Connecticut to Transfer Properties with Dilapidated Former Psychiatric Hospital

The State of Connecticut is moving ahead with plans to transfer two large parcels of land tied to the now-closed Cedarcrest Hospital. The hospital sits in Newington and Wethersfield and once played a big role in psychiatric care before shutting its Cedar Ridge division in 2010.

Both properties could soon get new owners. This opens up chances for redevelopment, but also brings up tricky questions about historic preservation and environmental impacts.

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Background of the Cedarcrest Hospital Properties

Cedarcrest Hospital stands mostly at 525 Russell Road, Newington. It’s been empty for over a decade.

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services closed the hospital’s psychiatric division, leaving behind big buildings and lots of unused land. In 2022, a fire damaged the main hospital building, making things worse.

Details of the Newington Parcel

The Newington site covers 28 acres and includes the Main Hospital, Special Revenue, and Morgue buildings. Together, these structures add up to nearly 160,000 square feet.

The proposed transfer doesn’t include the surrounding cottages. The site’s size and its spot near Hartford and West Hartford mean its future could really affect the area.

The Historic Wethersfield Property

There’s also a separate 20-acre parcel at 300 Russell Road, Wethersfield in the mix. This property has the Maintenance Shop and Pump House, which total about 9,600 square feet.

Again, cottages on the grounds won’t be part of the deal.

National Register of Historic Places Listing

The Wethersfield property has some historic weight. It’s officially on the National Register of Historic Places.

That status might catch the eye of buyers who care about preservation, like local historical societies or developers looking to reuse old buildings in creative ways.

State Process and Legal Requirements

Paul Hinsch, a state official, said the property transfer notice is a legal step before the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) sends out a formal Request for Proposals (RFP).

No buyer has been picked yet. Officials will choose the best bidder after a thorough review.

Environmental Considerations

Both parcels provide habitat for state-listed species or important natural communities. Connecticut isn’t putting restrictions on the sale, but the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) can review environmental impacts if future development plans call for it.

Opportunities and Concerns for Connecticut Towns

People in nearby towns — including Newington, Wethersfield, Hartford, West Hartford, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Glastonbury, and New Britain — are definitely paying attention. Redevelopment could mean new jobs, housing, or public spaces.

Of course, there’s a risk. If the land isn’t handled carefully, the region could lose historic value or see sensitive habitats damaged.

Public Participation in the Process

The public can weigh in on these proposed land transfers. Folks should send comments to the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management’s Bureau of Assets Management in Hartford.

Community feedback will matter before any final decisions get made.

Possible Future Uses

The Newington parcel offers a lot of space, and the Wethersfield site comes with that historic status. Redevelopment ideas could go in a bunch of directions—maybe mixed-use complexes, maybe something cultural.

Turning the area into a residential community with affordable housing
Reusing buildings as a cultural or local history museum
Creating a public park or nature preserve to protect wildlife
Adding healthcare facilities or senior living spaces
Building something commercial to bring new jobs

Balancing Development and Preservation

Developers might see the land as a prime opportunity. But the historic buildings and delicate ecosystems mean any plan has to walk a fine line.

Ideally, the right approach will boost the local economy without erasing the history or unique environment that make these sites special. It’s a tough balance, honestly, and not everyone will agree on what’s best.

Conclusion

The transfer of the former Cedarcrest Hospital properties isn’t just another real estate deal. For folks in Newington, Wethersfield, and the greater Hartford area, it feels like a turning point.

If planners and the public actually listen to each other, and if they show some real care for the history and ecology here, these parcels might just become something special for Connecticut’s future. The next steps—like the RFP phase and public comment period—will show if this transformation can work for both residents and the environment.

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Here is the source article for this story: CT plans to transfer properties containing dilapidated former psychiatric hospital. What to know.

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