Preston PZC approves plan of development changes, clearing way for final Norwich Hospital cleanup
Preston — The Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night unanimously approved amendments to the plan of development for the Thames River Design District that includes the former Norwich Hospital property, following a public hearing dominated by attorneys.
The plan approval was the last local step needed to free up a $10 million grant approved by the state Bond Commission Feb. 1 for the final cleanup phase at the property. The amended plan of development will take effect July 15, and the Preston Redevelopment Agency hopes to restart environmental abatement and demolition work on July 17 with demolition contractor Manafort Bros. Inc.
"Manafort is ready to go," PRA Chairman Sean Nugent said late Tuesday.
There are nine blighted buildings remaining on the property, and the PRA will work with tribal planners on the final demolition plan to prepare the property for development expected to start in late 2019.
Town Planner Kathy Warzecha said minor changes to the amendments mostly included clarifications, with the only significant change being to language covering plan review consulting fees the town may charge for future development proposals at the former Norwich Hospital property.
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment — formerly the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority — has an agreement with the town to develop a $200 million to $600 million entertainment, recreation and sports resort at the property. Warzecha said if the town needs to hire an outside review consultant, it will submit the proposed cost to MGE before agreeing to the price.
Attorneys for MGE, the PRA and the Planning and Zoning Commission all spoke at the hearing on the technical language in the plan of development.
The PRA previously had secured $15 million in state and federal grants and loans, with $2.4 million in local matching shares to clean and demolish 49 of the 59 structures on the 388-acre property. Town and tribal officials hope to preserve and redevelop the original Administration Building at the center of the main campus.
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