The Mansfield Downtown Partnership held its monthly open house Sept. 3 to discuss the progress of the Storrs Center project, but many may be left wondering just what is taking so long.
The development, which will be along Storrs Road adjacent to town, has been in the planning stages since 2001, when the downtown partnership was created, but the initial idea has been discussed since 1999, according to the Storrs Center Web site.
The 47.7-acre site will include a 17-acre town center and incorporate retail, residential and office space, as well as include new parking space. The remainder of the land will be used as open space and conservation.
The master plan was completed in 2002, but the construction is not expected to begin until 2010 and will be finished in 2018, according to the Storrs Center Web site.
The site explains the reasoning behind the delay, attributing it to the lengthy funding and approval process.
"For a project of the size and complexity of Storrs Center, the present stage of development has been reached in a relatively short period of time," it reads. "During the development of the Municipal Development Plan, it was decided to seek federal and state funding for some of the public infrastructure components of the project. The process necessary to obtain grants and funding on multiple government levels together is complicated and lengthy."
Students are anxious for the project to be completed.
"For students applying, here when they come and visit, it will look much more appealing if there is more stuff to do," said Ellen Roome, a 7th-semester biology major who will be graduating in May. "It's disappointing that it's taking so long because none of us are going to get to enjoy it."
"I think this is something that UConn students really need, since there isn't much of anything in Storrs," said Martha Bouton, a 7th-semester history major. "It's a shame that the project has been put off for so long."
Be the first to comment on this article!