[BPt111]

Do you think this is a good idea ?





NORWALK -- General Growth Properties, Inc., (GGP) forthcoming plan for the 95/7 site in South Norwalk likely will call for more than 125,000 square feet of retail within what officials still expect to be a mixed-use redevelopment project.
In a letter to the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, Douglas T. Adams, senior director for GGP-affiliate Norwalk Land Development, LLC, wrote that GGP will request modifications to the Reed Putnam Urban Renewal Plan, Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) governing the site, and also zoning regulations addressing maximum permitted square footage.
"Specifically, GGP anticipates that the plan which it will submit will require an increase under these regulations of the maximum permitted retail square footage, as well as other revisions which can only be determined when a fully designed plan is prepared," Adams wrote. "GGP and its representatives look forward to presenting the City of Norwalk with an exciting plan which will allow for the redevelopment of this important project."
Adams didn't specify what square footage of retail GGP will be put forward for the dozen-acre site, which is bounded by West Avenue, Interstate 95, the North Water Street extension and Metro-North Railroad's Danbury Line.
Zoning regulations and the existing LDA for the site allow up to 125,000 square feet of retail.
On Tuesday evening, Norwalk Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Timothy T. Sheehan updated agency commissioners on the project, noting Adams' letter as well as ongoing discussions between the city, agency staff and GGP representatives.
Sheehan reiterated the desire by the city and agency for mixed-use development on the site. Such development typically includes retail, housing and office space.
"There are certain impacts associated with integrating mixed use into a development project from a construction standpoint that requires different design. All of those issues are being assessed at this point by GGP," Sheehan said. "It's anticipated that within a relatively short window of time GGP will have a more formalized plan to present to the city. Hopefully, that plan will incorporate something with mixed-use."
GGP, a Chicago-based mall developer, purchased the site from Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, LLC, of South Norwalk last November for $35 million.
The LDA spells out the responsibilities of the city, Redevelopment Agency and redeveloper for 95/7 site.
The existing LDA, which was developed with Spinnaker Real Estate Partners as the anticipated redeveloper, calls for 601,000 square feet of Class A office space, 250 multi-family housing units, a 145-room hotel, 125,000 square feet of retail, and 2,474 parking spaces.
For comparison purposes, Stamford Town Center spans 853,000 square feet; Westfield Trumbull 1.1 million square feet; and Westfield Connecticut Post Mall in Milford 1.3 million square feet.

[JayCT]

This site will likely be developed into a shopping center with some housing. The office market is dead pretty much so I understand the need for a change. I am sure retailers will line up fpr such a well located center. Jay

[Masterj]

I would think this would make the 95 & 7 ramps an even bigger mess in evening rush hour. But I am happy to see something will be developed at that spot, as it's been an eyesore for the past few years I've lived here.

[Tubeworm]

Source please?

[CTbrooktrout]

The amount of development that is taking place between Stamford and Norwalk feels like it's dramatically picking up.

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by Tubeworm

Source please?

Plan for 95/7 site in S. Norwalk exceeds 125K sq.ft. of retail - Thehour.com: Norwalk

[SubieB4]

Is this that spot that across from that Shell gas station and near the 95 NB ramp? Whatever happened to that area anyways? Maybe like 3-5 years ago I thought they were going to be building apartments or a shopping complex or something? They had that large banner up on the fence.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by SubieB4

Is this that spot that across from that Shell gas station and near the 95 NB ramp? Whatever happened to that area anyways? Maybe like 3-5 years ago I thought they were going to be building apartments or a shopping complex or something? They had that large banner up on the fence.

It's very slowly happening. Died for a bit with the economic downturn. Now it's back, but I believe it's scaled down. Which is good, because the original plans probably weren't realistic in scale.