Committee approves timeline extension for Deerwolf Garden development

The New London Economic Development Committee voted to approve an amendment to the development agreement with Deerwolf Garden LLC that moves the project's substantial-completion date to July 1, 2026, and requires substantial construction to begin no later than Dec. 31, 2025.

The amendment was presented after Deerwolf Garden representative Kim explained the project timeline had been pushed back because the firm's project manager, identified as Dave, is undergoing cancer treatment. Kim said the team has the contractor and financial details nearly set and sought more time so exterior work could be finished before frost and interior work could proceed over winter months.

Committee members and city staff reviewed a draft amendment that adjusts earlier completion dates in the existing development agreement. The draft changes substantial completion (previously discussed for early 2025) to July 1, 2026, and sets a construction-start deadline of Dec. 31, 2025. Steg Bauer, who reviewed the draft, indicated he had signed off on the language before the meeting.

A motion to accept the amendment was made by Bill and seconded by April. With no further discussion, the committee voted in favor and approved the amendment; committee members indicated the item will be forwarded to the full council for consideration.

The committee also expressed personal support for the project manager and conveyed well wishes after Kim described his medical situation. The committee did not change any other terms of the development agreement at the meeting and did not set additional conditions tied to the extension.