The Town of Mansfield Planning & Zoning Commission is expected to vote on two applications from Storrs Center Alliance that are under consideration to facilitate the addition of a 100 room hotel to the development at Storrs Center.
One application is a request for a zone change allowing for a hotel which is not currently allowed in the zone and the second application is for a request to amend the existing zoning map as an alternative to the master plan for Storrs Center which allows for mixed use buildings but not a hotel.
Interestingly the map amendment would reclassify 100 proposed housing units to hotel rooms. I have been contacted by interested buyers that have requested information on the proposed condominiums at Storrs Center and was told by Mansfield Downtown Partnership that there would be information available first in September and then in October. I have not heard anything. I am not sure the reclassification of 100 residences to hotel rooms bodes well for my interested buyers.
As one would expect, the Best Western is opposed to the change as well as the Nathan Hale Inn which already offer hotel lodging within 5 miles of Storrs Center at less than optimal occupancy rates. According to an article in the Chronicle, Commission members commenting on the applications do not seem to be leaning in favor of the addition of a hotel to Storrs Center and indications are that these applications may face some resistance which is rare for Storrs Center.
Some of the Commission members sited concern about the increased housing needs facing the Mansfield area in the near future with the burgeoning faculty and projected increase in UConn student enrollment as well as the UConn Tech Park, which will also bring new hires and a need for local housing.
In other Storrs Center news it seems that the first departure will be Rob “Java” Lucey of Body Language Tattoo, who is relocating to 700 Main Street in Willimantic.
Rumor has it that rent increases and overhead expenses have made it a pressure cooker for a small shop at Storrs Center and he wanted out, opting for less drama and overhead.
Three new shops will be open soon and One Tribe, the first retail clothing shop at Storrs Center, is now open.
Geno’s Grille was recently reviewed by the New York Times
UConn Medical Center will be opening a dental clinic
Come eat, sit and shop at Storrs Center.
Find a home near Storrs Center