Politics & Government

Town To Apply For State Grant To Study Possible Development Connected To Train Station

Town officials want to relocate the current station back to downtown area. They also want to renovate the shuttered historic station in downtown as part of economic development in the area.

Windsor Locks officials are applying for a state grant for a study on what kind of development could occur around a relocated train station.

The state has allocated $5 million for communities with major transit stops to see what kinds of mixed use development could be developed around the stations, Patrick McMahon, economic development consultant for the town, said. With Windsor Locks being a stop on the New Haven to Springfield train line and a proposed bus from that station to Bradley International Airport, it could be a good opportunity.

The board of selectmen Tuesday endorsed making the application, which must be submitted to the state by Thursday. A town meeting must also be scheduled by September to approve the application, McMahon said.

The town’s application is for a $250,000 grant, which is the minimum amount that can be requested, McMahon said.

Windsor Locks has been lobbying the state officials to relocate the current train platform, which is south of I-91 on Route 159, to the center of town. The current platform is a “glorified bus shelter,” town officials said and is in an area that has no room for any kind of development.

A study three years ago determined that the station should be moved back near the old station in downtown.

McMahon said moving the platform can help with redevelopment of the downtown because it will bring people to area. In the past few months, it seems that state Department of Transportation officials are working to find a solution to relocating the platform, he added.

“We believe if we don’t get the station relocated now, it may be unlikely in the future,” McMahon said.

Town officials are also continuing efforts to get the historic but shuttered train station in downtown renovated. Although the Windsor Locks Preservation Association dissolved earlier this year,  the town still has a $225,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant to help with the project.

McMahon said the town has approached Amtrak with two options, either purchase the property, or enter into a long-term lease. The lease might be the best option because it takes away liability issues for the town, he added.

Restoring the station is a big project and the STEAP grant money won’t cover the cost, so the town will have to look for other funding.

“It’s really a treasure on Main Street,” McMahon said. “We want to save it.”

First Selectman Steven N. Wawruck Jr. said during a meeting last week Amtrak officials commented that they were thankful the town had not signed a letter that would have forced a choice between renovating the old train station and moving the current commuter platform.

Wawruck said a town meeting on the proposed grant for the study will be scheduled at the next board of selectmen meeting.


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