A developer is proposing a mixed-use building for the city’s Five Corners area, within walking distance of Electric Boat, in a move the developer’s representatives say will help the city achieve its goal of creating a “sense of place” for the area. During a city Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing on Tuesday evening, representatives for GBU Capital LLC of Scottsdale, Ariz., asked for the commission to place a mixed-use design district “floating zone” on five properties — 2 Benham Road/91 Poquonnock Road, 8, 22 and 46 Benham Road and 1 Mariani Court — and approve a master plan for the parcels. City Mayor Keith Hedrick, who spoke in favor of the development, said the city has been working on the concept for over a year. He thinks the project is good for economic development in the city, will help address blight issues and also will help the city address the influx of employees as Electric Boat expands. He said the police will evaluate traffic patterns, but he doesn’t foresee a significant increase in traffic because the development is targeted at EB employees who will mostly walk to work. Groton Utilities is taking a look at underground utilities. The public hearing was continued until the commission’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 20 to allow the developer time to respond to questions and comments.
https://www.theday.com/local-news/20210317/mixed-use-development-proposed-for-five-corners-in-groton-city