Option to Purchase School Property in Waterford Extended to Construction Company

The Representative Town Meeting voted unanimously on Monday to extend an option to Centerplan Companies to purchase the Cohanzie School Property.

The Board of Selectmen approved a purchase and sale agreement on Aug. 11 to sell the property and forwarded the agreement to RTM. Centerplan intends on using the space to construct an apartment complex targeting young professionals.

First Selectman Daniel Steward clarified that extending an option is not the same as selling the property. By extending the option, Centerplan will be able to request zoning changes and approvals from Planning and Zoning, and Conservation commissions, but it is not guaranteed that the proposed development will be built.

Residents have opposed the redevelopment proposed at the site for many reasons including density, the incongruence of the apartment complex in the single-family home neighborhood, increase in traffic and a negative impact on home values. A group of residents started the “Save Cohanzie School” effort last year to save the school from being demolished.

Cohanzie School was left vacant in 2008 as a result of the town’s five elementary schools being consolidated into three because of declining enrollment and increasing operating costs.

Centerplan Vice President Yves Joseph said the firm would welcome community input as it begins the approvals process.

Photo Credit: Waterford Patch