A unanimous vote by the City Council to decline the chance to buy the former Armory building on Center Street makes it likely the state will sell the massive structure for $305,000 to local attorneys who aim to create a skating center there.
The two lawyers, Alfred Morrocco and Joel Cohen, were the high bidders for the 61 Center St. structure. There were at least two other bidders, state officials said.
Morrocco and Cohen said they are aiming to put an inline skating rink in the former gymnasium. Cohen said there would also be three restaurants and other activities. He said a day care facility is also possible.
The lawyers had planned a similar facility on Broad Street a decade ago that fell through.
Mayor Art Ward said it is going to be "very, very expensive to rehabilitate this building."
But Morrocco said he's sure that it can be done. Both he and Cohen said they would fix the roof, update the electrical system and make other necessary renovations.
It remains unclear where people would park when coming to the rink. Cohen said, though, that they've got a plan.
The Armory only has six parking spaces and street parking is limited in the area.
Before Armory Associates, the attorneys' firm, can buy the property, state lawyers have to review the deal and the contract terms. It will likely take months.
Gov. Jodi Rell decided to sell the Armory, which was vacant, in a bid to bring in extra revenue for the state, which is facing a fiscal meltdown.
Ward said in the past, the city would have been given the chance to buy it for $1. Instead, the city could only have it if it offered more than the attorneys.
The mayor said, though, that the Armory isn't needed for municipal use and isn't worth having even for $1 because of the repair tab associated with the historic building.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
18 comments:
Mr. Morrocco and Mr. Cohen...I Think That's A GREAT IDEA!
Yet another example of the City's short-sightedness. They're willing to pay $175K for a run-down house they plan to tear down near Muzzy Field but won't fork over $300K+ for prime downtown property. Hell... even if the building needs to be torn down... the property would make for an excellent new police or fire department building at some point!
What is prime about that location? What is prime about any downtown property?
5:43 - thank goodness that you are not on/near the finance board - snookums.
Is anyone in city Hall coordinating or keeping track of what is going on thruout the city?
5:43: It would make an even better store or restaurant, something that would generate income for the City.
Lets see if Alan ("I'm not a forecaster I'm a planner") Wiener does his job and shoots this down for a lack of parking.
Or is he going to continue his "planned" route 6 fiasco downtown as well.
Given our zoning regulations this building, and many others are totally useless.
It would make a great annex to seagull park...........
Morroco tried in Southington got aproved and never built. So dont get to excited. When he has to come up with the money he will be gone. Just like in the past.Check his track record. He wants attention.
6:40 - evidently not, you are still around.
Morroco will never start. He will try to make a sale before he has to pay. Which he wont do.
6:40 AM/Bill,
Don't worry. We're doing just fine, thanks!
7:27
Name is Paul.
Thanks
I Think The Ole Tinty's Building on The Blvd. Would Make A Better Skating Rink and There Is Ample Parking.
As For The Armory It Could Be Used For Resaurant, Rental Office Space, Etc.
Morroco will never do anything. No one will back him . HES GOT A REPUTATION FOR MISLEADING THE PUBLIC.
10:56...ssssuuurrreeee it is, okay "Paul."
1:57. Actually its best use would be as a vacant lot - Mamatso (sp?), the Mall, and soon Bingham School.
Kinda like the space between your ears 10:51 - VACANT
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