This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

The Future of the Morgan School Site

CLINTON - With the machine that is the new Morgan School project moving forward, the town is inviting developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the 38-plus acres of the existing Morgan School property located at 11 Killingworth Turnpike. The request for qualifications (RFQs) and plans is due into the town by Jan. 13, 2014, and officials hope to get a lot of interest from a number of different developers.

The lot, which houses the 148,000-square-foot school building built in 1951, is a very desirable location, according to First Selectman Willie Fritz, who expects a lot of interest in this site.

With a portion of the property abutting the Indian River, the parcel has easy access to 1-95, is visible from Route 81, and is across the street from Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. According to Fritz, the outlets are not interested in the property for expansion at this time.

The Planning & Zoning Commission, along with the Board of Selectmen, have determined that the site would best be suited for commercial, recreational, institutional, or residential mixed-use development.

"Right now we are very open to all ideas and we don't want to discourage any kind of proposal for the property," stated Fritz.

"From the Planning & Zoning Commission's standpoint, we are interested in seeing the property developed in a way that is consistent with the nature and character of our quaint New England town and our new Plan of Conservation and Development, which is essentially our road map for the future of Clinton," explained Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Anselmo Delia.

At this point the town is particularly interested in working with a developer who is experienced in the construction of commercial or mixed-use, community-style, single-parcel development.

"We definitely need someone with experience," said Fritz.

Delia added, "Our thought is that we are looking for some kind of development that will make the rest of the town attractive and draw people into the downtown area as well as the marina district-possibly something like a three- or four-star hotel that will encourage people to come to town and spend the weekend either shopping or enjoying Clinton and the surrounding area. Currently the Planning & Zoning Commission's focus is on Main Street, and we are hoping this project will work in concert with our efforts there."

Once the RFQs are in, the Interchange Development Committee, which includes representatives of the Board of Selectmen, the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Board of Finance, and the Economic Development Commission, will review the various proposal packages and choose three or more to discuss and explore further. Those contractors will be notified by Feb. 26, and the process will move forward from there.

For more information, visit the town of Clinton website, www.clintonct.org.