Tolland’s Zones
Neighborhood Commercial Zone
The Neighborhood Commercial Zone (NCZ), designated in three areas of Tolland, provides for smaller scale, less intense commercial/office uses which will serve as a transition to residential areas.
Along Route 195, enroute to the University of Connecticut main campus at Storrs, the NCZ has been designated a technology corridor to accommodate office and research businesses that complement the University of Connecticut’s knowledge center. Existing businesses include Nerac, a critical research facility, Twin Ponds, a 16,500± sq. ft. multi tenant commercial/medical office facility, Headliners, a spa/beauty center and several smaller retail businesses. Undeveloped sites in various sizes are available for development. Public water is available, public sewer will be available in 2007.
Along Routes 30 & 74, the NCZ abuts the Commercial/Industrial Zone and residential areas. A variety of retail shops and office uses are currently located in this area including CNC Software, a 37,000± sq. ft. software company and Colonial Square, a 49,000± sq. ft. multi tenant complex. Sites are available for development. Public water and sewer is available in some areas of this zone.
Gateway Design District
The Gateway Design District (GDD) surrounds the interchange area of exit 68, at the intersection of Route 195 with Interstate 84. As the gateway to Tolland and main access point to the University of Connecticut’s flagship campus at Storrs, this zone creates an attractive entrance to Tolland while encouraging coordinated commercial/office/mixed use development with high design standards, having scale and form consistent with the natural land forms of the site and the character of the Town.
The Town Planning and Zoning Commission and Design Advisory Board, promote sound, pedestrian friendly development that provides sensitive stormwater management, creative landscaping and aesthetically pleasing architecture that complements Tolland’s New England Village history.
A Land Use/Visioning exercise is in process to develop a Plan for the area north of Interstate 84 and Tolland Green. This area includes property within the Gateway Design District, the Village Center Zone and Historic District. There are several parcels available for development which could include a hotel, as well as commercial, office and residential uses pending completion of the plan. Parcels are also available for development on the southerly side of the interchange. Public water and sewer are available in the Gateway Design District.
Current development includes Meeting House Commons shopping plaza, a well landscaped Dunkin Donuts and other retail and automotive uses. Fieldstone Commons, almost fully constructed, is a 121,000 sq. ft. commercial/medical office center with the Big Y Supermarket as anchor, the site is accessed by a tree lined boulevard with future development potential.
Tolland Business Park
The Tolland Business Park, strategically located along Interstate 84, is well positioned between Boston and Hartford for light industry, research, offices, distribution and other suitable uses that allow for flexible site development. The Business Park can provide all the amenities to enhance successful business expansion without creating environmental consequences or residential development conflict. Infrastructure improvements consist of road construction and the installation of public water, gas and sewer lines.
Several businesses have located in the Tolland Business Park including Dari Farms Ice Cream Co., a 78,000 sq. ft. ice cream distributor, NESSteel, a 43,000 sq. ft. steel grinding and boring service, Wilson Woodworking, high quality wood flooring, and E&S Gage, an aerospace support company. A road extension project underway, funded by a State economic development grant will open up three additional lots with varying development capabilities that would accommodate up to 100,000 additional square feet of business space within the Business Park.
Commercial/Industrial Zone
The Commercial/Industrial Zone A (CIZ-A) provides for larger scale, more intense commercial/and light industrial uses and is located at the Vernon town line on Tolland’s westerly border abutting the Tolland Business Park. The existing Industrial Park includes Gerber Scientific, Standard Register and various single and multi-tenant facilities. Space for lease is frequently available in this area and some sites exist for new development. Public water and public sewer are available in most of the Zone.
The Commercial/Industrial Zone B (CIZ-B) which allows mixed uses, is located near exit 69 on Interstate 84 and encompasses a small area along the highway. Several businesses, including a multi-tenant office building with residence, self storage units and a landscaping business are located there. Public water and sewer are not available. There are sites for smaller scale development available.