Benefits

• Farmington River Heritage Trail Connection to be constructed by Developer

• Public access to  Farmington River Trail Connection

• Bridgewater Road Extension

• Positive Fiscal Impact 

• Workforce Housing subject to approval of Build for CT

• Build for CT is a program sponsored by the CT Housing Finance Authority

• Wetland improvements and protections

• Reuse Of gravel it to resolve current land use  and environmental issues

• Removal of construction debris and related materials 

• Incorporates many Objectives of the Plan of Conversation and Development

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Farmington Canal Heritage Trail Connection

 

• No development is allowed within the 100’ buffer from the Farmington River

• Farmington River Trail Connections are allowed within the river buffer

• Proposed public trail provides access along the Farmington River 

 

​Trail Completion Expected to Boost Jobs and Local Spending​

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A recent economic analysis shows that completing the full New Haven–to–Massachusetts trail system could generate significant community benefits, including increased local spending, new jobs, and higher long-term property values throughout the region. To learn more about how this project supports the vision for the Enclave at the Farmington River, read our full update.

Click here to read the full update →

 

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail & Farmington River Trail – Welcome

Map: Explore the Farmington Canal Trail in CT

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Bridgewater Road Extension

• Development includes road extension to cul de sac behind the CT Temple 

• Provides alternative access to Route 4

 

Positive Fiscal Impact 

• Goman-York School Enrollment/Economic Impact concludes positive net revenue

• Net revenue to community estimated

 

Excerpt-Town of Farmington Plan of Conservation and Development

“Farmington’s dependence on the local property tax will become a much more significant issue. Due to the lack of vacant commercial and industrial land and declining housing starts, annual growth will continue to decline, property values may decline, and the fixed costs of government will continue to increase. All of this will occur as the state continues to cut financial support to municipalities.”

 

Workforce Housing

• Proposed housing on Lot B subject to qualifying for Build for CT Program

• Workforce housing based on 20% of rentals equating to 26 units 

 

Build For Connecticut Workforce Housing for Middle Income Residents

• Build for Connecticut (Build for CT) is a recently enacted financing program administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and the Connecticut Department of Housing. The goal of Build for CT is to increase the supply of Workforce Housing (Housing For Middle Income Households)

• Build for CT provides below market subordinate financing to residential developers who agree to restrict a percentage of their development to middle income households

• Developer is proposing to seek subordinate financing from Build for CT, and if successful will restrict 20 per cent of the rental units on Lot B of the development to households earning no more than 120 per cent of median income.

• Availability of this program is subject to continued state funding and the agreement of the primary lender to allow subordinate financing.

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Wetland Improvements, Protections and Soil Remediation

• Wetland on the Farmington River parcel were previously disturbed

• Actions were required to restore past wetland incursion issues

• Wetlands were delineated in 2024-2025

• Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission approvals required 

• Soil Remediation and reclamation of former gravel pit

• Reuse Of Gravel Pit to Resolve Current Land Use and any environmental  issues

 

 

​Development Summary

 

Development Site

The Waterside site was comprised of 28-acres of undeveloped land.  Previously, a 120-unit assisted living facility was completed resulting in approximately 12-acres available for additional development.

 

The parcel, Plant 17,  situated on the Farmington River is approximately 60-acres and is currently classified as Earth Excavation Zone.  Current uses are storage and processing construction materials. Previously, it operated as an excavation site and gravel pit. There is no public access to this site.  There have been various environmental and watershed intrusion issues over the years. Development will address the environmental and watershed issues. Substantial open space is proposed for residents and the public.

 

Public Access to the Farmington River

There is no public access to this site. Site development will provide both open spaces and public access. 

 

Fiscal Impact-Excerpt from POCD

Farmington’s dependence on the local property tax will become a much more significant issue.  Due to the lack of vacant commercial and industrial land and declining housing starts, annual growth will continue to decline, property values may decline and fixed cost of government will continue to increase.  All this will occur as the state continues to cut aid to municipalities

 

Population Growth-Excerpt from POCD

Farmington has seen its growth period and in reaction has spent millions of dollars preserving open space.

 

Farmington’s population growth has now leveled off and is projected to remain fairly constant with little, if any growth in the future.

 

There will be fewer and fewer single family homes constructed as the amount of developable land declines.  The household size will continue to decline and Farmington’s population will be much older in 2025 with a 30% increase in the over 60 age groups.

 

Net Positive Fiscal Impact and Large Land Dedication

Goman and York estimated $1.6M annual positive net fiscal impact/estimated $1.1M in one-time fees