Visions for Vacancies: Filling the Green at Church and Colony

If you could bring anything to the patch of green grass in downtown Meriden, what would it be?

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning - Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.

Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

The grassy knoll near the church has one of those real estate signs hanging and although the sign advertises the lease as a "pad space," we believe local residents will have the best vision for it's use.

The space at the corner of Church Street and Colony Street is in a good location to get some good traffic, lying just a short walk from the courthouse in downtown Meriden.

So what would you build? Is it a good space for a commercial venture? Would you rather see it remain green and grass covered? What about something entirely different like a basketball court?

TELL US: How would you build up the empty lot?

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