Town Council Takes First Step Toward Hotel

The Town Council referred a resolution declaring 90 Raymond Rd. as "Surplus" property to the Planning and Zoning Division Monday night, taking the first step in the quest to bring a hotel to West Hartford.

According to the resolution, the Town's charter requires that a parcel be declared surplus "prior to the town's solicitation of development proposals."

Development of the currently empty lot at 90 Raymond Rd., across the street from the police station will need to be approved by the Town Council after consideration by the Planning and Zoning Division. The land is currently part of an existing Special Development District.

"This is arguably one of the most valuable pieces of property in the region. Discussions with hotels go back to [the development of] Blue Back Square," said Town Manager Ron Van Winkle.

Van Winkle said he believes a , and would also augment the daytime use of the Town's parking garages with overnight parking.

"We are in the process of finalizing a draft RFP [Request for Proposal] which we will then share with you," Van Winkle told the Council. "Somehow the word has gotten out already," said Van Winkle, who has already been approached by numerous potential developers.