WINDSOR LOCKS — An Indiana-based developer is proposing a $130 million project that includes the construction of two large warehouses, a scaled-back version of a similar proposal the town rejected two years ago.
Scannell Properties filed an application with the town May 6 to build the warehouses in the industrial park on Old Country Road and Route 20.
The proposal calls for a special permit on the 76-acre site that is largely zoned industrial, but partially zoned as multifamily special development.
In 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission rejected Scannell's original proposal to build two warehouses, one 1 million square feet and the other 150,000 square feet. At the time, commission members cited concerns about the impact to residents and conservation land near the property.
Scannell's most recent application calls for a large 494,000-square-foot warehouse and a smaller 387,500-square-foot warehouse, totaling 881,500 square feet.
Both buildings would be less than 50 feet tall.
The proposed project would be constructed with "traditional commercial architectural finishes that compliment the look of the surrounding areas," the application states. "The project will provide an aesthetically appealing and energy-efficient repair facilities, create jobs, and generate revenue for the town."
A market feasibility and economic impact study conducted by East Hartford-based Goman + York Advisory Services estimates the project would create more than 150 full-time construction jobs, 110 permanent warehouse jobs, 50 truck driver jobs, and nearly $7 million in annual revenue.
The study estimates that once occupied, the warehouses would generate a net increase of roughly $1.4 million in revenue for the town through personal property and real estate taxes.
"In short, the proposed facility would have a meaningful positive economic impact to the town of Windsor Locks," the study states, adding the location is "uniquely attractive" due to its proximity to Bradley International Airport and major interstate highways.
If approved by the town, each warehouse would have their own loading docks and parking.
"The design is intended to be flexible to allow for each building to potentially be divided into multiple tenants with convenient parking and loading for each potential tenant," the application states.
Scannell is hoping to begin construction next year, beginning with roads, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure for the entire site, as well as construction of the smaller warehouse.
Construction of the larger warehouse would begin near the completion of the smaller warehouse.
The entirety of construction is expected to take between two and three years, depending on the overlap of the two phases, and the expected initial occupancy of the smaller building would be late 2026 or early 2027.
Sitework would include earthwork, paved parking and driveways, utility connections, a stormwater management system, site lighting, and landscaping.
When Scannell's application was rejected in 2023, some residents voiced concerns about noise and traffic, among others. To minimize traffic congestion, a new traffic signal is proposed at a new driveway, and trucks would be prohibited from taking right turns from that driveway.
A traffic study conducted by BL Companies states the development would have "a negligible impact on the existing road network."
Any impacts to traffic in the area related to the project would also be subject to review by the state.
While there are some homes nearby, as well as a conservation area with hiking trails, noise pollution is expected to be minimal, according to the application.
With the installation of a sound barrier and fence, "no negative acoustical impact is anticipated," the application states.
The property is currently owned by tobacco company OJ Thrall Inc.
Scannell is a national developer and landowner with several facilities nearby, including the Amazon facility just west of the Old Country Road site in Windsor.