Hearing Dates Set For Mystic Coogan Farm Plan

The Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday voted to set Jan. 17, 2012, as the date for public hearings on the already-divisive and care facility.

Project developer BROM Builders of Norwich, signed a contract to buy 18-acres of the undeveloped 63-acre Coogan Farm site, on the market for years for $7.5 million.

Since the application was officially accepted by the planning department, the Commission now has until Jan. 19, 2012 to hold public hearings on the applications; one a special use permit to build the two-phase facility and the other a sub-division OK, which under state law doesn’t require a public hearing, but the PZC opted to hold one.

“We don’t typically [hold hearings on subdivision applications],” said Commission member John Prue. “On this unique property, we should.”

“My position …it’s a very unique [property] in town to different people for different reasons,” he said.

The town came out in support of the plan through a press release to Stonington Patch last week wherein it said the project would have a “significantly positive impact” for Stonington. The EDC has joined with the developer to hold a public informational meeting Thursday Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at . 

Several weeks ago, in anticipation of the development plan, Maggie Jones of  and a number of residents, business owners, state officials, and civic leaders issued a letter to the town encouraging preservation over development: “…there is nothing else like it left in Mystic.” 

The group made its case, listing myriad reasons the land should be preserved, including its archeological and historic importance, significance to the ecosystem, views, vistas and wildlife as well as the opportunity to agricultural, recreational and economic opportunities. 

The developer, in its press release, said the application includes a donation of 11 of the 63 acres to the Denison Society.  

Before heading to the PZC, the plan went to the Inlands Wetlands Commission, which has a site visit slated for Saturday Nov. 19.