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P&W Ponders Property Sale
North Haven complex may transfer if environmental issues pass muster
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Business New Haven
10/29/2001
By: Linda Mele
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NORTH HAVEN - The Pratt & Whitney complex at 409 Washington Avenue, which encompasses some 157 acres, has been for sale for some time. Now it appears there finally is a real developer interested in the site - if a few obstacles can be overcome.
The paramount issue is the potential presence of any soil or building contamination on the site.
According to officials, Pratt is working with the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine if there have been any hazardous materials contamination over the 51 years Pratt has owned the land.
Should any such contamination be found, Pratt has agreed to be responsible for any cleanup ordered by the DEP or the EPA.
Pratt spokesman Mark Sullivan said that a due-diligence period of 60 days began on September 18, when an agreement between Pratt's owners, the United Technologies Corp., and the developer was signed.
North Haven First Selectman Kevin Kopetz says he has been in continuous contact with Pratt officials each step of the way.
“We don't know what kind of facility will be installed there because they have several options,” Kopetz says. “We've been told it will be used for retail space, offices, biotech firms or manufacturing of some sort.”
Kopetz adds, “Contrary to some rumors that have been circulating, I haven't been told nor have I heard that it will be turned into a trash-to-energy plant. Whatever it is will be good for North Haven.”
The site houses 1.4 million square feet of building space in a secure park-like setting that features ample parking space and an outdoor picnic area that has been used by Pratt workers over the years for outing and celebrations.
If the sale goes through, and it is feasible, Pratt may lease back some of the space so it can continue manufacturing jet engine turbine blades, Sullivan says.
In addition, the 500 or so employees still working at the plant will be moved to other Pratt facilities in East Hartford, Cheshire or Middletown. If it works out, some may be kept in North Haven for about one year or so if UTC continues to manufacture the turbine blades. They would then moved to another Pratt facility. Complexes in Rocky Hill and Southington were closed over the past few years.
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