Norwich – City planning officials will discuss the proposed development at the former Norwich Hospital in Preston Tuesday with the chairman of the Preston Redevelopment Agency and possibly officials from the Mohegan tribe.

The Commission on the City Plan invited PRA Chairman Sean Nugent to its meeting at 7 p.m. to get a first-hand description of the proposed $200 million to $600 million development by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.

City Planner Deanna Rhodes also invited Mayor Deberey Hinchey and members of the City Council and has moved the meeting to a larger room in City Hall, room 335, rather than at the cramped planning office conference room to accommodate a potentially larger audience.

The discussion was set up at the request of commission member Kathy Warzecha, who also is the town planner in Preston. Warzecha said recently she hopes Norwich can start planning early for the potential major development next door.

Preston and Mohegan tribal leaders signed a Property Disposition and Development Agreement April 19, one day following overwhelming town referendum approval of the deal to sell the 388-acre property to the tribal authority.

The proposed development includes a 40-acre theme park, indoor water park, outdoor adventure park, sports complex, synthetic skiing, large retail stores, smaller retail and restaurants, three hotels, a marina on the Thames River, as well as senior housing and time share units. A public park also is planned near the riverfront.

Development is not expected to start until late 2019, as the town anticipates the final environmental cleanup to take 12 to 15 months.

Warzecha suggested the city establish a committee to study ways Norwich can foster development in synergy with the Mohegans' plans for the property.

Colchester developer Mark Fields purchased the nearly 50 acres of abutting former Norwich Hospital property in Norwich from the state in October 2015 for $300,000. He has met with Norwich city officials to discuss ideas for the property, but has not submitted plans, Rhodes said.

Fields also has attended Preston town meetings and the April 19 signing ceremony on the Mohegan plans.

c.bessette@theday.com