Editorial Staff.
(Jan. 2, 2021) — The Haddam Town Planner, Bill Warner, and the Haddam Land Use Department have developed a document that outlines what happened in 2020, and what is on the horizon for 2021 in terms of development in Haddam. The document in its entirety can be found HERE on the Haddam town website, but we have published excerpts/highlights below:
HES Building: The Town had kept the building open and maintained. Various non-profits are using the building which keeps the air circulating, and report any problems to the town. A lease of the building to Adelbrook School was in talks, but the pandemic stalled negotiations; hopefully that will resume in 2021.
Higganum Center & the Natural Environment: For the Higganum Cove, they secured $8,000 from the State and used $6,000 in the capital budget to hire a landscaper and clear five years of overgrowth and downed trees. In 2021, they will clear the area below the parking lot, which is full of historic foundations from the Cove’s industrial past. They will remove graffiti and install security cameras to deter vandalism.
Scovil Hoe Property: Using a state grant, they completed work to address liability issues concerning the town’s acquisition and created a final Remedial Action Plan. In 2021 there is $17 million available in the State Brownfield Remediation fun as well as a winter 2021 grant round. They will use the final Remedial Action Plan to apply for a $1 million clean up grant. They are also working on Candlewood Hill Road adjacent to Scovil Hoe, which includes a retaining wall, and improvements on the Green (including a water source for the Garden Club), among other things.
Community Septic: The concept of a community septic system was endorsed by State DEEP and State Health, and received funding in the Capital Budget as well as $128k from the State Small Town Economic Assistance Program. In 2021 they will start a formal design of a community septic system and create a Water Pollution Control Committee (WPCA).
Rossi Site: The Board of Selectman, Board of Finance, and a Town Meeting authorized the First Selectman to sign a purchase and sale agreement which allocated funding for a Phase 1 environmental study. In 2021 they will present the results of the Phase 1 study and a plan to move forward.
Steady Habit Brewing – Steady Habits would love to remain in Haddam, but their moving has fallen apart due to landlord-tenant disputes. They are looking at alternatives such as the Jail or Scovil Hoe.
Day Care in Tylerville: This project is fully approved. The day care provider remains committed to the project, however, the bank needs him to get his other facilities up to capacity before moving to this new project. Project cost: approximately $2 million, but represents new jobs and new tax revenue, as well as an identified need in that section of the town.
Sidewalks on Bridge Road/Roundabouts: The final design plans have been submitted to DOT and DEEP. CT DOT announced in 2020 that they will construct a pedestrian crossing cantilevered off the swing bridge to connect Tylerville and East Haddam. In 2021, the town will contact owners to negotiate the acquisition of required easements. Also in 2021 the DOT will conduct public meetings regarding a roundabout at the intersection of Bridge and Saybrook Road.
Tylerville Multi-family: In 2020, the Planning & Zoning Commission amended the Tylerville Village Regulations to permit multi-family developments. Two developers are interested in high end multi-family projects. One developer has prepared an engineered design which is under review.
Haddam Center Sidewalks: The sidewalk reconstruction project is 100% funded by the State of CT and includes signage, landscape, benches, etc. The final plans have been submitted to CT DOT for final approval. A grant from Eversource allowed the town to hire the Historical Society to research key historical elements, which will be incorporated into the project.
Haddam Jail: In 2021, the disconnected septic issue will hopefully be addressed, and a reliable water source established. Bill Warner, Haddam’s Town Planner, has shown it to developers and there was a restaurant group interested before COVID hit.
7 Island Dock/Hope Garden Wellness Center: This is the long vacant Marin Environmental Office building. The project will go forward in 2021. The project was bid and awarded to Quest Builders Group. It is a $3.5 million project, which will create several new jobs, utilize local services, and restaurants.
