Meeting on Batterson Park Development Tonight

The town of Farmington and city of Hartford will host a public meeting at 5:15 p.m. tonight to provide information and hear comments about proposed development of an 86-acre parcel in Farmington that is owned by the city.

The parcel, which is bounded by Fienemann Road, Slater Road, and Interstate 84, and is separate from Batterson Park, is slated for development with office use, possibly as an offshoot of the town’s established Bioscience Corridor.

Hartford and Farmington formed a joint committee in September to solicit and select a developer for the site, then based on the developer’s proposal, work with the Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission to change the zone from residential to office use.

Because the area is in the town of Farmington, taxes on the developed property would be paid to the town. In its undeveloped state, the property generates no taxes.

Hartford, as owner, retains development rights and when the right developer was found, would issue a 99-year lease, Farmington Economic Development Director Courtney Hendricson said in a September meeting. Hartford would invest the remaining profit from the lease in its parks system through th Hartford Parks Trust Fund.

The area will likely be PR zoned, Hendricson said, allowing for a particular type of use, mostly office and professional space, including research and development. A very small amount might be approved for a bank or hotel, she said.

Tonight’s meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. at the Center for Contemporary Culture, Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St., Hartford. The town of Farmington and city of Hartford will give a presentation, answer questions and hear public comment.

Meeting sponsors include the Farmington Economic Development Department, Hartford Department of Development Service, Hartford Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Hartford 2000 - Hartford Public Library - Park Watershed Inc.