Latest news with #FelixReyes
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New London waits for environmental test results for former dry cleaner, school
New London ― City officials in the coming weeks and months expect to receive environmental assessment reports for two vacant properties ― an abandoned dry cleaners and what was once New London's oldest school ― that will determine the fate of the parcels. Assessment teams are wrapping up studies of the former Harbor Elementary School building, 432 Montauk Ave., and the Shalett's dry cleaning business at 2 Montauk Ave., said Felix Reyes, the city's director of economic development and planning, on Thursday. 'What we learn from those reports will help any potential developer figure out what can be done with the properties,' Reyes said. 'It'll start the real conversations of whether we can keep the buildings and re-use them or have to demolish them.' Without a clear idea of what potential contaminants are embedded on the sites ― and what it would take to scour them out ― developers are justifiably leery of making any financial commitments on the land, Reyes said. 'It's difficult to do that not knowing what dark secrets those sites might contain,' he said. Assessing a shuttered school The city last year approved using $63,700 in federal COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act monies for a Phase I and a partial Phase II environmental assessment of the 3-acre Harbor school property that includes a 104-year-old school building and two 1990-era annexes. A Phase I study usually entails poring through the history of a property, while a Phase II can include more invasive work, such as test borings and well monitoring. The school was shuttered in June 2023 after cracks were discovered on the main building's second and third floors, prompting a two-day closure of the structure for inspections. The closing led to 270 Harbor students and 45 staff members being reassigned to new schools. In addition to the main assessment work, GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. was also tasked with carrying out targeted checks of the main building's soil for lead, and recreation areas for the presence of pesticides and other contaminants. A pre-demolition survey of the school will include checks for asbestos, lead, mercury and refrigerants. Reyes said that report is expected within six to eight weeks. EPA lends a hand The city took possession of the former Shalett's property in 2023 after its owner failed to pay $43,000 in back taxes. The 119-year-old white brick building on Garibaldi Square was owned and operated by the Shalett's Cleaning and Dying Corp. until 2004 when ownership was transferred to Ronit Inc., property records show. 'We basically inherited it,' Reyes said. The city was able to avail itself of free technical funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct ongoing environmental studies of the property. A findings report is still several months from being complete. A request for proposal advertised last year, which called for transforming the 1.6-acre property, and its 11,000-square foot building, into a 'vibrant, multi-functional space,' attracted one interested company, Parker Benjamin, a national real estate and investment banking firm. Parker Benjamin representatives could not be reached for comment on Friday. Reyes said Parker Benjamin has made no formal offer on the property, but Reyes said informal conversations have revolved around creating a new, mixed-use development there.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fees for New London rec center will give breaks to residents, needy families
New London — The City Council on Monday will discuss and possibly approve membership fees for the new recreation/community center that will offer price breaks to residents and low-income families. The draft rates are broken down by resident and non-resident status, as well as by age. For example, a New London resident between the ages of 23-60 — the demographic most expected to use the $40 million facility on the Fort Trumbull peninsula — will pay $45 a month compared to a non-resident fee of $57. Other membership rates cover children younger than 18 ($20 for residents, $27 for non-resident); young adults ($25, $32); seniors ($40, $52); and a household package ($100, $125). City and school district employees would pay $36 a month under the proposal. Early enrollees will not be charged one-time initiation fees that range from $10 to $65, depending upon age and residency. The fees were set by the Power Wellness firm, which was hired to oversee the center, after conversations with city recreation and other department heads, Felix Reyes, the city's director of planning and economic development, said Wednesday. Reyes said membership rates, which he said are about 20% lower than comparable offerings in the area, are largely based on two overriding concerns: Making the center self-sustaining ahead of its third year of operation and ensuring all residents — regardless of their financial situation — can use the facility. Price breaks Reyes said the decision to give residents a price break was done out of a sense of fairness. 'The taxpayers are already funding the center's construction, and we wanted to give them a favorable rate,' he said. 'Our other intent was to prioritize access, especially for those families in financial hardship.' The city will also create a scholarship fund, similar to one currently used to subsidize recreation department programming, that will cut membership rates in half for eligible families. 'How can we afford to do that? By appealing to corporations and small businesses for sponsorships,' Reyes said, adding scholarship eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Recreation Director Joshua Posey said currently families who can't afford the full fee for recreation programming, such as summer camp, can fill out an assistance form similar to the one the new center will use. 'We do ask for some forms of income, but those families can get up to 50% off the cost of a program,' he said. 'And there's been times when that's still not enough and we'll work to give a bit more off.' Posey said on average 60 families a year qualify for some level of financial assistance, with about 90% qualifying for the half-off fee. 'I'd say the majority are single-parent households with two or more kids,' he said. In Monday letter to the council, Reyes explained why New Londoners, as residents of a distressed city, aren't getting free access. 'It is crucial to recognize that affordability does not mean the absence of a cost structure,' he wrote. 'Community memberships are essential for maintaining our facility, enhancing financial sustainability and fostering engagement among residents.' Membership goals and getting there Power Wellness has set a membership goal of signing up 1,400 non-discounted members before the center opens, with an estimated 5,000 total members needed to keep it financially stable. The center is expected to generate additional revenue by renting out conference rooms, its gym and other spaces, as well as by providing personal training, swim lessons and other programming. The facility, which will house a two-court gym, fitness center and eight-lane pool, along with office and community space, is scheduled to host an opening ceremony before July 4 and fully open to the public later that month. The city's recreation department will also have offices inside the new center and will run some of its programming from the site. The majority of construction is set to be complete in April, the same month Power Wellness is slated to roll out its on-line membership link. In-person enrollment will be available inside the Chamber of Commerce's Regional Innovation Center on Eugene O'Neill Drive in mid-April. Reyes said his office has worked out an agreement with the Southeastern Connecticut Transit District to add a new bus stop near the recreation center. He said the city's SmartRide system, a public ride-hailing option, is also available to visitors seeking to get to the center. 'We're also talking with the school administration about buses taking students to the center after school,' he said. 'One of the biggest asks we get is about having a place for kids to go while their parents work. The recreation department plans to have after-school programming, including homework and mentorship areas and open play.' The City Council will meet at 7 p.m., Monday at City Hall.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fees for New London rec center will give breaks to residents, needy families
New London — The City Council on Monday will discuss and possibly approve membership fees for the new recreation/community center that will offer price breaks to residents and low-income families. The draft rates are broken down by resident and non-resident status, as well as by age. For example, a New London resident between the ages of 23-60 — the demographic most expected to use the $40 million facility on the Fort Trumbull peninsula — will pay $45 a month compared to a non-resident fee of $57. Other membership rates cover children younger than 18 ($20 for residents, $27 for non-resident); young adults ($25, $32); seniors ($40, $52); and a household package ($100, $125). City and school district employees would pay $36 a month under the proposal. Early enrollees will not be charged one-time initiation fees that range from $10 to $65, depending upon age and residency. The fees were set by the Power Wellness firm, which was hired to oversee the center, after conversations with city recreation and other department heads, Felix Reyes, the city's director of planning and economic development, said Wednesday. Reyes said membership rates, which he said are about 20% lower than comparable offerings in the area, are largely based on two overriding concerns: Making the center self-sustaining ahead of its third year of operation and ensuring all residents — regardless of their financial situation — can use the facility. Price breaks Reyes said the decision to give residents a price break was done out of a sense of fairness. 'The taxpayers are already funding the center's construction, and we wanted to give them a favorable rate,' he said. 'Our other intent was to prioritize access, especially for those families in financial hardship.' The city will also create a scholarship fund, similar to one currently used to subsidize recreation department programming, that will cut membership rates in half for eligible families. 'How can we afford to do that? By appealing to corporations and small businesses for sponsorships,' Reyes said, adding scholarship eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Recreation Director Joshua Posey said currently families who can't afford the full fee for recreation programming, such as summer camp, can fill out an assistance form similar to the one the new center will use. 'We do ask for some forms of income, but those families can get up to 50% off the cost of a program,' he said. 'And there's been times when that's still not enough and we'll work to give a bit more off.' Posey said on average 60 families a year qualify for some level of financial assistance, with about 90% qualifying for the half-off fee. 'I'd say the majority are single-parent households with two or more kids,' he said. In Monday letter to the council, Reyes explained why New Londoners, as residents of a distressed city, aren't getting free access. 'It is crucial to recognize that affordability does not mean the absence of a cost structure,' he wrote. 'Community memberships are essential for maintaining our facility, enhancing financial sustainability and fostering engagement among residents.' Membership goals and getting there Power Wellness has set a membership goal of signing up 1,400 non-discounted members before the center opens, with an estimated 5,000 total members needed to keep it financially stable. The center is expected to generate additional revenue by renting out conference rooms, its gym and other spaces, as well as by providing personal training, swim lessons and other programming. The facility, which will house a two-court gym, fitness center and eight-lane pool, along with office and community space, is scheduled to host an opening ceremony before July 4 and fully open to the public later that month. The city's recreation department will also have offices inside the new center and will run some of its programming from the site. The majority of construction is set to be complete in April, the same month Power Wellness is slated to roll out its on-line membership link. In-person enrollment will be available inside the Chamber of Commerce's Regional Innovation Center on Eugene O'Neill Drive in mid-April. Reyes said his office has worked out an agreement with the Southeastern Connecticut Transit District to add a new bus stop near the recreation center. He said the city's SmartRide system, a public ride-hailing option, is also available to visitors seeking to get to the center. 'We're also talking with the school administration about buses taking students to the center after school,' he said. 'One of the biggest asks we get is about having a place for kids to go while their parents work. The recreation department plans to have after-school programming, including homework and mentorship areas and open play.' The City Council will meet at 7 p.m., Monday at City Hall.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Details released about New London recreation center workout equipment
New London — With less than five months to go before the city's new recreation and community center opens in July, plans for gym equipment, programming and enrollments are accelerating. Construction of the $40 million, 57,000-square-foot facility on the Fort Trumbull peninsula is set to be substantially complete by April 30 with operators moving in by mid-May, Felix Reyes, the city's director of planning and development, said Friday. 'We'll be adding in all the IT and security components and expect to begin tours in May and June,' Reyes said. 'Before that, in March, the City Council will meet to approve enrollment fees.' The council last month selected the Power Wellness group to run the facility. Power Wellness leaders laid out a six-month timeline ahead of a June's soft opening that calls for hiring key managers — including a bilingual center director — creating programs and setting dues and membership prices. Membership costs and annual operational budgets will be worked out between Power Wellness and city officials using a template similar to one used to set admission prices and run Ocean Beach Park. Reyes said the Chamber of Commerce's Regional Innovation Center on Eugene O'Neill Drive will serve as a temporary recreation center enrollment station beginning in April. Kettle bells and treadmills Plans for the center's fitness area are also solidifying, with the council on Tuesday scheduled to approve nearly $500,000 worth of new exercise equipment — from Peloton bikes and stair climbers to kettle bells and heavy bags — for the facility. The funding will come from a pool of previously approved bonding money earmarked for construction of the facility. Sale proposal documents from Feb. 5 list dozens of pieces of fitness equipment, including 10 treadmills ($83,000), six ellipticals ($51,400), 10 indoor cycles ($24,500) and two stair-climbers ($17,450). Other cardio options include recumbent bikes, four Peloton bikes, rowing machines and a 75-pound heavy bag. On the strength side, the center will provide biceps, chest, leg and shoulder machines, as well as various stability balls, foam rollers, kettle bells and free weights. Reyes said the choice of equipment was made after conversations with a Power Wellness consultant — and the city's police chief, Brian Wright, a longtime fitness advocate. 'I wanted a functional gym, one that had both free weights and machines,' Wright said on Friday, noting while both the police and fire departments have their own gyms, the new center will offer another option to those personnel. Reyes said he wants the fitness center to appeal to individuals of varying fitness levels. 'We want the young athletes and the normal laypeople,' he said. 'It's designed for multi-generational use.' The facility, which will house a two-court gym, fitness center and eight-lane pool, along with office and community space, is scheduled to host an opening ceremony before July 4 and fully open to the public later that month. The city's recreation department will also have offices inside the new center and will run some of its programming from the site. Recreation Department Director Josh Posey on Friday said he's still fine-tuning programming for the new facility. 'But I'm pricing ping-pong tables now for our community room,' he said.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plan divides New London site into development, conservation sections
New London — The Planning and Zoning Commission next month will again consider making a zoning change to allow multi-family homes on a parcel of privately-owned wooded land. But the proposal differs significantly from one the commission rejected by a 5-2 vote in September. First, the applicant this time is the city — not the New York-based Vessel Technology group that made the original application to re-zone the land from its current R-2 designation, which allows one- and two-family construction, to R-3, or multi-family and apartment complex construction. The new application also calls for formally dividing the 23.57-acre parcel at 0 Stonebridge Drive into two sections. A smaller area in the north end of the property would be available for development, with the remainder to be held as a conservation easement 'to prevent any future development,' according to a Jan. 31 memo from Felix Reyes, the city's director of planning and development. The land, bounded by Williams and Briggs streets and bisected by Briggs Brook, has been owned by the Shiloh Baptist Church for the last 26 years. Multiple attempts to sell the land have fallen through, in many cases due to zoning issues. Ahead of the commission's September rejection vote, several neighbors with homes near the Shiloh parcel came out against the Vessel sale, citing a desire to keep the land undeveloped and use it for passive recreation. In reaction, the Avalonia Land Conservancy in December submitted an application for a grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program to allow it to buy the Shiloh land for preservation. A compromise plan by Mayor Michael Passero — the same plan set to be discussed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 6 — calls for rezoning the entire parcel as R-3. A condition of that change would require designating 15.75 acres of the land as conservation easement, leaving the remaining 7.82 acres for potential development. Vessel leaders have not committed to revisiting their previous housing plans for the site. The company's original site plan application stated it intended to construct a 'multifamily project' on the most 'developable' southern portion of the property, identifying a 4.5-acre, kidney bean-shaped area in the southeast as the company's preferred building site. Dennis Main, president of Avalonia's board of directors, said Friday appraisals of the land, needed as part of its state grant application — which could pay for up to 75% of the purchase price — put the value of the entire undeveloped parcel at $260,000. In its Jan. 13 report, Russ Appraiser Services noted in April 2024, when Vessel was still attached as a potential buyer, the property was listed as under contract for about $900,000. Shiloh bought the property for $950,000 in 1999.
