Selectmen Praise Tech Park ‘Display Number 5’

By Kendra Bobowick

“Finally,” said Director of Planning and Community Development Elizabeth Stocker. “Absolutely,” she is pleased to move ahead with Technology Park plans for a parcel off of Commerce Road. Selectmen Monday approved “Display Number 5,” which is the most recent, and most popular, Technology Park configuration.

After a brief presentation from Economic Development Commission (EDC) Chairman Robert Rau, First Selectman Joe Borst did not hesitate: “I move we approve.” Selectman Paul Mangiafico was right behind him, “I second.” Later in the meeting he added, “I am so happy you resolved issues.” Conservation Commission and EDC views had clashed over past Tech Park plans, essentially stalling the project. After hearing about the “Display Number 5,” later in the meeting Mr Mangiafico said, “Phenomenal. It meets requirements for development and conserving the land. I am absolutely in favor.”

In past weeks the Conservation Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission also passed the proposal. The selectmen’s action Monday frees Ms Stocker to send a letter to the state describing the preferred use of $250,000 remaining from an initial $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant. She wants to allocate $50,000 more for the Tech Park — $250,000 already has gone to planning, reports, and studies for the property — and shift $200,000 to ongoing Fairfield Hills work. Concerned that the town might lose the funding, Selectman Herb Rosenthal expressed relief, saying, “Good job.”

Everybody likes the latest rendition of a driveway accessing a cluster of buildings forming a commercial condominium concept that sits on roughly 37 acres set aside for economic development. An adjacent 34-acre parcel will remain as open space. Mr Rau told selectmen Monday, “We came up with a plan contained within the 37 acres and it does not encroach on the 34 acres.” The parcels were designated as 34 acres for open space and 37 acres for economic growth, respectively. Past configurations had approached the two adjoining parcels and spread the building lots — ten, nine, or six lots — throughout the property. The result was splashes of open space adding up to 34 acres. Previous arrangements never found universal approval from town commissions.

As Ms Stocker noted this week, “We’ve been in a rut.”

Decisions on through roads, agricultural land, and Deep Brook all contributed to “Display Number 5.” Mr Rau explained. Since Newtown received the state parcels, the state has instituted several measures protecting agricultural land from development.

Illuminating one problem with prior variations, Mr Rau noted, “The ten-, nine-, or six-lot scenarios all used some agricultural land.” Were there other impediments to previous plans? Mr Rau noted that a road running across Deep Brook to Wasserman Way is no longer a design preference. Regarding land along the brook, Mr Rau said Monday, “Land reverts back to the state if it’s used for purposes other than open space … we saw it as an impediment to a road to Wasserman.”

Lifting up a map of “Display Number 5,” Mr Rau presented it to the selectmen saying, “We came up with another plan.” The condo-style cluster of proposed building all sit around one access driveway, rather than presenting a separate lot arrangement. “Display Number 5” has benefits other Tech Park plans did not. “There is no road, but a driveway, infrastructure is less and costs significantly less,” Mr Rau began.

Soon the town can market the Tech Park. Ms Stocker explained that a developer may not adhere to “Display Number 5” precisely, but the proposal represents and understanding of how the town wants the property to be used. Essentially, “We have determined the development potential,” Ms Stocker said.