The Future of South Cove

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to an informational meeting and discussion on the future of South Cove, on Thursday, December 13, at 7 p.m., in the Memorial Room at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street, in Middletown.

William Warner, the Director of Planning, Conservation, and Development, will make a presentation on a variety of issues and the decision-making process that will affect this key area of Middletown’s waterfront property. Redevelopment of South Cove is now possible following recent passage of a voter referendum that allows the decommissioning of the sewage treatment plant, probably by the year 2015.

The area known as South Cove comprises the waterfront area just south of Harbor Park, along both sides of River Road between Union Street and Eastern Drive. This area was discussed extensively by Middletown residents in the year 2000, leading to the conclusion that a redeveloped South Cove should include a large waterfront park, boat access to the river, and outdoor entertainment and recreation facilities that would support  high quality commercial and residential development on nearby privately-owned parcels.

Mr. Warner will share his thoughts on the creation of a “floating zone” that would complement existing zoning in order to encourage the most creative and appealing proposals from potential developers. The public will have the opportunity to ask questions and to offer ideas so that Middletown can make the most of this historic opportunity to reclaim the city’s waterfront.

More information on South Cove can be found on the City of Middletown’s Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development website at http://www.middletownplanning.com/Specialprojects/waterfront.html

A conceptual drawing of the area developed by the department can be found at http://www.middletownplanning.com/documents/RiverfrontConcept_2012.pdf

There is no admission charge for this event. For more information, call 860-398-3771.