Commission to review proposed sales

0
56

NAUGATUCK — The Board of Mayor and Burgesses last week referred the sale of the vacant Prospect Street School building to an investor for $300,000 to the Planning Commission.

Vic Buselli of Southbury has offered to buy the building for $300,000. Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation CEO Ron Pugliese said Buselli plans to turn it into a mixed-use development, including office space and a gym. The former school is located at 100 Prospect St.

The NEDC Board of Directors voted unanimously March 16 to recommend the Board of Mayor and Burgesses move forward with the deal. The board referred the deal to the Planning Commission March 18.

The 41,000-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1953, is appraised at $2.2 million, according to Naugatuck land records. It was on the market for $900,000, according to the website of commercial broker Tom Hill III, who listed the property.

Pugliese said Businelli first offered $200,000 for the building and wanted to turn the former school into luxury apartments. However, Pugliese said, the NEDC felt that was too little money and did not want the building to be used for apartments.

Pugliese said the NEDC was concerned there wouldn’t be a market for that type of apartments at that location and the impact apartments would have on traffic on the Prospect Street.

Businelli came back with the second offer. Pugliese said the second proposal is more in line with what the NEDC wants to see for the building.

The Board of Mayor and Burgesses also referred the sale of the Naugatuck train station at 195 Water St. to the Planning Commission.

Trumbull resident Umberto Morale has offered to buy the former train station for $400,000 and convert it into a restaurant. He also plans to put $500,000 worth of renovations into the building, according to officials.