New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
A NEW VISION FOR WEST HAVEN WATERFRONT
Developer unveils ‘reimagined’ Savin Rock Conference Center site
“It will be very nice, very classy. It’s a great opportunity to rebuild the area.”
Alexander H. Marathas of Smyrna Group developers
WEST HAVEN — A developer has unveiled his grand vision for the Savin Rock Conference Center property, and received high praise from both the mayor and City Council members.
That vision — 40,000 square feet housing three restaurants designed with COVID-19 in mind as well as a catering/wedding facility — would include beachfront gardens, lots of outdoor dining and breathtaking views of Long Island Sound.
One of those restaurants could even be a waterfront brewery, he said.
Alexander H. Marathas of Smyrna Group made the informal, preliminary presentation recently to the City Council’s redevelopment committee in November and, in concept, the development was a huge hit with council members and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi.
Before becoming reality, the plans would have to go through numerous approval steps — the City Council, Planning and Zoning Board and the public.
The City Council Monday night will consider a formal agreement to lease the property, which the city will continue to own.
City Council members had numerous questions for Marathas and his team at November’s meeting, but all were excited at the prospect of development.
“When I saw this I got really juiced up — my heart actually came out of my chest,” said 4th District Councilman Mitchell L. Gallignano. “This is going to be awesome for West Haven.”
Tenth District Councilman Barry Lee Cohen
said he’s excited about “reimagining” and “rebranding” the area, and he believes the project will act as a “stabilizer” and “stimulus” for the area all the way to Beach Street, where the former Chicks Drive-in and Captain’s Galley restaurant are located.
Cohen said it “should have been a destination location for years,” and that “success breeds success.”
Several council members brought up the The Haven, a luxury outdoor mall/ entertainment venue planned for the city that has been more than five years in the making, hitting hurdle after hurdle because of regulatory obstacles, money and, now, a pandemic. As a result, the area of the city where it is slated to be built has raised concerns about blight and security problems. Council members said they don’t want a similar situation to develop at the conference center site.
City Corporation Counsel Lee Tiernan said it won’t happen in this case because there are no big environmental concerns, it’s a simpler project, and funding isn’t a problem.
It was made clear at the meeting that the proposal is the beginning of a long process. It all came about when Rossi put out a request for qualifications and Smyrna Group was chosen.
The preliminary plan calls for green space, a garden area, public access from a pathway, 314 feet of frontage on Ocean Avenue and underground parking, the latter depending on how feasible it is near the water.
The plan is for the building of possible three stories to have lots of light, high ceilings, unrestricted views and access to beach and plentiful outdoor seating. There would be three restaurants on the first floor and a banquet facility on the second floor, with the possibility of a third floor, though it would all be constructed in a such a way as to keep beach views open for residents, Marathas said. He said three restaurants is the number needed to make a place a destination.
“It will be very nice, very classy,” said Marathas, who grew up in West Haven but now lives in Orange. “It’s a great opportunity to rebuild the area.”
Marathas said the project could produce 250-300 jobs. He said the entire project would take about two years to complete.
He said the restaurants should complement one another and would be designed for COVID-19 life, with open-air spaces, good filtration and air flow.
While there is nothing set yet, Marathas said he can picture a waterfront brewery.
“I’m so happy that everybody is so happy about this development,” Rossi said, noting, “Our beach is our greatest asset.”
She said the city is not going to sell the property but, rather, use it as a revenue stream, which she said the city needs more of to keep tax increases at bay.
“This project is great for the city. We want it done right,” Rossi said. “’I’m so glad you chose West Haven.”
When asked by Council Majority Leader Robbin Watt Hamilton whether it’s possible to have underground parking so close to the beach, Marathas said,
“it looks feasible,” but they don’t yet know for sure.
Third District Councilwoman Elizabeth Johnston said, “I’m excited about this,” and asked about the fate of the Savin Rock Museum in the conference center.
Not only had they considered the museum, but Marathas said part of the plan is to include the museum and a retail boutique area so they can sell merchandise to raise money.
“I don’t want the museum to be an appendage,” he said.
First District Councilwoman Bridgette J. Hoskie homed right in on the Westie way of thinking and told Marathas to be sure to mention the museum front and center in any future presentations to the public, as residents are sensitive to the issue.
Hoskie also told him that area of the shore is where residents go for prom and other photos — “It’s part of being a Westie,” she said.
Marathas said he’s been on the other side of municipal meetings and understands the importance of the community.
At-Large Councilman Gary Donovan said, “I’m very excited that someone is interested in doing something good over there.”
Chrystal Fanelli, 8th District councilwoman, said the plan looks “amazing,” and she hopes it goes through, but doesn’t want any holdups like with The Haven.
City Council Chairman Ronald Quagliani said West Haven needs to be development-friendly, adding, “I want to thank you as developers to take a shot in West Haven.”