Tech Zone Hearing Slated to Re-Start on Monday

The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to continue a public hearing on the Technology Campus Zone on Monday at 7:30 p.m. 

The meeting is to take place in the Council Chambers of the Hicks Municipal Center. 

The meeting began on May 20.  

Tolland Director of Planning and Community Development Linda Farmer has said the Tech Zone initiative began several years ago with the aid of planning consultants. A full list of background material, including a concept plan showing development potential, potential building styles and a 3-D movie, can be viewed off the news category at www.tolland.org/pzc. 

According to the proposed zoning regulations, the purpose of the Technology Campus Zone is, "to position Tolland to benefit from economic activities anticipated at the planned University of Connecticut Technology Park. This zone will allow uses that support or complement the Technology Park in a manner that fits with Tolland’s character and is consistent with the Tolland Plan of Conservation and Development."

According to the proposed regulations, new development in the TCZ should: 

• Emulate a campus form with multiple buildings sharing parking and other amenities and buildings generally facing internal drives and roads.

• Result in a minimal number of driveways on Merrow Road through access management and the use of shared driveways and parking areas.

• Encourage property owners to coordinate development.

• Protect important natural resources (especially surface and groundwater).

• Promote sustainable design, high performance buildings and “green” technology.

• Provide pedestrian connections and pathways within and between properties.

• Promote economic development that complements the UConn Research Park and technology corridor.

• Protect air quality, water quality, and the overall character of Merrow Road and neighboring areas.”  

The Tolland Economic Development Commission and Tolland Economic and Community Development Corporation have been charged with promoting and marketing the TCZ with coordination from other land use boards and commissions.