City Council

Approved by City Council & WPCA March 17, 2025 Vote: Unanimous MINUTES Vol 27, Page 483 CITY COUNCIL & WPCA PUBLIC HEARING: CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CITY HALL AUDITORIUM/ZOOM March 3, 2025 A PUBLIC HEARING was held by the City Council & WPCA of the City of Torrington on Monday, March 3, 2025, to solicit public comment regarding the city’s option to become a member municipality of the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority (MRDA). Attendance was in person and by Zoom. Present at City Hall were Mayor Elinor Carbone, Corporation Counsel Michael Magistrali, and City Councilors Stephan Ivain, Molly Spino, Anne Ruwet, and Paul Cavagnero. Also present in person were City Engineer Paul Kundzins, Economic Development Director William Wallach, Assessor Stacie Maldonado, WPCA Administrator Ed Tousey, and Treasurer Dan Farley. Councilor David Oliver, and Services for the Elderly Director Joel Sekorski joined via Zoom. Councilor Drake Waldron was absent. Mayor Carbone called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant City Clerk Heather Abraham read the legal notice into the record. PRESENTATION Economic Development Director William Wallach provided the Council with an overview of a presentation by MRDA Executive Director David Kooris at the February 18, 2025, Council Meeting. He explained how the City could become a member of MRDA, which could help bridge funding gaps for redevelopment projects. Councilor Ivain asked about current projects and investments, and Wallach outlined six active downtown projects totaling over $50 million, with approximately $4 million from the State. He also reviewed properties with redevelopment potential. Councilor Cavagnero inquired about shovel-ready apartment projects, and Mayor Carbone clarified that the list includes various opportunities beyond housing, with data available from similar mixed-use developments like the Pennrose property. Both she and Kooris emphasized that MRDA is not solely focused on housing but also provides long-term fiscal insights and community benefits. Councilor Cavagnero expressed concerns about the State directing lower-income populations to distressed communities like Torrington while businesses see housing development as a long-term economic benefit. Wallach acknowledged interest from large developers but noted that rising construction costs pose challenges. He also explained that MRDA funding differs from State funding, allowing for alternative financing approaches. Mayor Carbone assured the Council that joining MRDA would not reduce local control but would provide better decision-making tools. When Councilor Ivain asked about infrastructure considerations like transportation, parking, and schools, Carbone clarified that only the Hotchkiss project is currently ready to move forward, and the rest are possibilities. She and Kooris reiterated that MRDA offers technical expertise beyond funding. Mr. Wallach stated that the vote was to engage with MRDA, and Mr. Kooris explained that passing the resolution would make the City a member, allowing the Mayor to enter a Memorandum of Understanding for a development district. However, this initial step would not commit the City to any specific projects. PUBLIC COMMENT No one from the Public wished to speak. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Mayor Carbone declared the public hearing closed at 7:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted by ATTEST: Heather Abraham, Asst. City Clerk CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK CAROL L. ANDERSON, CITY CLERK