East Haven Pitching Senior Housing, Recreational Facilities for the Old High School Property

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. announced that, late last month, the Town published an “RFP” seeking proposals from interested developers for the Old High School, located at 200 Tyler Street and that the developer chosen for the project will be required, as part of the development plan, to include provisions for a new Town pool, a new Biddy Basketball Facility, and a new Community Center.

Maturo explained, “The Town intends to move forward with a mixed-use plan for 200 Tyler Street that will simultaneously generate tax revenue and provide new, modern athletic and community facilities for our residents to enjoy.”

Maturo continued, “Our Biddy Basketball program is the home to hundreds of families in Town and is a staple in our community. Similarly, thousands of people participate in our Town aquatics programs. As a result, any future development of the property will require the chosen developer to build and provide the Town with new facilities for these beloved Town programs.”

The Request for Proposals, does not specify whether a developer must renovate the facilities to like-new condition or build new facilities in a different location. Mayor Maturo indicated that the Town will accept proposals for either and will consult with Biddy Basketball and participants in the Town’s aquatics programs before deciding on a plan.

Maturo explained, “This process is going to be collaborative and inclusive. We intend to ensure that we bargain for everything that the participants in these programs deserve.”

In addition to providing modernized, new facilities for Town residents, the mixed-use plan for development calls for the property to also be utilized “for senior housing which may consist of independent living and assisted living.”

Maturo continued, “Initial estimates are that, as developed, the property will conservatively generate between $400,000 and $600,000 dollars in new tax revenue each year. This increase in revenue is the equivalent to roughly a quarter-mill tax decrease. On the other hand, the Town could use this new revenue, year-after-year, to undertake an aggressive capital improvement program to provide public works with new machinery and renovate existing fields, roads, and Town buildings to better serve residents. The possibilities are endless.”

Maturo concluded, “Moving forward, we will be in a position to utilize the development of the 200 Tyler Street property to continue to improve the Town’s financial position and to improve the services and facilities available to our residents. I look forward to reviewing the plans that are submitted for this property and to the beginning of this exciting project.”