Town Council To Discuss Connecticut Studios, Budget Concerns

The Town Council will be heading into Executive Session to discuss the Connecticut Studios project as doubts about its successful completion mount.

On Oct. 25, the South Windsor Town Council unanimously extended a land agreement it has with the developer to today, Dec. 3. 

South Windsor's sale of 20 acres of land to the developer for $1 was made with the promise that "measurable goals" would be accomplished by Oct. 26.

That same month, a letter was sent to the Town Council in which Connecticut Studios principals Ralph Palumbo and Anthony DelVicario outlined at least some of the causes behind why an extension to the reverter clause was necessary, including: a poor economic climate (“we have navigated the worst economic recession of [sic] since the Great Depression”), soil conditions that required a redesign of the site plan, regulatory issues and finalizing plans with the architects, engineers and other professionals.

It is unclear how long the scheduled Executive Session may last. 

According to the most recent Town Manager's report, Mayor Tom Delnicki is seeking the answers to a list of questions. The Town Manager has communicated those questions to the developers and he, along with Dan Marsh of the National Development Council, will be offering some answers to the Town Council.

Also on the agenda is discussion of a resolution surrounding the expected shortfall in revenues for the 2012/13 budget.  Like many surrounding towns, South Windsor is worrying about the potential loss of a substantial portion of its revenues from the State of Connecticut. In an effort to stave off a budgetary deficit, South Windsor is proposing that a hiring freeze be put into effect immediately as well as a ban on out-of-state travel.

The Town Council meeting will be held Mon. Dec. 3, 7p.m., in the Council Chambers, Town Hall.