The redevelopment of the Tyson property could change Berlin forever, and that’s why we hope Berlin leaders take their time deciding on how it should be developed in the years to come.
Open space amenities, such as a skate park, recreational fields, a public park with fitness trails and a swimming pool, are likely to be featured at the vast property. We think these are great opportunities to explore. There could also be a train depot for the excursion train operation if that ever comes about. There could be a police station of some sort. There could be a bandstand for music performances. The options are diverse.
The potential for a lifestyle improvement for Berlin residents is equally exciting and endless. Ultimately how this project is developed will be about money.
The $3 million bond direction the Town Council approved this week is largely for acquisition of the property with $500,000 included for some of the preliminary site work.
Redeveloping this property will take a number of years and will have to be done in phases. Most buildings on the property will certainly need demolition and infrastructure enhancements are required throughout the vast parcel, which is ideally located between Routes 50 and 113. It’s an industrial property and signs of that use are everywhere. It will take a couple years of work before the public will be able to enjoy whatever the town decides to put on it. Patience on the part of the town’s residents and decision makers will be required to develop this the right way.
A consultant is expected to soon report on the potential uses of the property. That report should take into account the numerous recommendations from private citizens during recent strategic planning sessions.
We support the town’s purchase of this property because we have long feared what sort of industrial use the property would take on next. For many years, and Berlin residents who have lived here less than 10 years never experienced it, the poultry processing plant was a menace for the town. An unmistakable odor hung over the town from the poultry processing taking place a mile from the town’s historic district. Large tractor trailers would run through town and dozens of employees would loiter at nearby properties waiting for transportation after completing their work shifts.
It was always strange to me that even 15 to 20 years ago Berlin was touting its historic charm, but tractor trailers carrying hundreds of chickens on death row would rumble through Main Street with feathers coming to rest in front of nearby businesses. It was a strange occurrence and almost unimaginable amid today’s renaissance in Berlin.
Whatever it decides to do with the property, the town will be better off with this land under its control. It’s a large purchase for a town like Berlin, but it’s an important one because the town has an opportunity to grow recreation amenities, boost community pride and address perceived voids in the area’s offerings. It’s exciting but the process will require patience from everyone involved.