September 26, 2024

Rep. Hall and Sen. Kissel Pleased Developer for Enfield Mall Determined to See Project Through

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ENFIELD – As part of the 2024 Business Breakfast held at Asnuntuck Community College this morning, Woodsonia Acquisitions, the Nebraska-based developer seeking to build on the site of the Enfield Mall, had an opportunity to present their project to the governor, town officials, and the Enfield business community.

Woodsonia’s mixed-use redevelopment plan would include tearing down the existing mall and create 450 residential units with restaurants, retail shops and hotels. Target would stand-alone as the only remaining business as part of this proposal.

As part of the project agreement, Woodsonia applied for a $20 million Community Investment Fund (CIF) grant to help offset the $250 million cost associated with completing the project. Despite not being included in the most recent grant approvals made by the CIF board earlier this week, developers from Woodsonia remain determined to see this project through, announcing at the business breakfast this morning their intentions to continue moving forward.

After the presentation and complimentary nature of the governor on the housing piece of the project, Representative Hall and Senator Kissel remain confident that despite the minor setback the grant request will eventually get approved.

“I am extremely encouraged and excited that the developer has chosen to continue their efforts to see the mall development project completed,” Rep. Hall said. “While their grant application wasn’t initially approved during the most recent round of CIF grants, Woodsonia understands that some applications need to be slightly adjusted and resubmitted two or three times before they are able to receive the grant money and they’re determined to stay in the process.”

“While it is disappointing that funding was not approved for the Enfield Mall development during this month’s CIF meeting, we are not discouraged,” Sen. Kissel said. “The developer will come back with an updated grant application to secure funding next round.” “I am committed to working with all players to promote robust economic development in Enfield.”

In the upcoming weeks, representatives from Woodsonia will meet with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to review the agency’s application summary and make any necessary adjustments needed in order to have their application approved by the board.

The next round of CIF awards will take place in March 2025.