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PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES
For copies
of the previous minutes please contact Sally Johnson at
Phone: 203-854-7810 x 6778 or Email sjohnson@norwalkct.org
CITY OF NORWALK
PLANNING COMMITTEE
SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 10, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Matthew Miklave, Chair; Douglas Sutton; Nicholas Kydes;
Rev. Bolden (7:12 p.m.); Douglas Hempstead (7:15 p.m.)
STAFF: Timothy Sheehan, Executive Director; Jack Burritt, Assistant Executive Director
Mr. Miklave called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Approval in principle, of the ranges of development for Parcels 1, 2, & 4 of the Reed Putnam Urban Renewal Project as recommended by the Redevelopment Agency at its meeting of September 13, 2006.
Mr. Miklave said that he did not want a Wal Mart in South Norwalk. He said that 150,000 sq. ft. would be the anchor tenant. He said that if he could be convinced that the 150,000 sq. ft. would be used for smaller stores, he would be ok with the project. Mr. Miklave pointed out that 150,000 sq. ft. gives the impression that they can put a big box store in there.
Mr. Sheehan said that the Agency had the same concerns. After some discussions, language was put into the plan that the maximum allowable floor plan would be 40,000 sq. ft.
Mr. Burritt said that the Agency would have review of the mix to be sure that the use was compatible with what is in the area; 80,000 sq. ft. as a footprint is not allowed. The Agency has control over who they market the space to.
Mr. Miklave asked if it would be feasible to back that space down.
Rev. Bolden arrived at 7:12 p.m.
Mr. Miklave said that he is not comfortable with 150,000 sq. ft of retail space. He said that he would be more comfortable with 125,000 sq. ft. Mr. Kydes said that permitting more retail may provide opportunities for jobs. Rev. Bolden said that she is thinking about what type of job market would lend itself to keeping more office space in the plan. She asked if there would be a great need for office space. Mr. Miklave said that he would like to see more mixed office development. Because of its accessibility this is a primary area for office development.
Mr. Hempstead arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Miklave said that he did not want to see a large retailer go into that area. He said that he sees the area supporting a hotel and office use. Mr. Miklave said that he thought 125,000 sq. ft. of retail space would be ok. He added that if the retailer demonstrated a need for more space, they could re-visit that number. Mr. Sheehan said that they could accommodate that. Mr. Hempstead said that the message should be that 150,000 is the maximum.
Mr. Miklave said that the maximum should be 125,000 sq. ft. with permission to ask for an additional 25,000 sq. ft. with the recommendation of the staff.
Mr. Kydes said that he wants to move this project forward. Mr. Hempstead said that this site is probably not a site that Target would want. He said that he does not believe that they will get any big box stores wanting to go into this particular site. Rev. Bolden pointed out that the easy on-easy off location would be a draw.
Mr. Miklave said that he would move to change the square footage to 125,000 sq. ft.
There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services
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