Public hearing to be held on Mohegans' Norwich Hospital development plan
Preston — The Preston Redevelopment Agency will hold a public hearing Feb. 23 at Town Hall on a proposed conceptual master plan submitted by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority for the redevelopment of the former Norwich Hospital property.
The hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 389 Route 2, Preston. Copies of the plan are available for review at the selectmen's office at Town Hall during business hours and are posted on the PRA’s website at www.preston-ct.org. Copies also will be available at the public hearing.
Written and oral comments on the plan will be accepted at the hearing.
The PRA will meet following the hearing to review the comments received, evaluate the comments and the plan based on a state statute that governs redevelopment plans, PRA Chairman Sean Nugent said.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted on Jan. 31 that the conceptual plan as a whole is consistent with the town Plan of Conservation and Development. Some aspects that might not be in compliance can be addressed at a later date, when the plan becomes more solidified, the commission said.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority unveiled its conceptual plans for the entire 393-acre former Norwich Hospital property on Jan. 17 as negotiations with town officials over the purchase of the property neared completion. The final draft of the proposed Property Disposition and Development Agreement is still being negotiated by the two parties.
The Mohegans' plan calls for a 40-acre theme park, indoor water park, outdoor adventure park, synthetic skiing, a large sports training facility, a large outdoor-themed retail chain store, hotels, senior housing and timeshare units overlooking the Thames River and a marina with possible ferry or water shuttle service across the river. A public park with access to the riverfront area also is planned.
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