Developer seeks approval for 82,924‑square‑foot phase 3 at Hartford Mall; commission continues review

SJC Ventures and CBL Properties presented detailed phase‑3 redevelopment plans for the Hartford Mall site to the Bel Air Planning Commission on June 5. The proposal covers roughly 10 acres and would demolish the former Macy’s building and add 82,924 square feet of retail, restaurant and grocery uses organized into multiple buildings.

Christopher Mudd, attorney for SJC Ventures, told the commission SJC is the contract purchaser of the Macy’s parcel and described a phased redevelopment strategy that envisions five buildings on the 10‑acre parcel: a 35,684‑square‑foot grocery anchor (Building 100), and four smaller retail/restaurant buildings (buildings 200, 300, 600 and 700) with programmed outdoor dining plazas. Mudd said SJC’s plan is intended to knit the new development into the town’s broader mixed‑use vision and to attract high‑end grocery and restaurant tenants.

Kevin Small of the Planning Department reviewed a lengthy staff report identifying technical conditions and code requirements. Small summarized that the overall mixed‑use ratio would remain compliant with prior approvals and town policy: after demolition and replacement, the mall will retain a commercial percentage (58.2% per the staff math) above the minimum required. Small flagged site‑plan details that the applicant must address before final approval: pedestrian…