News, Commentary and Opinions in New Britain CT and Our Nation
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The New Site for the New Britain Police Station in Preparation
The process is ongoing at Main and Chestnut Streets with the razing of the existing buildings in order to make room for the new- New Britain Police Station.
NEW BRITAIN — In little less than one month, one of the biggest eyesores in the downtown area is no more, and the second biggest eyesore is set to follow it into oblivion.
Under the watchful eye of downtown residents and business owners, workmen with Industrial Wrecking have efficiently taken down one of the buildings at 121-131 Main St., and carted away the debris of the strip mall that was no longer in use.
“They have a 60-day window to complete the demolition and it looks like they’ll have no trouble making it,” Mayor Timothy Stewart said.
Prior to demolition, the buildings had been stripped and all hazardous materials, such as asbestos, were removed and taken off site.
With the passing of a resolution last year that would allow the 10-year downtown New Britain development project, with Arete Development Group as the master developer, to get under way, passersby are beginning to see changes to the downtown landscape.
Purchased by the city for $1.6 million, Stewart said the plan is for a mixed-use development that will include a police station, retail shops and residential housing.
“We’d hoped for a sooner completion but with the economic downturn things have been pushed back,” Stewart said.
With the changes in the economy, the city is now exploring selling the property and then taking out a long-term lease on it.
Stewart said the city could do a multi-million-dollar bond for the project with full control of it but can still maintain a high-degree of control even if it is sold.
One of the largest things still to be negotiated on the site is the use of air rights. With 250,000 square feet of air rights above the property the capability of a downtown high-rise building of perhaps six stories, makes it attractive to sub-developers.
With the needs analysis for the police station already completed, the only questions, and perhaps the biggest, are how it’s going to be built and who will build it, Stewart said.
To help facilitate the project the city also is applying for grants to help with the construction and expects the building to start in 2011.
As for what will happen to the property in the interim, Stewart allowed that the property may be used for additional downtown parking which would have the benefit of creating revenue.
it is about time these guys were given a decent home. the place they now call a police station is a dump!
ReplyDeleteOne down and one to go
ReplyDeleteFriday, June 12, 2009 10:59 PM EDT
By JAMES CRAVEN
Staff Writer
NEW BRITAIN — In little less than one month, one of the biggest eyesores in the downtown area is no more, and the second biggest eyesore is set to follow it into oblivion.
Under the watchful eye of downtown residents and business owners, workmen with Industrial Wrecking have efficiently taken down one of the buildings at 121-131 Main St., and carted away the debris of the strip mall that was no longer in use.
“They have a 60-day window to complete the demolition and it looks like they’ll have no trouble making it,” Mayor Timothy Stewart said.
Prior to demolition, the buildings had been stripped and all hazardous materials, such as asbestos, were removed and taken off site.
With the passing of a resolution last year that would allow the 10-year downtown New Britain development project, with Arete Development Group as the master developer, to get under way, passersby are beginning to see changes to the downtown landscape.
Purchased by the city for $1.6 million, Stewart said the plan is for a mixed-use development that will include a police station, retail shops and residential housing.
“We’d hoped for a sooner completion but with the economic downturn things have been pushed back,” Stewart said.
With the changes in the economy, the city is now exploring selling the property and then taking out a long-term lease on it.
Stewart said the city could do a multi-million-dollar bond for the project with full control of it but can still maintain a high-degree of control even if it is sold.
One of the largest things still to be negotiated on the site is the use of air rights. With 250,000 square feet of air rights above the property the capability of a downtown high-rise building of perhaps six stories, makes it attractive to sub-developers.
With the needs analysis for the police station already completed, the only questions, and perhaps the biggest, are how it’s going to be built and who will build it, Stewart said.
To help facilitate the project the city also is applying for grants to help with the construction and expects the building to start in 2011.
As for what will happen to the property in the interim, Stewart allowed that the property may be used for additional downtown parking which would have the benefit of creating revenue.
URL: http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2009/06/12/news/doc4a3311492f8d5761579680.prt
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