Closer look at South Windsor projects
SOUTH WINDSOR – South Windsor’s grand list currently tops $3 billion — and is growing. Several new projects are underway that will add to that list, or have been proposed and are winding their way through the land use approval process. Here’s a look at some of the projects and what the future holds for some of the empty lots you may have seen around town.
Evergreen Crossings Retirement Community
Resort Lifestyle Communities has begun building its first project in the state next door to the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk.
The $30 million, 184,000square-foot retirement community is located to the northwest of Evergreen Walk. The 128-unit building will include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. The resort-style community will be for adults 55 years and older.
The project is being built by RLC’s sister company, Cameron General Contractors. The companies have built 33 similar communities across the United States. This is the second community in New England, joining one in Portland, Maine, that is currently under construction. Construction is expected to take 16 to 18 months.
797 John Fitch Blvd.
Cumberland Farms, Inc. is currently before the planning and zoning commission seeking approval for a 4,956 square-foot store with gas pumps. The store would be located just north of a Mobil station and McDonald’s restaurant along John Fitch Boulevard, also known as Route 5. A public hearing on the pro- posed store was continued to Jan. 8.
325, 359 Ellington Road
Acorn field is being transformed into a $42 million sales center for Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England.
When the facility is completed, the value of the land will increase to $2.1 million, with the town collecting approximately $56,000 a year in taxes. While the company will get an annual tax break of 70 percent, or $341,479, the town will receive $125,000 for its 30 percent, according to town officials.
The facility’s personal property will generate $367,848 a year in revenue, bringing the total to approximately $549,000 in new taxes and $4.6 million over a 10-year period. The town would collect $70,000 for the same period if it remained farmland.
1265, 1257 John Fitch Blvd.
Soccer is going to be a yearround sport with the recent approval of the 3,600-square-foot South Windsor Soccer Training Center.
According to Jaime Curylo, director of the center, the facility will allow youth athletes to train in the off-season.
“As our soccer programs continue to expand, we have found an interest in player development through the winter months,” he said. The soccer club has explored and utilized facilities in neighboring towns but have found the cost, scheduling and locations put an undue burden on families.”
Curylo said trainers will be hired through UK International, a company “dedicated to scouting coaches around the world.” The program will be offered from November through April at night and during the weekend.