Middletown council narrows West Main Road redevelopment to hotel, preserves Potsey Field
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Summary
Council approved a revised development agreement limiting new construction on the former Navy Lodge parcel to a 144-room hotel and a minimum 3,000 sq. ft. park; the town said the recreation complex and Potsey Field will remain in place and two public hearings on zoning and comp-plan amendments will be scheduled.
The Middletown Town Council voted to approve an amended development agreement with Middletown Commons Town Center LLC that confines new development on the town-owned West Main Road parcel to a 3.24-acre corner site and preserves the town's recreation complex and Potsey Field in their current locations.
Council President (speaker 1) opened the discussion by saying the revised deal reflects public input and a desire to keep the recreation complex and Potsey Field undisturbed. Solicitor Mr. Regan (speaker 4) laid out the agreement's scope: the project will be limited to a 144-room hotel on the former Navy Lodge site at West Main Road and Coddington Highway and will include a public park of at least 3,000 square feet. Previously proposed mixed-use elements such as a bank and other components are not part of the new plan.
The council authorized the town administrator to sign the agreement and asked the town clerk to schedule at least two public hearings before the full council on the proposed zoning overlay and comprehensive plan amendments connected to the project. The motion to approve the amended and restated development agreement was made, seconded, and carried on voice vote.
On fiscal details, the council described a projected annual revenue package of roughly $785,000, which the solicitor said combines an initial ground rent of about $175,000 plus anticipated real-estate, tangible and hotel-related taxes and fees. The developer would have 32 months to secure a certificate of occupancy; ground rent payments begin at occupancy, and the agreement provides for periodic increases (2.5% every five years, as discussed by councilors).
Councilors framed the change as a compromise: residents' calls to keep the athletic and recreation facilities intact were heeded while allowing limited commercial development at the corner parcel. The council president said a press release and the amended agreement will be posted on the town website "within about 20 minutes" of the vote to ensure transparency.
The council also noted the town will separately pursue planning for redevelopment of property north of the site; any future development there is expected to include housing but is distinct from the limited hotel project approved at the corner.
The council scheduled the formal public hearings on the zoning overlay and comprehensive plan amendments for June (dates to be posted) so residents can review the revised plan and offer comment before any zoning changes are adopted.
