Date: Fri 15-Sep-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

CEPEC-EDC-exposition-hall

Full Text:

EDC To Hear Exposition Hall Developers

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

The developers of a proposed exposition hall are expected to present their

concept for a Hawleyville facility to the town's Economic Development

Commission when the commission meets at 8 pm on Tuesday, September 19, in Town

Hall South.

The EDC guides and promotes local growth by implementing the town's strategic

plan of economic development.

Connecticut Expo Development, a limited liability corporation chartered in

Connecticut, has proposed the construction of Connecticut Exposition and

Performance Events Center (CEPEC), a more than 100,000-square-foot hall which

would contain a 90,000-square-foot exhibition space, plus related facilities

such as meeting rooms and a restaurant.

Three zoning requests sought by Connecticut Expo Development are pending

before the town's Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). CEPEC is seeking a

zone change from Residential to Industrial for 80 acres in Hawleyville across

Route 25 from the Hawleyville Post Office. It also is seeking two amendments

to the zoning regulations. One request seeks to allow exhibition halls as a

permitted land use in an industrial zone. The other request seeks to allow

50-foot-tall buildings in an industrial zone. Current zoning rules restrict

industrial buildings to a 30-foot height limit.

The proposed exhibition complex would be used for trade shows, public shows,

public events, and recreational sports.

Hawleyville residents turned out in force for a P&Z public hearing August 17

to register strong opposition to the proposal. However, some residents said

they like what they see in the CEPEC proposal.

Objections to the proposal focus on what its opponents say would be an adverse

effect on Hawleyville's character due to increased traffic generated by an

exhibition hall. Opponents also say a hall could pose environmental hazards in

terms of septic waste disposal and depleted underground water supplies.

Supporters of the project say an exposition hall would bring economic

development to the area, providing new jobs and stimulating area businesses.

The exhibition hall proposal has drawn widespread public attention based on

the approximately 200 people who attended the August 17 P&Z public hearing and

the numerous letters to the editor received by The Bee on the topic.

If its membership chooses to do so, the EDC could make a recommendation to the

P&Z on the CEPEC proposal.