City seeks younger perspective on buildings future

Published: August 26, 2014 | Last Modified: August 26, 2014 01:10AM

By Dan Brechlin Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Plans are being developed to convert existing office space into 16 apartments at a downtown building. Before planning is completed, officials want to know how to attract young professionals to downtown.

The building at 1-3 Colony St. was selected for the Connecticut Main Street Come Home to Downtown program. Aimed at converting commercial and office space to apartments, the program offers free architectural services and other benefits.

Although plans are in the works, Economic Development Director Juliet Burdelski said its important to find out what people want in downtown.

Part of the final report on the building is to get public feedback, so we want to know what it would take to get people downtown, Burdelski said.

Plans were developed over the last several years to revive Meridens downtown. The addition of a park at the Hub, the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line, traffic improvements and new zoning regulations to encourage development are part of the effort to attract young professionals and businesses.

A community meeting will be held Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at Middlesex Community College to discuss the projects and get feedback. Those attending will be asked what types of businesses, events and other attractions they would like to see in the area.

Representatives from businesses in downtown were invited, as were downtown landlords and property owners in addition to the YMCA and Middlesex Community College.

We would like to see a younger crowd, Burdelski said. We want to have a positive discussion with people who are down here already and people who want to come in or are looking at the possibility.

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City seeks younger perspective on buildings future