1. EIE Notice for the 2007 Comprehensive Campus Master Plan for Western Connecticut State University (WCSU)

Municipality where project is proposed: Danbury

Address of Possible Project Locations: Westside Campus (Lake Avenue), and Midtown Campus (181 White Street)

Project Description: The Board of Trustees for the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) proposes to implement a program of improvements to the Midtown and Westside Campuses at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) (the “Preferred Plans”).  These improvements have been released as part of the approved 2007 Comprehensive Campus Master Plan for Western Connecticut State University, prepared by Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Inc. in September 2007.  The primary goals and objectives of the improvement program are to:

• Renovate, upgrade, replace, and expand existing facilities;
• Relocate functions in existing or new facilities in coordination with the WCSU’s space utilization study;
• Unify and consolidate core uses of the campus;
• Utilize existing resources, building on existing strengths, and reinforcing the positive image of the University, community, and State; and 
• Provide a development strategy that establishes need, priority, schedule, and cost effective solutions to the University’s and existing and future needs.

The Campus Plan would be implemented through various projects on campus providing new or renovated academic, administrative, athletic and residential space, new parking garages, landscaping, new quadrangles, linkage of exterior spaces throughout the campus, and demolition of some existing structures.

The Westside Campus project improvements would likely include the following (with approximate gross square feet noted):

• New Visual and Performing Arts Center with 170,000 gross square feet (gsf) of floor space;
• Three residence halls, each with floor space measuring 60,000 gsf and with a total capacity of 394 residents;
• Addition to the Classroom Building of 51,000 gsf;
• Addition to the O’Neill Center of 25,000 gsf;
• Two parking garages (one with an associated mini-power plant), each with a capacity for 500 cars;
• Closing of a portion of University Boulevard and redirection of vehicular and pedestrian flow.

The Midtown Campus project improvements would likely include the following:

• New Wellness Center (attached to Berkshire Hall), with 39,000 gsf of floor space;
• Addition to the Student Center of 33,000 gsf;
• One new residence hall, with floor space measuring 138,000 gross square feet (gsf) and a capacity of 300 residents;
• One new parking garage (and associated chiller plant) with a capacity for 400 cars;
• Demolition of the Roberts Avenue Elementary School and closing of the associated street.
• Demolition of the Richa House and associated garage.

To implement these improvements, the 2015 Campus Master Plan Update is being proposed as part of this EIE.  Below are the preferred conceptual plans for each campus.

Project Map(s):  Click below to view project figures.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: March 4, 2011.

The public can view a copy of this EIE at: https://www.ct.gov/dpw; WCSU Haas Campus Library, 181 White Street, Danbury; City of Danbury City Clerk’s Office, 155 Deer Hill Road, Danbury; Danbury Public Library, 170 Main Street, Danbury; CSUS Offices, 39 Woodland Street, Hartford; and CT DPW, 165 Capitol Avenue, Room 275, Hartford.

There is no public hearing scheduled for this EIE.  The agency will hold a public hearing if 25 or more persons or an association that has at least 25 members requests a hearing.  A public hearing request must be made no later than January 28, 2011 by 5:00 pm.

Send your comments about this EIE to:

If you have questions about a public hearing, or where you can review this EIE, or similar matters, please contact: