Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Dugatto seeks consultant team to develop Derby revitalization plan


DERBY – Mayor Anita Dugatto is continuing her efforts to pave the way for private investment on the south side of Main Street.
The City recently issued a Request for Proposals seeking a multi-disciplinary consultant team to develop and steward a credible, detailed development plan for revitalization of the downtown area referred to as Derby’s Redevelopment Zone.

The State of Connecticut Bond Commission awarded the City a $445,000 grant, at Dugatto’s request, for this planning initiative.
The Redevelopment Zone is a 14-acre area of land on the south side of Main Street (Route 34) adjacent to Route 8 within walking distance of the Derby-Shelton train station. It has been largely void of economic activity after most of the existing buildings were removed several years ago.

“Interest in the Redevelopment Zone has been intermittent over the years, and we’ve had a few missed opportunities,” Dugatto said. 
“We need to know where things went wrong and what we can do to better position ourselves for investment.”
The planning exercise will include a study of existing conditions from environmental considerations to underlying geology, zoning regulations, a market analysis, and an evaluation of the current transportation network that services this area.
Public input will be solicited throughout the planning process to ensure the final development plan reflects the vision of Derby residents.

“We want everyone to be on the same page,” Dugatto said.
Once a final plan is developed, the consultant team will also assist Derby in investment attraction efforts.
“This will be a very comprehensive development approach. We want to iron out as many wrinkles as possible, while paving the way for realistic development prospects,” she said.

For additional information on the Downtown Derby Revitalization Planning RFP, visit www.derbyct.gov. 


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.