Meriden presents a unique canvas on which to paint a master plan. Development of the plan starts by addressing several fundamental challenges, including vehicular transportation, pedestrian linkages, infrastructure, and the need to assemble developable land area. Then, by capitalizing on existing initiatives and working with the city’s assets, historic architecture for example, the master plan begins to take shape.

In its final form, the City Center Initiative Master Plan creates an environment that will maximize the opportunity for new business, and will attract a growing, diverse group of people to the City Center to enjoy many of life’s activities. These include shopping, working, dining, residing, recreating, commuting, exercising, and attending cultural events in a common, safe, well-planned, and attractive setting. If this core environment is successful, its vitality and success will naturally grow to adjacent neighborhoods, and contribute to a higher quality of life for the entire City.

The Master Plan recognizes different areas within the total City Center, and provides the means for each of them to optimize its potential individually and as a part of the whole. The Proposed Development Areas and their future uses are described in detail in the body of the report, but are described briefly here.

	A new Meriden Green, similar to many New England communities, will serve as a physical and social center for the City Center, create a space for public gatherings and provide a new image for the City of Meriden.
	The Commercial Center within State, Main, Pratt and Camp Street will redevelop the Hub, create a Transportation Center in the historic Colony Street Post Office building, and provide multiple venues for offices, retail and commercial uses all in a scale and style that is conducive to pedestrian traffic and promotes activity in the area beyond weekday business hours.
	The Downtown Arts District builds on the work already done to create a pleasant pedestrian environment along West Main Street and moves toward realizing the full potential of the planned community Playhouse anchoring a vibrant urban neighborhood with small shops and offices on the street and housing above.
	The Colony Street Small Business Corridor extending from the Downtown Arts District will utilize existing buildings for small business and retail serving the nearby courthouse, arts district and local interests.
	The Government Center, anchored by City Hall, will be made more accessible and inviting by the related transportation improvements resulting in a campus like environment around City Hall and associated facilities.
	The Cook Avenue Campus uses the former medical office and VMMC properties to support a proposed campus environment for a higher education facility or technical school.
	The Commercial Business Link will link the Westfield Shoppingtown and surrounding commercial uses with the new Commercial Center and provide clear, direct regional access to the City Center from I-691.
	Redesigned Gateways to Meriden will improve physical access and the impression conveyed to visitors.

The material on this page is reproduced from "Meriden City Center Initiative - A Comprehensive Plan for Revitalization" prepared by BL Companies, released 07/24/2002. All rights reserved.