Breaking Ground at Storrs Center

After many, many years of planning and collaboration, the Mansfield Downtown Partnership and several state officials, including Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Congressman Joe Courtney, , which is expected to be completed in 2012.

“In a year or so we will all get together to cut a ribbon here,” said Mansfield Mayor Elizabeth Paterson. “I can’t wait.”

Mayor Paterson and Cynthia van Zelm, executive director for the partnership, were among the most highly praised by the day’s speakers for their contributions to the project over its multiple-decade time-line.

“There are absolutely no words to describe Cynthia’s importance to the project,” said Paterson.

Storrs Center is a planned mixed-use town center consisting of retail, restaurants, offices and residences amongst pedestrian walkways, green spaces and conservation areas, according to the partnership.

“This is the kind of development that does all the right things at the right time, moves the community forward, allows us to enjoy the quality of this great university, spreads the wealth in so many different ways,” said Malloy. “This is the kind of project that we need to stand up for.”

The first two phases of the project will add numerous businesses to the area, as well as approximately 290 apartments.

“Because of you and your hard work, and the allies that you have here and around the community, this is going forward, the shovels are going in the ground. It’s going to happen. Congratulations, Mansfield,” said .