This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/04/2016 01:51 PMNorth Branford Economic Development (EDC) has put out a call to residents to attend tomorrow night's Town Council meeting to show support of the proposed town center development that will be on the agenda.
In a note submitted with a request for publication, the EDC asks North Branford residents to, "Please try to attend...we need your support. This is a call to our residents to join us. This will be our first development project in many years."
EDC also said the Jan. 5 Town Council meeting agenda item is important because the development "...has the potential to benefit residents regarding taxes."
The development being proposed at 1599 Foxon Road comes from EDC-recommended "prefered developer," CenterPlan (Middletown).
The development would incorporate property including the former Community Center, former Center School and former Wall Field. The town owned property would be sold to Centerplan. The transaction is estimated to gross approximately $1 million for the town.
In July 2015, the Town Council voted to give Centerplan "preferred developer" status on the project, based on the EDC's recommendation. See the story at http://www.zip06.com/news/20150717/preferred-developer-selected-for-nbs-new-town-center
On Dec. 7, the EDC released a memo submitted to the Town Council regarding the town center development item on the agenda for the Jan. 5 Town Council meeting:
"For the past 3 1/2 years, the Economic Development Commission has worked with town residents and Yale Urban Design regarding the development of 1599 Foxon Road. Two charrettes were held to get input from town residents; and there was strong support for an attractive, welcoming Center for North Branford.
Centerplan has been selected as the developer, and specifics are now under discussion. We would like to reiterate the benefits of this proposal:
* One million dollars minus remediation costs (for which a grant has been applied)
* Vital addition to our grand list
* An attractive and welcoming Center for North Branford
The first step of the development will take six months or more to obtain Town and State permit approval, screening for environmental hazards, appraisal (which will cost Centerplan $3,000 plus) investor approval and bank approval.
Furthermore, the Town will not need to pay a broker's commission; Centerplan is a well-known developer who has worked with Connecticut Towns and Cities; and Centerplan is not asking us for grant money.
Often, when a major building project takes place in a town other developers become interested. The EDC anticipates a positive effect for additional development and growth for the Town as well as possible improvements from established businesses. We encourage your active support in guiding this project to a successful conclusion.
Economic Development Commission, Dec. 7. 2015"
Reporter's notes: As recently reported on Zip06, North Branford Town Manager Michael Paulhus has applied for a $200,000 "brownfield" grant from the state to assist with remediation at the site. See the story at http://www.zip06.com/news/20151214/nb-dog-park-town-center-bulk-propane-sportplex-fields-deal-updates
Also, charrette results showed residents desire the inclusion of some residential units as part of the new development. In the fall of 2015, members of the Town Council's appointed town center development negotiation team reported Centerplan, at that time, was not in favor of including residential spaces in the mix.
The Town Council meets on Tues. Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall.