Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Council Considers Several Redevelopment Projects Tonight

The Common Council has a busy agenda for its meeting tonight, with votes scheduled on issues which will have significant impacts on a variety of ongoing and future redevelopment projects.


The North End parking lot project.
The council will vote on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to  sign documents for the “Old Trolley Barn Parking Lot” proposal, which will lead to construction of a public parking lot behind Eli Cannon's and the Community Health Center. This parking lot will require the relocation or destruction of a historic home on Kings Avenue, and the resolution would authorize Carl Erlacher, the Finance Director, to petition the superior Court to acquire the property by eminent domain if the Mayor is unable to reach agreement with the owner for the amount of compensation or the property.

Joining the Mattabasset Sewer District
The Council will vote on a resolution which would put before the voters on November 8th, a bond of $13.2M, to pay for the city's entry. Joining the Mattabassett sewer district would allow the city to dismantle the River Road treatment plant, opening up that area for development.  Some of the ideas for development of the "South Cove" area have been heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission.


Destruction of the Capitol Theater
The Council will vote on whether to authorize up to $300,000 to hire American Contractors, LLC to demolish the former Capitol Theater portion of 350 Main Street.  The Capitol Theater is the large, rear portion of the building at 350 Main Street housing the liquor store. The city plans to replace the theater with a bus turn-around.

Other Highlights
A resolution honoring John Hall, recently retired minister at the First Congregational Church, will be presented and voted on.

The council will consider a bond of $14.1M to fund road improvement projects around the city. This bond would also require voter approval on November 8.

The council will consider a bond of $350,000 to fund waterline improvements to the approach to the Arrigoni Bridge.

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