The times they are a changing, and for the tract of land where Routes 67 and 313 converge that may mean a new revitalized segment of Seymour.
The Housatonic Wire property sitting there is being eyed for redevelopment into a commercial and residential mixed-use development that would add shops and housing to the location.
“The intent is to improve that corridor and improve that section of Seymour,” said Russ Smith, president of Amity Construction and Design.
Alex Budzinski, owner of the Housatonic Wire property said, “I am just happy to see this project coming along.” He has since moved operation of the wire factory to a different location and after 31 years being in Seymour he would like to see something done with the property the whole town can enjoy.
Smith said the project offers benefits to the town by helping increase the tax base and providing more outlets for shops. The shift away from manufacturing for the location also acknowledges changing demands on the regional economy.
“This is satisfying something that has been needed in a number of valley towns,” said Smith.
So far most of the interest in the property according to Budzinski has come from other manufacturing and industrial companies. The plans he and Smith presented to the board were looking toward turning the non-performing factory and lumber yards from industrial usage, to residential and commercial.
The road to revitalization will be a long one, with a set of hurdles yet to overcome according to Smith.
The plans shown at the Dec. 16 Board of Selectmen meeting are tentative because there are still a number of agencies that need to weigh in on the matter, including the Department of Transportation. One of the first stages of development for example, demolition and rehabilitation of the property, will require some state and regional funding tagged for brown fields.
Smith said he doesn’t foresee issues with the brown field money, but there is still plenty of paperwork on that point alone. The “loose card” he said would be the Department of Transportation when they get to that phase.
“There are just a bunch of things that come into play,” said Smith.
Furthermore, plans presented to the board of selectmen were concepts for what Smith and Budzinski would like to see the property evolve into. However they couldn’t include too many specifics because there are still several approvals to get through. Smith said he wanted to make the presentation to start getting the town interested and involved with the project now, so they can work together throughout the process.
“We would like to think the planning and zoning process will be cooperative,” said Smith.
The site will be in excess of 100,000 square feet according to Smith, but as of yet they couldn’t say specifically how much.
