McNally: I Am Optimistic On Great Island Purchase

DARIEN, CT — First Selectman Monica McNally said she's "optimistic" the town can complete the $103 million purchase of Great Island. The sale has been paused ever since Darien officials found some issues while performing due diligence on the property last summer.

McNally spoke about Great Island and other topics in town when she stopped by the Darien Men's Association last week.

The town had hoped to close on the property in September 2022, but some issues cropped up the town needed to work through. Since negotiations are still active, McNally wouldn't comment on what exactly the issues are.

The due diligence period for the property was extended from Aug. 6, 2022, to March 6, 2023. McNally said residents can expect to hear more news on Great Island before that date. Darien hopes to close on the property by April 20.

"I am optimistic on it. I'm leading a team of professionals and other people in town government, working very hard on this. My main job is to do right by residents," McNally said.

During a question and answer session with McNally last week, some residents questioned the price tag for the 61-acre island. McNally said the town budgeted $4 million this year for interest expense.

"You might say to yourself, 'Am I doing the right thing?’ and I would say, 'Yes, we are absolutely doing the right thing for the long term of this town,'" McNally said. "This will be bonded over 30 years so residents that are here and enjoying it, yes, will be paying part of the cost for it. I would also suggest that a purchase like this is a once in a lifetime."

Other residents had questions about the usage of the property should Darien acquire it. Last June, McNally outlined a very preliminary concept in which the island would be divided into four overlapping zones: commons, arts & culture, conservation and education and coastal shoreline.

Included could be pickleball courts, croquet and bocce courts, senior programs or a seasonal ice rink. An arts center, museum, sculpture trail/garden and amphitheater could be possibilities.

"We will definitely make this a place where people want to go," McNally said last week. "I would not be even looking at this if I didn't think this would be a crown jewel for Darien."

Darien Residential & Retail Developments

McNally also gave an update on the residential developments that are coming on line in Darien.

Construction is nearing completion at the Darien Commons in Noroton Heights. Phase 1 with 58 units is complete, and phase 2 with 64 units is expected to be finished this June, McNally said.

"The mixed-use three-story development with 15-25 commercial tenants will add an increase of approximately $100 million to our grand list. An increase of this amount rarely happens in a town our size," McNally added.

The east side of the Corbin development is expected to be completed in the next three months, with tenants starting to move in in mid-April, McNally said. She said the former post office building would be demolished soon, and the former Bank of America building is expected to be razed in early April.

"The project will bring a new vitality to the downtown area and is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2024," she said.

Planning is also continuing for the Palmer property in Noroton Heights, according to McNally.

"These multi-family developments with other approved but not yet built units will add over 374 new residential units to our town," McNally explained. "Many new restaurants and small businesses will accompany these projects bringing numerous local jobs and an expanded tax base."

With this growth comes the need for more resources, she said.

"We must welcome growth for the benefit of our town, and we must plan for the changes that are driven by that growth. The changes require additional police, fire personnel or teachers — we will address those as they come forward," McNally said.

You can watch McNally's full appearance at the Darien Men's Association here.