EDC gives thumbs up to Greens and others

Larry Owens and Justin Carbonella in foreground.

The March Economic Development Committee meeting had a full agenda and a full house at the 7:00 start. All agenda items discussed were moved on favorably.

First up with a green agenda was Larry Owens, President of Middletown United Fathers, (MUF) to ask about leasing 3 acres of city land at Pine St and Long Hill Rd. with an options to increase that to 10 acres to be used for a community garden project. Two members of the public had spoken on behalf of the project, and the EDC discussion showed favor in helping to fast track this proposal, so that it could get started by late spring. MUF were asked to reappear next month, after a consultation with city staff, to designate where the water would come from, points on the map where the garden will sit, specifics of a lease arrangement, and the status of the organizations application as a non-profit group. The only caution made by the EDC was that they would not approve any lease that allowed a for profit vegetable stand that would unfairly compete with other business's in town. Director Warner noted that in the 70's this land was used as a community garden.

Next under consideration was a request by Lennie Leibenhaut speaking on behalf of  CenterPoint, CT Luxury Office Condominium's to consider changes in the Tax and Business Incentive Ordinance 272-9 such that it would also apply to commercial condominiums, sold by any developer who had already qualified the land, so that the tax abatement provisions can carry over to the new owner of the already developed

Rendering of Propasal

parcel of land. The CenterPoint Executive Park is located just south of Aetna and is a another project that Wayne D'Amico's of  Property Politics, a real estate development and advisory firm in Essex, CT. Mr. D'Amico has been involved in or advised on a number of Middletown development projects, including the Mattabesset Realty projects who installed the new Dunkin Donuts on Washington St. Rt 17, and Newfield St, as well as the CT Beverage Mart property on Washington St. The CenterPoint site is slated to have multiple buildings that will be phased in over time. This development hopes to be on the leading edge in business condo developments with LEED certified buildings. This "green
project" will move on to the ordinance study before moving onto the Common Council for final approval.


The Lady Katherine Cruises Lease was quickly approved, and the EDC was assured that under the supervision of Public
Works appropriate studies had been undertaken to assure that the Harbor Park mooring would be safe for this vessel. In the case of wind or flooding the Lady would be moved to another location.

The last green related issue on the agenda was the Arawana Golf Course Lease which would be on Maromas Land, which the EDC approved moving forward with praise. Six members of the public where present to speak on behalf of the project--Ralph Wilson, a resident of Bow Lane, the owner of Nikita's Bar and Bistro, Will Longo and a few others whose names I did not get (sorry). EDC members referenced the support of the public speaking in favor of the project during deliberations of the lease but did not discuss any of the contents of, or points made in a letter sent by Middletown resident Michael Ennis who is a member of  Middletown's Conservation Commission, though they did acknowledge it's receipt. The lease the EDC approved is only step one of many to follow. What the lease provides for is access to the land for the course developer and architect, and it allows the developer to move forward in seeking financial backing. The EDC stated that this project fits into the conditions

of the RPF, that the land is not a pristine piece of land, especially given it's tenure as a staging area for the Kleen Energy Project. They noted that it is already actively in use, they expressed concern that the possibility existed that the city could lose the land to the state in the future if they did not put it to use in some fashion. The EDC believes the business of golf in town, will keep more spending in Middletown both at the course and later on when they seek meals or drinks following a game. The developers of the golf course when they have the details of their plan in place will still have to come before the planning and zoning and conservation commissions, as well as the Common Council.man

The Harbor Improvement Agency has plans underway for a September, CT River Festival, the main draw being power boat races, and then a host of other on shore activities that may include performances and what at first glance would seem rather incongruent--an environmental fair--as speed boats are well known gas guzzler's and noise and air pollutants. The report by the Harbor Improvement Agency was cut short, to get to the last item on the agenda, with the indication that they should move ahead and report back a the next meeting.

Last on the agenda for the evening was a discussion of the extension of the  Federal Transportation Funding, which resulted in the Downtown Parking Study and the recommendation to replace the existing parking garage with a 4 story, handicapped accessible facility. This was an involved lengthy discussion which will be addressed in a future post.