FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-2-2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2010

Contact: Lisa Carver
(860) 826-3303

MAYOR STEWART FORWARDS OFFER TO PURCHASE BLIGHTED FORMER ST. THOMAS AQUINAS BUILDING TO COMMON COUNCIL TO TURN NEIGHBORHOOD EYESORE INTO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart today announced he is forwarding a proposal to the Common Council from the owners of 74 Kelsey Street (the former St. Thomas Aquinas High School) for the City to purchase the property. “For the past several years, the Aquinas site has been an area of complaints and concerns from residents in southeast New Britain. During this time, City departments have cited a series of owners under our blight ordinance and we, along with neighborhood residents, have been frustrated with a lack of compliance. It is time for the City to take matters into our own hands to rectify this unfortunate situation and turn this neighbor eyesore into a more attractive and productive use through economic development.”

At a recent meeting convened by Mayor Stewart, Seventy Four Kelsey LLC, the owners of the property, made an offer to quit claim the property to the City for $1 and other consideration. Due to the deteriorated condition of the buildings caused by damage from a fire, mold, vandalism and other adverse events, it is expected that at least one and possibly both of the structures on the site will have to be demolished. That will then open up the 2.2 acre parcel for economic development.

Mayor Stewart continued, “I want to thank the principles of Seventy Four Kelsey for their willingness to work with the City to expedite this transition. The sooner we can act on this opportunity, the sooner we can begin the revitalization of the site. I have already received calls and visits from several potential developers interested in 74 Kelsey, primarily to be used for housing. I am confident that this can be a viable project that will yield results not only in a more attractive and safer neighborhood, but in increased revenue for City taxpayers.”

The resolution is being sponsored by Minority Leader Louis Salvio and Assistant Minority Leader Mark Bernacki, who concur with the Mayor that this is a necessary step to improve conditions in that neighborhood by remediating a blighted property.

The proposal for the purchase of 74 Kelsey Street is on the Common Council agenda for the September 8, 2010 meeting (See attached copy of resolution).