MAYOR AND PRESIDENT SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE DOWNTOWN
Author: Town of Mansfield and University of Connecticut
06/06/2008
MANSFIELD, Conn. (June 6, 2008) - The recent $10 million bonding authorization from the State to support Storrs Center infrastructure is an important development. This latest commitment from the State, championed by Senate President Don Williams and Representative Denise Merrill, and supported by Governor Rell, came after the State’s thorough review of the Storrs Center project. It’s a significant step toward building a sustainable commercial/residential/recreational Storrs downtown that is already being recognized as a model for environmentally responsible community development. This new downtown is badly needed now and for the future vitality of the Town of Mansfield and the University.
The benefits to Mansfield are many. Storrs Center will generate significant new tax receipts for the Town of Mansfield and create hundreds of jobs. Construction of the project will bring in over $180 million of private investment into the Town. Businesses and opportunities usually found elsewhere will have a home right here in Mansfield within walking distance of our major civic activities, but in a controlled and environmentally friendly setting. More than 150 local, regional, state and national businesses have already expressed an interest in Storrs Center. Some have also initiated discussions with the developer, LeylandAlliance. In addition, over 300 people have expressed interest in living in Storrs Center.
Storrs Center is a sustainable development. Hundreds of people living in Storrs Center will be able to walk to work and shop locally, eliminating thousands of car trips every week. Approximately two thirds of the 50-acre site will be preserved as a conservation area, and Storrs Center will include a state-of-the-art storm water management system that will actually improve the surrounding wetlands environment. In keeping with initiatives at the Town and at the University, the project’s Sustainability Guidelines will ensure the efficient use of water, energy, and construction materials. Storrs Center will serve as a model for the state.
Storrs Center is planned in phases that will allow flexibility to make changes along the way while remaining focused on bringing together residents, members of the University community, and visitors in a vibrant downtown environment. A deliberative and inclusive planning, design and approval process will continue. The present goal is to secure the remaining local, state and federal approvals and break ground in the second half of 2009.
In 2002, the Mansfield Downtown Partnership was entrusted by the Town and the University to carry out the mission of creating a town center. Both the Town and University are equal financial partners in this endeavor. Each dedicates expertise and effort to the Partnership’s on-going work. In this spirit of cooperation, the Partnership has proven an effective catalyst, working with all constituents to shape an economically viable and environmentally sustainable project. As the municipal development agency for Storrs Center, the Partnership has guided the many complex tasks associated with this initiative: commissioning the concept master plan, selecting a skilled master developer in LeylandAlliance, approving the Storrs Center Municipal Development Plan, creating a Special Design District and, successfully pursuing critical state and federal funding for the project.
Throughout, the Partnership has invited public participation. It has held public forums and monthly open houses, listened carefully to public input, and changed course when better alternatives were suggested. For its involvement of the community in the vision for Storrs Center, the Partnership recently received the statewide Community Consensus-Building Award from the Connecticut Main Street Center. The cooperation between the Town and the University on this project is unprecedented. We have come together with a shared vision and commitment. With the continued support of Mansfield residents and UConn faculty, staff and students, we will create an environmentally responsible and economically vibrant town center.
On June 12 at 7 pm, in the Mansfield Public Library Buchanan Auditorium, the Mansfield Downtown Partnership will present an update to the Town Council on Storrs Center. We encourage all Mansfield citizens to attend the June 12 meeting.
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