A Google Map showing Friars Drive.
ANSONIA – An indoor paintball facility has been approved for the Fountain Lake Industrial Park.
The Ansonia Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the site plan application submitted by Winlonix LLC, of Ansonia, during its Aug. 29 meeting.
The plan calls for construction of a two and a half-story, 80,000-square-foot building to house an indoor amusement center at 8A Friars Drive, located off Farrel Boulevard.
The 13-acre site, according to Ronda Porrini, the city’s land use administrator, is zoned for commercial use, so the business is a permitted use there.
“Battleground” would feature a mix of paintball, a retail shop and food court, along with a potential police training facility (using paintball markers) on the second floor.
The facility may also house squash and pickle ball courts. and was approved for 77 parking spaces. According to meeting minutes, the project is slated to be about a $4 million investment.
The business owner, Warren Rodney, a retired New York City police officer, did not return a call for comment.
Ansonia P&Z Commission Chairman Jared Heon said the facility will be good for Ansonia.
“Given Ansonia’s rich and successful history in sports, the development of private sports and recreational facilities is a natural fit,” Heon said. “This development will not only appeal to the youth and adults in Ansonia and beyond that participate in sports, but it will also benefit those who do not play sports by generating tax revenues and bringing visitors to our established businesses.”
The project architect, Thaddeus Stewart, of New Haven-based Integrated Design & Construction, LLC, declined to give the Valley Indy project specifics or a construction timeline until he received additional approvals from city staff.
Ansonia Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley said the paintball facility is a nice addition to the city.
“It’s growth and it means new employment opportunities, new taxes to help build our grand list and will be a positive thing for Ansonia,” O’Malley said.
