Great News for Renaissance Place – 8/20/2009

Posted by Bob on August 20, 2009 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

Saint Mary’s Health System and the Conroy Development Company announced their intention to

collectively pursue a significant medical facility as part of the Naugatuck Renaissance Place Project.  The strong interest demonstrated by an established and successful entity such as Saint Mary’s sends a strong message that Renaissance is moving forward despite difficult economic times.

The plan, which was released by the hospital late Thursday morning, proposes the construction of a state-of-the-art, outpatient medical facility in Downtown Naugatuck.  It is envisioned that Naugatuck’s existing Saint Mary’s walk-in clinic would relocate and expand to the new location, and provide Class A office space for physicians and practitioners in direct proximity to Route 8 and the Metro North train station.  It is possible that other retail and office components would be included in such a structure.

Such a facility would fit perfectly with the transit-oriented, mixed use Renaissance Place model.  The constant influx of users would provide a base of customers who would undoubtedly patronize the retail establishments within and around the building.

Medical facilities contain significant, personal property in the form of diagnostic machines, computers and related equipment.  Once in full operation, this will result in increased tax revenue to the Borough.

Despite the overwhelming support for Renaissance Place as expressed by Naugatuck voters during the 2007 referendum, some critics have questioned whether the project would ever happen.  Certainly the historic, economic collapse of 2008 has impacted the pace of the project.  The reality is, however, that progress continues in spite of the struggling economy.  While similar but smaller projects have stalled in neighboring Valley communities such as Seymour and Derby, all partners to Renaissance remain committed to moving forward.  Alex Conroy has spent and continues to spend significant, personal resources in pursuit of the project.  It is highly unlikely that a developer with such a record of past successes would continue to invest in a project without intention and expectation of completion and financial viability.  The Borough continues to perform its obligations in accordance with the development agreement such as the creation of a special development district, the recent acceptance of the Economic Impact Evaluation, and the pursuit of a municipal development plan.

While Renaissance Place remains the best and most comprehensive plan for downtown revitalization, the Saint Mary’s proposal would be a significant victory for Naugatuck even without Renaissance.  Procuring a collaborative partner as respected as Saint Mary’s Health System in the heart of downtown would be a goal for any Valley community.  Naugatuck elected officials have debated numerous proposals for downtown development over the years; this may be the best.  The synergy created by the Renaissance Place Project and desire for Saint Mary’s to be part of a revitalized Downtown Naugatuck makes this possible.

The process moving forward will involve several steps.  The initial discussion will take place at a pre-planned Renaissance Place update session before a special meeting of the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses on Monday, August 24, 2009, at 7:00 PM, at Town Hall.  All partners will undoubtedly solicit public input as to what residents would like to see included in the proposal.  As more specific plans come forth, the development agreement between the Borough, Conroy Development and the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation will be reviewed to determine any necessary approvals required by the respective parties.

We look forward to public comment and questions.