Stonington — Two mill complexes on Mechanic Street in Pawcatuck that comprise a total of a half-million square feet of space will go on the market in the next few weeks.

Dan Barber of Northeast Property Group, who represents the owners of the former Yardney and Harris Graphics and properties at 82 and 100 Mechanic St., made the announcement to members of the Economic Development Commission on Thursday afternoon.

Barber also asked the commission to support the expansion of the types of uses allowed in the manufacturing zone, something the commission had done three years ago when it sent a proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The PZC never implemented the recommended changes.

After listening to Barber, the EDC voted unanimously to send its 2012 proposal to the Board of Selectmen and ask it to urge the PZC to expand the uses allowed in the zone to include things such as offices, retail sales, health clubs, personal services, medical clinics, boat repair, family entertainment centers, restaurants and other uses.

Doing so would not only make the properties more attractive to potential buyers but, according to EDC Chairman Blunt White, make it easier for a buyer to obtaining financing for development and any needed environmental cleanup.

Currently, the owners have to go through the costly and time-consuming process of applying to the PZC to amend the zoning regulations if they are proposing a commercial use that is not allowed in the manufacturing zone.

The delay could convince tenants to locate elsewhere.

Barber pointed to the success of the American Velvet Mill in the borough, where regulations allow a wide range of commercial uses and has resulted in a vibrant mix of artists, a bakery, cheese maker, brewery, environmental products firm, furniture maker and many other businesses.

Barber told the EDC that the manufacturing zone was enacted for the Mechanic Street mills decades ago, when traditional manufacturing was thriving.

But Harris Graphics closed 25 years ago and Yardney moved to Rhode Island two years ago, leaving its mill empty.

All but 70,000 square feet of the 276,000-square-foot, 25-building Harris property are leased to nine businesses ranging from General Dynamics and Davis Standard to Cottrell Brewing and CrossFit Stonington.

Barber said the California owner of the Harris complex, which generates a steady income, will be looking for a sale price “north of $3 million.”

As for the Yardney property, he said there is no initial asking price. He said there is some risk for a buyer but also opportunity as the site has sewer, water and gas services.

Although the two mills have different owners, Barber said they are being put on the market at the same time to see if someone is interested in both of the sites along the Pawcatuck River.

Selectman Rob Simmons said the newly approved Plan of Conservation and Development recommends the town seek ways to allow mixed-use development of the Pawcatuck mills.

He added that selectmen have just appointed two new regular member to the PZC “who are willing to be more creative” when it comes to reusing the mills.

Both Simmons and Selectman Mike Spellman expressed support for sending the proposal to increase the use in the zone to the PZC.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas