NL council wants to be 'part of the discussions' on Pfizer site: City, residents have a stake in property's fate, they say

"We want to work with Pfizer to make sure we have a tax-paying entity in there," said Councilor Rob Pero, who along with Mayor Wade Hyslop called an informational meeting Monday on the future of the Pfizer property. "We want to be part of the discussions with Pfizer."

In the menatime, he said, "We are doing our due diligence."

When Pfizer announced it was building a $300 million complex on Pequot Avenue, many residents felt the deal was done without any public discussion. This time around, they want information on what type of business may go in the vacated site -- and so does the council.

They want to know to whom Pfizer might be selling the property and what kinds of businesses are interested in locating here. The state is also interested in helping to market the property.

City officials are not interested in a school, a hospital or a nonprofit taking over the property. The area is not zoned for either a school or a hospital in any case, according to Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Mark Christiansen.

In an effort to keep communication among the parties flowing, the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Joan McDonald, will meet with city residents at 1 p.m. Monday at the Public Library of New London, Pero said.

But the bottom line is that Pfizer owns the property and can sell it to whomever it wants without input from the city, said City Manager Martin H. Berliner.

"Between the state and Pfizer, Pfizer takes the lead; it's their property," he said.

Councilor Adam Sprecace said city officials must keep in touch with Pfizer and the state and share that information with residents.

"We want to let people know what the facts are," said Sprecace said. "Feel free to approach any councilor at any time."

A week ago, Pfizer announced it would be be moving out of its New London headquarters just as its 10-year tax abatement agreement runs out.

"We have to talk to the state and make sure this doesn't happen again," said Councilor Michael Buscetto III. "A lot of people are upset the abatements are running out and (Pfizer is) running out."

Under the agreement, Pfizer paid 20 percent of the tax bill -- about $4 million a year -- the state kicked in 40 percent, and the city abated 40 percent. In 2012, Pfizer will pay about $5.5 million in real estate taxes. The city would lose about $500,000 in personal property taxes.

Buscetto suggested the city look into providing abatements for small businesses that want to expand or fix up their property.

But on Monday, city officials kept a positive outlook, assuring the more than 50 people who packed the council chambers that the news is not as devastating as first thought.

"Despite the setbacks, New London is alive and well," said Councilor Kevin Cavanagh. "We'll get through this. We're a resilient city and a resilient people."

Berliner also pointed out that whatever business replaces Pfizer would be an asset.

"What we can do is talk up the community," he said. "This could wind up being a positive event for the city."

In a related development Monday night, Councilor John Maynard, who was not re-elected in November, proposed a city ordinance restricting the use of eminent domain for economic development.

Properties in Fort Trumbull were taken by eminent domain so a private company could build there to create jobs and taxes. Ten years later, the land adjacent to the Pfizer property is vacant except for an office building that was on the property already.

"We should have learned what happened in Fort Trumbull," Maynard argued. "Let's get this passed so the citizens know their houses are safe from this type of action."

The council sent the proposals to the Economic Development Committee for review. Maynard, who was attending his last meeting Monday, said he wanted to propose the ordinance three months ago but waited until after the election.

"I didn't want this to become political," he said. "This is the last chance I have to get this through."

k.edgecomb@theday.com

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