NEW BRITAIN — The prospect of Central Connecticut State University increasing its presence in the central business district, for years an aspiration of City Hall, is on track to becoming a reality.
Though city, state and CCSU officials declined to comment, The Herald has learned that the state Department of Administrative Services is in negotiations to purchase the seven-story office building at 233 Main St., known as The Plaza.
CCSU President Zulma Toro on Jan. 18 told the Student Government Association of a "surprise" development.
According to minutes from that meeting, Toro said, "On Jan. 2, I was informed that the state has been in conversation with and in the final stages of purchasing a new building downtown for Central. How did it happen? We don’t know. I was informed that that was a done deal; the funding for that building comes from economic development."
Toro, whose office said she "did not feel comfortable" commenting on the story, told students that there are several possibilities once the state secures the additional space, including the expansion of the Institute of Technology & Business Development, currently located just feet south of The Plaza building. Other options, she said, include programs and activities related to the university’s arts, music and theater programs.
"It’s about coming up with new ways of doing what we would like to do to enhance the involvement of students and bring the community to campus so they can understand and enjoy what we’re doing," she said.
Those close to the process who spoke with The Herald on Tuesday, but did not want to be identified, said leading scenarios for the 75,000-square-foot building include relocating the CCSU Art Department from the Stanley Street campus or Charter Oak College from nearby Paul Manafort Drive.
Previous dialogue about a university presence in the downtown area has incorporated the possible development of student housing, which officials have said would be an economic boost for the district. Plans at this stage do not yet appear to include that component, according to sources, though the nearby CTfastrak would be a boon for students. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Introduced by Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, the bill would fund the state's share of Ledyard's $65 million renovation of Ledyard Middle School and Gallup Hill School separately from other school construction bonding.
The bill was co-sponsored in the state House by state Rep. Mike France, R-Ledyard, and newly elected Rep. Christine Conley, D-Groton. All are optimistic that the construction money will be approved at the very least by the end of the session.
The Department of Administrative Services moved the projects to a "delayed eligibility list" last year, saying that Ledyard's projects were not yet ready for construction.
Now that Department of Administrative Services approved the bid package, due next month, legislators hope the bill will be approved early enough to coincide with the approval of the construction bid package.
"It would be nice to allay the concerns of some residents that the state has made their commitment," France said.
The timing will depend, however, on whether the House chooses to approve bonding separately or "hold it until the end of June," said Conley, despite the projects being ready to go.
The Town Council voted last year to proceed with the school construction schedule despite the holdup in state funding. Currently, the plan calls for some environmental work to begin during spring break and for construction to begin this summer.
State DOT to hold public meeting in Branford on Route 1 bridge replacement
BRANFORD >> As the state Department of Transportation continues to move forward with its proposal to rehabilitate a bridge over U.S. Route 1 in town, the agency is slated to hold a public information meeting Feb. 7.
The state DOT was set to hold the public information meeting Tuesday night, but it was postponed due to inclement weather.
The Route 1 bridge, originally constructed in 1958, was rehabilitated in 1990. Its existing structure is a three-span, supported steel bridge that stretches 135 feet. But now the state agency has its eyes set on improving the bridge’s structure, constructing sidewalks and expanding the route, according to a public notice. The project, which is nearing the Preliminary Design Phase, calls for a superstructure replacement with two prefabricated bridge unit spans that are supported by a new reinforced concrete pier and the existing abutments, the notice states. The embankments in front of the abutments will be permanently cut and held back by new retaining walls, which will widen U.S. Route 1 to accommodate two through lanes and a left-turn lane in the northbound and southbound directions, the notice states.
Sidewalks are slated to be constructed adjacent to the retaining walls, which will connect to existing walkways along Route 1 at the north and south sides of the bridge. The roadway will also be lowered to provide a minimum vertical clearance and new traffic signals will be installed at the Interstate 95 northbound and southbound Exit 55 off-ramps, the notice states.Construction on the bridge rehabilitation, which is estimated to cost $13.85 million, is set to begin in spring 2019. The project’s start date, however, depends on the availability of funding and the approval of any required environmental permits or right-of-way acquisitions. The project will be funded using state and federal dollars, the notice said. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Malloy proposes easing mandates on cities and towns
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy unveiled a plan Tuesday to ease municipal mandates, including tighter wage standards on construction projects and greater flexibility in property assessments.
The governor also proposed: eliminating the controversial local spending cap; changing binding arbitration rules; waiving the requirement that there be a superintendent in small school districts; and allowing towns to collect more property taxes on antique cars.
The governor, who is expected next week to recommend a major realignment of aid from wealthier to poorer communities, acknowledged his plan also poses challenges for labor, business and other constituent groups.
“True partnerships are built on listening to the concerns and responding to the needs of the other party,” Malloy said. “Given the challenges we face in balancing the budget in the next biennium, the state and local municipalities must continue to strengthen our working partnership — and in some respects, begin to redefine this relationship.”
Prevailing wage and arbitration would change
The governor’s plan would change binding arbitration — a process cities and towns routinely go through each year to settle compensation for teachers, police officers, public works staff and other unionized employees. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE