Meriden City Center Initiative

Public Involvement Process
Commercial Center Market Assessment
Environmental Impact Analysis
Harbor Brook Realignment
Preliminary Design of Transportation Improvements
Conceptual Land Use
Design Guidelines
Fiscal and Economic Impact Assessment
Appendix A: Property Acquisition Plan
Appendix B: Residential Relocation Strategy
Appendix C: Preliminary Opinion of Cost Summary

Phase II

The ideas and recommendations presented in the City Center Initiative are intended to be examples of what could happen, given the appropriate circumstances, not a declaration of what will ultimately happen. It is not a plan in which the City builds office buildings or retail buildings. The City Center Initiative is a long-term vision in which necessary infrastructure improvements are implemented in a manner intended to create the opportunity for and enhance the overall impact of private development in the downtown area.

The City Center Initiative considers existing conditions for the greater downtown Meriden area. This downtown area, consisting of a mix of government, public safety, library, businesses, entertainment venues, and mass transit, offers the essential elements of a true “City Center”, but requires several significant improvements in order to realize its full potential. This document presents recommended infrastructure improvements, development strategies, and planning goals that can be used by the City of Meriden as a “road map” in the pursuit of an economically productive City Center.

The result of this phase of work is clear: Meriden is at a critical point in determining its future. It presently has a unique opportunity to correct some persistent problems, and along the way create a wonderful City Center. By fully implementing the City Center Initiative, Meriden will experience:

	The creation of new public space to accommodate community events, including the new Meriden Green.
	Establishment of a realigned, flood-proof Harbor Brook, as well as other public improvements, including new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, streets, landscaping and a parking structure.
	Transportation infrastructure improvements that will provide: a. Better links between the City Center and the regional access points; b. Better links between Downtown and the Westfield Shoppingtown Meriden area; c. Less confusing downtown traffic patterns; and d. Opportunity for growth of alternative transportation modes.
	Revitalization of an obsolete, under-utilized commercial area with a new, vibrant neighborhood for living, working, shopping, and gathering.
	A greater than $2 million net increase in annual tax revenue, up from the $289,000 generated by existing properties.
	“A Sense of Place,” created by: a. Identifiable and welcoming gateways into the City Center, b. Expanded City Center pedestrian district with new streetscape and unique public spaces c. Additional livable and desirable