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08/02/2024 01:20 PMThe redevelopment of Mariner’s Way has taken another step forward now that the town has its final report on ways to upgrade the area, according to a press release issued by the Town of Old Saybrook.
The town began working with economic development consultant Camoin Associates last year to develop a plan to revitalize a section of town known as Mariner’s Way. For nearly a decade, the town has been looking at ways to reinvigorate the area at the Route 1 East connector between Saybrook Junction’s Town Center and Ferry Point’s Marina District.
In a press release on Aug. 1, the town announced that the redevelopment plan is complete. The study identified several initiatives aimed at improving the area, including “enhancing the appearance and ‘quality of place’ of the district; maintaining, supporting, and integrating successful and existing businesses; infusing new and diverse housing; adding destination appeal; cultivating and attracting maritime-related businesses and other business development projects; addressing community health, fitness, and wellness needs; and improving the district’s connectivity and walkability,” the release stated.
In order to make those initiatives a reality, the plan recommended that the town take steps like establishing a Mariner’s Way redevelopment agency, increasing stakeholder involvement, undertaking zoning updates, encouraging housing and mixed-use development projects, looking at wastewater treatment options, and tackling blight.
Per the release, the town has already begun forming the redevelopment agency and is working on an ordinance for the new agency. Additionally, the town has committed $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for projects in the area. A team is also surveying the area to look for possible upgrades to its visual appeal, walkability, and connectivity. The town is contributing $65,000 for the survey.
In a statement, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna said, “We have been very focused throughout this process on ending up with an implementable plan, not a plan with lots of facts and figures that would sit on a shelf and serve as a reference now and then. We are extremely excited to have this road map to make real change in the Mariner’s Way district and we look forward to the formation of the redevelopment agency whose focus will be on that area and its growth and development.” He added, “In addition to the partners we have in the current business and property owners in the district, we hope that the renewed focus on this area will encourage new partners to emerge who will help re-envision what’s possible here.”
The consultant hired by the town last year spent about nine months performing a market analysis and an economic opportunity study, which included stakeholder input in the final report.
The full report is available under the Plans, Studies, Reports, and Initiatives section of the Land Use Department’s webpage on the town’s website at www.oldsaybrookct.gov.