PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION APPROVES APPLICATIONS FOR FIRST NEW STORRS CENTER BUILDING
Author: LeylandAlliance LLC
07/07/2006
Storrs, Conn. (July 7, 2006) - At a meeting of the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission on July 5th, four critical applications for a new commercial building to be located on Dog Lane in downtown Mansfield were approved unanimously, advancing the vision for the new Storrs Center development closer to reality. The four applications covered the re-zoning of property on the northerly side of Dog Lane to a Planned Business-2 status; the amendment of existing zoning regulations to allow for mixed-use development, motor vehicle repair service, and an increase in building height of up to 60 feet ; the special permit for the proposed commercial building and related site work; and the subdivision of the proposed new lot on Dog Lane for the development of the building, which is being referred to as Phase 1 A of Storrs Center.
The Phase 1 A building is designed to house a number of commercial and retail businesses that will be relocating from existing locations in downtown Mansfield. It will rise on a site in the Northeast section of the Storrs Center property. Construction of the Phase 1 A building is a critical and symbolic first step in the progress of the overall development, providing many existing businesses the opportunity to be part of the new community.
Cynthia van Zelm, Executive Director of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, states, “We’re thrilled that the approvals for the first Storrs Center building were received via a unanimous vote. We look forward to submitting the application for rezoning the balance of Storrs Center to a special design district. With that approval in place, we will be able to move forward with construction of the
Phase 1 A building.
Macon Toledano, Vice President of Planning and Development for LeylandAlliance, the developer for Storrs Center, adds, “The approval by the PZC reassures us that our plans for a new Town Center are in keeping with the broader plans that the public officials and citizens of Mansfield have for their community. We’re grateful for the efforts of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, which has provided support and guidance throughout the approval process. We look forward to a continuing dialogue with the general public, the University and town, state and federal authorities.”
In January of this year, approval was received for the Municipal Development Plan, the initial planning document that lays out the vision for Storrs Center, a new Main Street town center to be located in downtown Mansfield. The plan calls for a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented town center located across from EO Smith High School in Mansfield. When it is completed, Storrs Center will consist of residential neighborhoods, small parks, intimate retail areas, walkable streets, and, at its heart, a beautifully landscaped town square. The entire community will be located on 15 acres within an approximately 51-acre site across from the entry to the University of Connecticut. The balance of the land will be maintained in a protected natural state.
Back to News