair “Alan Kravitz and [committee member] Christine Goupil deserve a lot of credit for that.”

The Harbor News contacted First Selectman Willie Fritz for comment; this story will be updated with his response.