Background Information

The Town is exploring the purchase of former High Meadows School property located on 825 Hartford Turnpike. This property is currently owned and maintained by the State of CT but has been vacant and without use since 2009.

As most citizens know the Town has not purchased the site. It is only exploring the potential acquisition with the intent of pursing an Economic Development project that is yet to be determined. Hamden acquiring this property would ensure that the State doesn’t develop it, gives us the ability at the local level to pursue a project that fits within the character of the neighborhood and potentially create tax base growth.

Through Procurement Process RFP 20-07- Martinez, Couch, and Associates was hired to complete survey work, map the wetlands, complete topographic mapping, locate utilities, identify drainage characteristics such as pipes and culverts. The study identified any potential challenges. They also located any watercourse such as a stream, identify existing trees, adjacent property owners, etc. 

Through Procurement Process RFP 20-08 -BL Companies was hired via an RFP process to complete a site assessment of the physical buildings on the property and any potential areas of environmental contamination. This included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Building Conditions Assessment, Hazardous Building Materials Assessment and a final Project Report. 

Through Procurement Process RFP 21-02-Camoin 310 was hired to complete a Market/Feasibility Study of the project to determine what could be a viable economic development project at the current High Meadows Site. Camoin will make recommendations on potential uses of the site. 

On Thursday Nov.12th an Informational Forum was held via Zoom to provide updates on the High Meadows Project.