Preston officials, developers huddle over plans for old Norwich Hospital

Preston - The Preston Redevelopment Agency met behind closed doors for more than 3½ hours Monday night with principals of the development firm that has submitted a plan for the former Norwich Hospital property.

John and Todd McClutchy of the Stamford firm JHM Financial LLC were invited to the executive session to discuss the company's development proposal at the hospital property, now called Preston Riverwalk.

Details of the mixed-use development plan have yet to be released to the public.

A subcommittee of PRA members has been meeting with JHM officials over the past several months to try to reach a development agreement. Last week, PRA Chairman Sean Nugent said the committee was ready to bring the discussion to the full agency.

First Selectman Robert Congdon came out of the meeting room briefly at one point and said he could not discuss any details of the proposal. He said the PRA likely would discuss it again soon - possibly in open session.

The agenda for the closed-door session stated the discussion included a "review of records or files made by the PRA in connection with response to the RFP for Preston Riverwalk and the contract award process related thereto."

c.bessette@theday.com