East Hartford agency signs off on plan for Silver Lane corridor
Jul. 21—EAST HARTFORD — The Redevelopment Agency on Wednesday unanimously approved a plan for the Silver Lane corridor, a step towards achieving the town's vision for the area.
The Silver Lane Redevelopment Area stretches from Mercer Avenue to Forbes Street, and focuses on development of parcels such as Silver Lane Plaza, Charter Oak Mall, and Futtner Farms.
The redevelopment plan, generated by local consulting firm Goman & York, suggests acquisition and development of these properties, primarily for residential and community-scale retail uses.
Town Council Chairman Richard Kehoe said council members anticipate they will vote to finalize the plan at their Aug. 2 meeting.
"We're very excited that the Redevelopment Agency has moved this plan forward in a very expedited manner, and the council will proceed in similar fashion," Kehoe said, adding that he hopes the area will see "tangible improvements" by the end of the year.
Mike Goman, principal of Goman & York, said the firm has worked on the redevelopment plan for nearly a year, working closely with administration and staff to recommend actions that would work towards an ideal Silver Lane corridor.
Goman said part of this process was discussing what is currently working in the corridor versus what isn't.
A report on the redevelopment plan states that positive aspects of the corridor in its current condition include Phillips Farm, new developments, and existing stores such as Cabela's, Aldi, and Dollar General.
Conditions seen as a detriment to the corridor include deteriorating conditions, a lack of community feel, and buildings deemed obsolete by the market.
Goman said acquisition and development of key parcels in the area by the town would act as a catalyst for the private sector, spurring further development in the corridor.
Goman said he hoped that if residential properties were added to the corridor, another grocery store may fill the vacancy left by Stop & Shop's departure from Charter Oak Mall.
"The more residential that we can create in this corridor, the better the retail properties that remain will do," Goman said.
Goman said the firm's plan does not include any residential parcels in the scope of the redevelopment.
"Fortunately, with the way the corridor lays out, there's no reason to develop a relocation plan, there's no need to relocate any residential uses," he said.
Showcase Cinema apartments
Shortly after the meeting Wednesday night, Mayor Mike Walsh gave an update on the status of the 477-unit apartment complex planned for the site of the former Showcase Cinemas.
New Britain-based Jasko Development plans to construct "amenity-rich" apartments at the site, with features including a dog park and clubhouse.
The process of the development began when the Town Council authorized the mayor to execute a sales agreement on the property last September, which would see the town sell the Showcase Cinemas property to the developer for $1 after a number of prerequisites were met.
Walsh said the Inland Wetlands Agency will discuss the development on July 26, followed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 10.
Following the boards' decisions, further discussions and approvals could be made in August and September.
"You could see activity there October, November of 2022," Walsh said.
Joseph covers East Hartford and South Windsor. He joined the JI in July 2021. Joseph graduated from the University of Connecticut and he is an avid guitarist and coffee enthusiast.
