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Company looking to renovate axe factory complex files site plan application

Oct. 16 hearing scheduled



Story posted Sept. 25; updated Oct. 16


By John Fitts

Staff Writer


Collinsville Redevelopment Company has formally submitted its site plan application as it looks to revitalize the historic Collins Co. complex in Collinsville.


A public hearing is scheduled for the evening of Oct 16.

 

Lisa and Merritt Tilney, daughters of complex owner “Rusty” Tilney are looking to remediate the site, update its infrastructure, raze some dilapidated structures, renovate some 20 buildings and construct three new structures in a mixed-use plan that includes uses such as light industrial, retail, office and housing.

 

Before any renovation or new construction can happen, however, the owners must work on removing contaminated soils, updating utilities, adding parking, improving infrastructure and repairing the site’s waterways.

 

The 19.3-acre complex, from 1826 to 1966, was home to world renowned edge tool manufacturer, the Collins Co. Today some 50 businesses – ranging from artisans to light industrial manufacturers – operate on the site but much of the infrastructure is rapidly aging and revitalization has been a long-time goal of many in town, but it’s not an easy task by any measure.

 

“Redevelopment of the site is a complex, expensive and time intense task,” the application narrative states. “Collinsville Redevelopment Company, LLC (CRC) obtained a purchase option with the intent of renovating many of the buildings on site and the construction of three new structures, producing a mixed-use retail, office, light industrial and residential project, envisioned by the IH-1 (Industrial Heritage) regulations. Due to the complexity of renovating historic industrial waterways (waterworks) as well as buildings on the Historic Register, installing entirely new utility systems, remediating contaminated soil and building materials, creating new roads, drives, parking, site lighting, stormwater control systems, the project development is expected to take a number of years. Project finance, pollution remediation, foundational waterworks stabilization, utility infrastructure and road installation have priority. Adding to the complexity is the desire to retain existing tenants, while the grounds and buildings are being renovated.”


Collinsville Redevelopment Company’s master plan envisions commercial and light industrial uses on the western portion of the property in a “seamless” transition from the Main Street area and residential use east of the Farmington River Trail further away from the downtown area.


Following a June permit application approval by the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency, the company applied for a dam safety permit from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The permit would allow the company to make repairs to the manmade waterways that flow through the site. Those are fed through a gate controlled forebay dam along the Farmington River and the system once provided waterpower to run machinery at the site. To this day, a canal still feeds a water suppression system. While that would eventually be replaced with modern utilities, the plan involves keeping and repairing the waterworks for historic and aesthetic value.

 

CRC is also working with the town of Canton in hopes of securing a $200,000 state Department of Economic and Community Development Brownfield Grant for “further analysis of existing brownfield conditions to get a final remedial action plan and more accurate costing for remediation, geotechnical borings, and advisory MEP work to start considering new energy efficient systems for the existing buildings.” The initial estimates placed cleanup costs in the range of $2.2 and $3.4 million but those figures were not plan specific.

 

The site plan is far from the final regulatory approval needed but an important one. As expected, the site plan does not include final architectural details and CRC plans to work with the state Historic Preservation Office and come back to the town come back with those prior to seeking building permits.

 

This summer, CRC representatives had previously met with the Planning and Zoning Commission on an informal basis and commission members agreed that the idea of approval – if granted – could be done with the stipulation that the applicant come back before seeking building permits to do that work.

  

“Removing and capping polluted soils, repairing the building foundations, and connected waterworks, repair of walls and valves, installation of stormwater control and treatments system and replacing the entire utility system will comprise the initial phases of construction, and will likely take three to four years to complete. Upon completion of this work, most building renovation and new construction will begin,” the application states, adding details about how the company will work with SHPO while that work is being done.


“The site plans depict the site work need to accomplish the task of removing pollutants, installing new utilities, lighting, sidewalks, parking and replanting the property. Existing and proposed building footprints are depicted. While the site work proceeds, CRC will work with SHPO to develop acceptable plans for the structures to be preserved, and floor plans and elevations for the new structures.”


According to the application, an estimated approximately 10,000 cubic yards of contaminated soils will need to be moved, with 16,154 cubic yards of total general cut and 17,8000 cubic yards of general fill needed for the site overall.


The estimated cost of site redevelopment, including site work, plantings, seed, utilities, paving, bike racks, sewer lines and other upgrades is listed at $9.5 million. That does not include remediation, waterworks repair or renovation/new buildings.


CRC has not yet provided an overall project estimate but have noted they plan to secure both public and private financing. At a recent meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Phil Doyle of Simsbury based Landscape Architectural Design Associates did note that the company might bring in a partner to building the new residential portion of the project.


 According to the application, CRC plans to preserve 20 existing buildings – representing 142,698 square feet of space for uses such as retail, lighting industrial, office, residential and more. New buildings would be residential. In all the proposal as conceived is for 300 housing units, 30,305 square feet of office, 25,000 square feet of light industrial, 45,000 square feet of retail and 5,612 square feet of “other permitted uses.”

 

A total of 530 parking spaces are proposed and the plans show proposed details for lighting, plantings, parking, grading, site utility development, stormwater management and more.

 

Native plantings are emphasized in the plan and existing plantings are at the site are mostly uncontrolled and invasive.

 

“In consultation with DEEP and professional firms who work with DEEP and the Farmington River Watershed Association, the invasive species will be carefully removed and replaced with native plants,” the application states.


Rain Gardens and green areas are also included in the application although steep slopes near the river will be maintained but disturbed less. DEEP, for example, has suggested the locust trees there, although not native, remain to stabilize the slopes.

 

Site lights will “connect” aesthetically to Main Street and “industrial style lighting” is proposed in selected pedestrian areas.

 

LED security lighting is proposed along driveways. Additionally, fences, gates and barriers will have an industrial appearance,” according to the application.

 

Existing driveways to the site will be maintained and improved, according to the application.


A traffic report from Hesketh estimates that, based on currently anticipated uses, a fully developed site would generate an estimated 5,719 daily trips during the week, with 280 during the morning peak hour and 495 during the afternoon peak hour. Saturday daily trips are estimated at 5,398 for a fully developed site.

 

The plan proposed sidewalks connecting all buildings to Main Street, as well as a pedestrian walking system to a new park area in the southeast corner of the complex.

 

A pedestrian area with 35 bike racks is proposed near the Perry, Blacksmith, Axe Forge, Holyoke and Boiler buildings to the west of the Farmington River Trail bridge, roughly in the “middle” of the site as it is utilized today.


Other pedestrian areas are also proposed as is a butterfly garden on the north side of the complex but the application notes that the company may seek design ideas and a grant based on a suggestion for open space/town green in that area.

 

Alcohol, outdoor storage outdoor dining, while possible on future plans, is not currently proposed. New or repaired building signage is also not proposed but the applicant anticipates coming back for a separate sign permit.


Information on joining the Oct. 16 meeting, which is slated for 7 p.m. Oct. 16 in Room F of the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave., can be found here.


See the application materials here.


The overall site plan for the project.




 

 

 

























































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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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