By Sharon Challenger.
(Jan. 16, 2020) — The Final Report on the Higganum Center Study is available for viewing on the Haddam Town Website HERE.
First Selectman Bob McGarry stated:
“As you know on December 11th, the Higganum Center Study documenting the results of the charrettes was released. The study produced 90-day action plans for each of the ten areas, e.g. HES, town garage, Rossi property, etc., they discussed. We’re already moving forward on some of the recommendations. The Economic Development Committee has begun discussions with our merchants about forming a merchant association to give them a voice in the process. Bill Warner, our town planner, and I met with representatives from the Rossi Lumber Corporation to discuss the possible purchase of their property. Bill and I also met with a private school that is very interested in renting HES and work continues on developing a community septic system on the HES grounds. I want to stress the town can’t buy, sell or lease property without approval at a town meeting and there’s still a lot of work to be done. That said, I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve made so far.”
The report was prepared for: The Town of Haddam, Connecticut; Prepared by: Mullin Associates, Inc. and LADA P.C. Land Planners. The Town of Haddam received support for this project from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development with funds from the Community Investment Act of the State of Connecticut.
The report includes:
The results of the charrettes (meetings with town residents for their input) which were held on October 30, 2019 and November 2, 2019.
Recommendations from Consulting team – Concept plans
Recommendations from Consultants for a 90-day Action agenda for:
- Leadership and Promotion
- Community Septic
- Connections between Higganum Center and the Natural Environment
- HES Building and Site
- Rossi Site
- Town Garage at the Rossi Site
- Town Garage Property
- Scovil Hoe Site
- Route 81 and Saybrook Road South
- Vacant Citizens Bank Building
- Funding Capital Improvements
The report also includes maps, tables, and exhibits:
Map 1 – Workshop Plan 2
Map 2 – Past Studies/Improvement Plan 2
Map 3 – Existing Uses Plan 2
Map 4 – Known Future Options Plan 2
Map 5 – Workshop Areas of Interest Plan ( Day One)
Soils Map and Legend
Drainage Class and Legend
Exhibit 1- Plan 1 Maximize Grand List/Growth
Exhibit 2- Plan 2 Events, Destinations, Focal Points
Exhibit 3- Plan 3 Connections
Exhibit 4- Plan 4 Our Best Ideas
Map 6 – Connection Plan
Map 7 – Concept Plan
Map 8 – Rossi Site and Town Garage Option 1 Plan
Map 9 – Rossi Site and Town Garage Option 2 Plan
Map 10- Rossi Site and Town Garage Option 3 Plan
Map 11- Rossi Site and Town Garage Option 4 Plan 4
Exhibit 5- Depot Road Streetscape Cross-section- Option 1
Exhibit 6- Depot Road Streetscape Cross-section- Option 2
Exhibit 7- Depot Road Streetscape Cross-section- Option 3
The report concludes with the following:
“Based on the above and our more than 30 years of planning and design practice across New England, we believe that the town is well-positioned to tackle the issues required to regenerate this special place. The issues are clear, the required analysis has been completed, the priorities determined, the practical alternatives identified, there is consensus on the most important issues and an experienced planner is in place. Very rarely in our experience have all of these elements, necessary to undertake change, been in place. They are in Haddam. It is time for action!”
