Stonington to hold forum on possible Golden Triangle changes
Stonington — The Stonington Economic Development Commission will hold a public forum at 6 p.m. Monday in the Olde Mistick Village Meeting House to get input on potential zoning changes that could be made to the area around Exit 90 off Interstate 95, long known as the Golden Triangle.
In announcing the forum, the commission said that it has been discussing ideas with the Stonington planning department “to contemporize the zoning” and possibly significantly increase the town’s grand list. The area includes Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village and numerous hotels, restaurants and shops.
It pointed out that many of the properties were built several decades ago and likely will need significant upgrades over the next 20 years. It also pointed out that those original regulations “focused on cars rather than people, creating an environment that does not reflect the walkable nature of the Town’s developed village areas.”
“The EDC and the Department of Planning are considering ideas to modernize the zoning regulations that would enable private investment, new business, housing and jobs for the community — and create a stronger sense of place — to enable this neighborhood to be competitive,” the commission stated.
Some of the ideas being discussed include allowing additional uses and revising regulations to spur re-investment in existing properties along with improving bike and pedestrian paths and public access to the Mystic River.
“Imagine public access to the Mystic River with residents and visitors using this amazing natural feature as a transportation route — kayaking to downtown, or taking a small water taxi,” said Stonington Director of Planning Jason Vincent in the forum announcement.
“We have created a place that is oriented to cars such that it makes it challenging to walk here. This is a complete contrast to the culture of this active-lifestyle community,” he added.
The commission said it also would like to see “a more welcoming and more logical traffic flow, and a better aesthetic — to improve the sense of arrival. There is an opportunity to create a ‘Gateway to Mystic’ that allows cars to easily get to their destination at the Mystic Seaport or the Aquarium, but also enables pedestrians and bicyclists to easily move between their hotels, the Mystic River, Mystic Seaport, Coogan Farm, Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Aquarium.”
“It would be great if our residents and visitors could leave their cars parked at their houses or hotels and walk or catch public transport to restaurants, downtown Mystic and the Seaport,” commission member Kevin Bowdler added.
The Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission would have to approve any proposed changes after a public hearing.
Last month, the PZC approved an application from the owners of Olde Mistick Village to change the zoning regulations in the tourist commercial zone around Interstate 95 Exit 90 to allow for increased lot density and buildings as much as 65 feet tall as a way to attract re-investment.
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