Forum Rescheduled For Future Use Of UConn-West Hartford Property

WEST HARTFORD, CT — With nearly 500 people expressing interest in attending a community visioning forum on the future use of the West Hartford UConn property later this month, the Town’s Planning Office has rescheduled the forum to Wednesday, Feb. 28 and changed the format to accommodate as many participants as possible, officials announced on Monday.

“We will offer three identical 90-minute sessions in the town hall auditorium,” Town Planner Todd Dumais said in a press release.

Forums will be held at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The public is invited to sign-up for one of these sessions by going here.

At the forum, a wide variety of topics will be reviewed including the town’s role in the property to date, a review of the existing conditions, and redevelopment impact assessments.

“The forum will feature the results of the 13-question survey on how the West Hartford UConn property should be used, and presentations by town staff and Milone & MacBroom, the town’s consulting firm that specializes in engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental science and services,” Dumais said.

More than 2,000 people have expressed their opinions to date through a recent online survey on how the property should be developed.

“There is still time to share your thoughts,” Dumais said. “The more feedback we receive, the better we can plan for the future.”

The deadline for responses is Friday, Feb. 16. Click here to take the survey.

Based on the results of this participatory engagement process, the Town Council plans to adopt a Community Vision for the property and to collaborate with UConn to market the property and to recruit future development partners.

Matt Hart, Town Manager, said, “The Town Council wants to hear from our residents and taxpayers – what do you see as best future use or combination of uses for the former UCONN West Hartford campus? What types of uses do you think would be compatible with the community’s character and would enhance our local economy and quality of life? The Town will utilize this feedback from our residents to prepare a community vision to help guide future development options for this very important parcel.”

In the event in inclement weather, the forum will be held on Wednesday, March 7.

Questions or written comments should be addressed to Town Planner Todd Dumais, by email todd.dumais@westhartfordct.gov or mail to the following address: Town of West Hartford, Attn: Town Planner, 50 South Main Street, Room 214, West Hartford, CT 06107.