The city of New Britain Common Council voted Wednesday to move forward on a multi-million dollar development project.
Mayor Erin Stewart said she'll be recommending a $58 million downtown redevelopment project – after New York-based developer POKO submitted a plan to purchase the land for a mixed use project. The project would be called Columbus Commons.
Under the submitted plan, the first floor would house retail and restaurants. All other levels would be made into apartments.
“One hundred sixty-eight apartment units and first floor retail and first floor restaurants space oh my gosh this is just such an incredible feeling to know that outside developers are interested in investing in the city of New Britain,” said Stewart.
The project will replace the former New Britain Police Department on Columbus Boulevard, which is now left in rubble. Crews are currently demolishing the building.
The project would consist of two five story buildings – apartments would be one to two bedrooms, with outdoor activity areas and at walking distance from downtown and CT Fastrak.
Now that the project has been approved, the mayor will determine how much the Columbus Boulevard land will be appraised for. Construction will take at least five years.
