High tech, high paying jobs on the way to Connecticut!
Yesterday, I was proud to attend South Windsor Town Hall, to witness the transfer of 20 acres of town – owned land to Connecticut Studios LLC for development of a multiuse film studio, creating 4,500 jobs in Connecticut.
Inexplicably, Governor Rell vetoed this land conveyance on June 3rd, placing those 4,500 jobs at risk.
Leading a veto override effort with State Representative Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) the measure passed both the house and senate again by an overwhelming, veto proof majority, forcing a signature by Governor Rell.
As I have said in the past, this land transfer is an absolutely crucial part of building a multi-million movie studio complex in South Windsor that will bring jobs, tax revenue, and a multiplier effect to the local and regional economies.
Below is coverage from the Journal Inquirer (password required) and the Courant today:
Sen. Gary D. LeBeau, D-East Hartford, said, “This is a big deal for South Windsor and for Connecticut, with 4,500 direct and indirect jobs, including many high paying high-tech positions.”
Planning for this day has been in the works since 1999 when the Interstate 291 Gateway Development concept was first considered, he said.
“This is a tremendous milestone for all of us,” LeBeau said.
The state gave the 20 acres along I-291 to the town years ago, with the stipulation that it be used only for recreation or economic development.
In turn, the town sold the land to Connecticut Studios on Monday for $1. Developers also are in the process of purchasing 40 acres of adjacent privately owned land to build their $65 million mixed-use development.
The complex will have eight sound stages totaling 150,000 square feet, four office buildings, 100,000 square feet of storage space, a prescreening and visitors’ center, and additional mixed-use development, including a hotel and restaurants.
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