The University of Connecticut proposes to make improvements to Mirror Lake – an approximately 5-acre stormwater basin on the University’s Storrs Campus. The proposed project consists of the following elements:

• Dam safety improvements, including replacing the existing spillway with a stepped spillway and raising the dam’s earthen embankment
• Stormwater management improvements, including the rerouting of several discharge points into sedimentation forebays and regrading of upstream and downstream slopes
• Dredging and improvements to aquatic ecosystems, including the use of hydraulic and mechanical dredging to remove accumulated sediments and restore the lake depth
• Landscape improvements, including littoral zone plantings and site-specific amenities that enhance cultural benefits and improve access to the water’s edge

The Mirror Lake Improvements project was identified in UConn’s Campus Master Plan as a key near-term landscape project aimed at amplifying the University’s commitment to sustainable, resilient landscapes and enhancing Mirror Lake’s function as a ceremonial entry to the South Campus. This project will be an opportunity for the University to improve the Lake’s hydrological performance and natural aesthetic, while also expanding access to the water’s edge and celebrating the Lake as an important cultural asset and entry point to the campus.

Beginning on November 16, 2021, the University of Connecticut published the first of three Notices of Scoping in the Environmental Monitor. A public scoping meeting was held virtually on December 8, 2021, and the 30-day comment period closed on December 16, 2021.  The University of Connecticut published a post-scoping notice on February 22, 2022 in the Environmental Monitor.

The University has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE).  The public may learn more about this action and view a copy of this EIE in the Related Documents section of the project page at https://updc.uconn.edu/mirror-lake.  A hard copy may also be made available for viewing upon request.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until 5 pm on: Friday, May 20, 2022

There is a public hearing scheduled for this EIE on:

DATE: Wednesday, April 13, 2022

TIME: 6:30 pm EDT

PLACE: Virtual

NOTES: The meeting will be held virtually on GoToWebinar. You may register to attend using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/992478990610264335. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting (including an option to join by phone). A link to the recording will be available shortly after the hearing at http://updc.uconn.edu/mirror-lake.

Written comments and/or questions about the meeting, project, or the EIE for this project should be sent to the following agency contact (email preferred) (Please use “Mirror Lake EIE” in the subject line):

Name: Ian Dann, Project Manager

Agency: University of Connecticut, University Planning, Design and Construction

Address: 31 LeDoyt Rd, Unit 3038, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3038

Phone: (860) 486-6503

E-Mail: ian.dann@uconn.edu

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted at https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/.

What Happens Next: The University of Connecticut will review the comments received and may conduct further environmental study and analysis or amend the EIE. The University will also prepare responses to substantive issues raised in review of the comments received. Those responses, and all supplemental materials and comments, will be made available in a Record of Decision that will appear in a future issue of the Environmental Monitor.

Address of Possible Project Location: Gilbert Road

Municipality where proposed action would be located: Mansfield

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On November 16, 2021, the University of Connecticut published a Notice of Scoping (https://portal.ct.gov/CEQ/Environmental-Monitor/Environmental-Monitor-Archives/2021/November-16-2021) to solicit public comments for this action in the Environmental Monitor. The University is currently unable to publish its determination regarding this action.

Action Status: Evaluating comments and developing design.

Estimated Publication Date: The University of Connecticut estimates a Post-Scoping Notice will be published in the Environmental Monitor on or before November 8, 2022.

If you have questions about the proposed action, contact:

Name: James Libby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Agency: University Planning, Design and Construction

Address: 31 LeDoyt Rd, Unit 3038, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3038

Fax: (860) 486-3117

E-mail: james.libby@uconn.edu

What Happens Next: The University of Connecticut will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the CEPA. A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is planning a design-build project on the Storrs Campus in the area of the South Campus roughly bounded by Mansfield Road to the east, Maple Lane to the south, the Anna M. Snow Residence Hall to the west, and Gilbert Road to the north. Known as the “South Campus Residence Hall Project,” the Proposed Action to be assessed under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) process consists of the following elements:

• Residence hall and dining facility comprised of approximately 200,000 gross square feet with 600-650 beds and 600-700 dining seats
• Utility and infrastructure improvements, and tie-ins to existing utilities

The Proposed Action is located within the Roberts Brook sub-watershed, within the Fenton River watershed, and within the University of Connecticut National Register Historic District. Elements of the Proposed Action were identified in the University’s Campus Master Plan, including a residence hall in the proposed location. While projected enrollment at UConn is expected to remain generally flat for the foreseeable future, much of the existing on-campus housing stock is in need of renewal. The Proposed Action will create capacity to take other housing facilities offline for renovation and modernization. UConn will incorporate comments from a public scoping meeting, and evaluate the Proposed Action with taking no action or other feasible alternatives. Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts associated with the Proposed Action – including those related to historic resources and other impacts identified in the 2016 CEPA process for the South Campus Development – will also be assessed.

Click the following link for a general location of the project area:

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/UConn/South-Campus-Residence-Hall/Site_Map_Res_Hall.pdf

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on December 16, 2021.

There will be a VIRTUAL Public Scoping Meeting for this proposed action was held on Wednesday, December 8th at 6:30 PM (EST).  Participants MUST REGISTERED IN ADVANCE through the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6080155684541563918

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting (including an option to join by phone).  Additional information regarding the meeting, as well as a link to a recording of the meeting, will be posted at: https://updc.uconn.edu/.

A recording of the December 8th public meeting may be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/336ak3d7.

Written Comments and/or Requests for Public Scoping Meeting Materials Should Be Sent by Fax or E-mail to:

James Libby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

University Planning, Design and Construction

31 LeDoyt Rd, Unit 3038, Storrs, CT 06269-3038

Fax: (860) 486-3117

E-mail: james.libby@uconn.edu

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to:

Public Records Administration

c/o University Communications

34 North Eagleville Road, U-3144, Storrs, CT 06269-3144

E-Mail: https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/

Phone: (860) 486-5337

What Happens Next: UConn will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is planning to design and reconstruct Mirror Lake – a large stormwater basin on the Storrs Campus, in the area of the South Campus roughly bounded by Storrs Road to the east, Mansfield Road to the south and west, and Harry Grant Manchester Hall to the north. Known as the “Mirror Lake Improvements Project,” the Proposed Action to be assessed under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) process consists of the following elements:

• Utility and infrastructure improvements, including tie-in to existing utilities available in the project area
• Mirror Lake restoration, dam and spillway modifications, and green infrastructure improvements for storm water management

The Proposed Action is located within the Roberts Brook sub-watershed, within the Fenton River watershed, and within the University of Connecticut Historic District. Elements of the Proposed Action were identified in the University’s Campus Master Plan, including improvements to Mirror Lake and its immediate surroundings. An updated campus drainage master plan and a recently-completed feasibility study for Mirror Lake identified needed modifications to the storm water basin, spillway and dam to improve storage, quality, and safety. UConn will incorporate comments from a public scoping meeting and evaluate the Proposed Action with taking no action or other feasible alternatives. Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts associated with the Proposed Action will also be assessed.

Click the following link for a general location of the project area:

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/UConn/Mirror-Lake-Improvements/Site_Map_Mirror_Lake.pdf

Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on December 16, 2021.

There will be a VIRTUAL Public Scoping Meeting for this proposed action on Wednesday, December 8th at 6:30 PM (EST).  Participants MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE through the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6080155684541563918

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting (including an option to join by phone).  Additional information regarding the meeting, as well as a link to a recording of the meeting, will be posted at updc.uconn.edu.

A recording of the December 8th public meeting may be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/336ak3d7.

Written Comments and/or Requests for Public Scoping Meeting Materials Should Be Sent by Fax or E-mail to:

James Libby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

University of Connecticut, University Planning, Design and Construction

31 LeDoyt Rd, Unit 3038, Storrs, CT 06269-3038

Fax: (860) 486-3117

E-mail: james.libby@uconn.edu

Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to:

Public Records Administration

c/o University Communications

34 North Eagleville Road, U-3144, Storrs, CT 06269-3144

E-Mail: https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/

Phone: (860) 486-5337

What Happens Next: UConn will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.

A portion of Hillside Road and its intersection with Alumni Drive will be closed to traffic and pedestrians starting on Monday, Feb. 1 and running through early August.  The closure is due to the extensive underground utility infrastructure work that has to be built in support of the construction of the new Northwest Science Quad in the area that was previously surface parking lots.

The transformational science complex ties together UConn’s research expansion, academic vision, and culture of innovation and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

The closure of Hillside Road is happening at this time to take advantage of the de-densified campus population of students, faculty and staff during the spring 2021 semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary effect of this closure is that Hillside Road will not serve as a main thoroughfare through campus during this time.

Parking will still be available in the North Garage with access on Hillside Road before the point of closure. The sidewalk east of the north garage will be opened effective February 8, 2021 permitting pedestrian traffic to flow to and from the north/northwest dorms.

Vehicle access to Alumni Drive for such facilities, such as the Alumni House, the Werth Residence Tower, the Hilltop Residence Towers, Garrigus Suites, and the Hilltop Apartments, will be from Jim Calhoun Drive. Traffic headed north on Alumni Drive will be stopped at the parking lot for the Alumni House.

A map depicting this closure and its associated detours can be viewed here.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we improve our campus facilities.

On February 18, 2020 and March 17, 2020, the University published Notices of Availability of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) in the Environmental Monitor, in accordance with Section 22a-1d of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

The University held a public hearing on April 8, 2020 in accordance with Executive Order 7B during the State’s public health and civil preparedness emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comments on the EIE were received through April 17, 2020 from the general public, the Town of Mansfield, and the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The University prepared responses to those comments, supplemental materials and amendments, and its conclusion is documented in the Record of Decision for the proposed action.

The University has submitted the Record of Decision to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) for review.  OPM’s determination regarding the Record of Decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.

Extended 60-day Comment Period Ends April 17, 2020

Notice of Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE)
Ice Hockey Arena Development Project

The University is planning construction of a new ice hockey arena and associated surface parking on approximately 12.5 acres south of Jim Calhoun Way and west of the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum on its main campus in the Storrs section of Mansfield, Connecticut. The site is about half developed today and consists primarily of a surface parking lot (Lot I), storm water conveyance, some wetlands, and rolling, wooded uplands.

In 2014, UConn’s Division 1 Men’s and Women’s ice hockey teams joined the Hockey East conference. Because the current Freitas Ice Forum is too small and does not meet Hockey East standards and requirements to host UConn’s men’s hockey games, UConn has played most of its men’s home hockey games in the XL Center in Hartford since the 2014-2015 season. The Hockey East Association requires teams in the conference to have on-campus facilities with at least 4,000 seats along with other amenities, however UConn has obtained permission from Hockey East to build a venue with lower seating capacity.

The proposed development will include:

• Facilities adhering to NCAA Division I Ice Hockey requirements, Hockey East Conference standards, and University guidelines and requirements
• Up to 3,500 seats, with up to 50% seat-back chairs; the balance being bleachers
• Locker rooms and office space
• Site improvements and parking for up to 700 vehicles

Construction is currently planned to commence in Fall 2020, with a targeted opening date by Fall 2022.  The new arena will seek LEED certification and will adhere to University design guidelines and performance standards for new construction.

The University has prepared an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) to further evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action, as well as other alternatives, including the No Action alternative.

Click here to view a map of the approximate project location.  Click here to view a conceptual site plan for the proposed Ice Hockey Arena Development Project.

A public meeting was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in accordance with Executive Order 7B on open meetings during the State’s public health and civil preparedness emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A copy of the EIE remains available for download here.  A copy of public meeting presentation remains available for download here.  A recording of the public meeting may be viewed here.

Comments on the EIE will be accepted until 5 pm on Friday, April 17, 2020.

Please send them to:

Name: John Robitaille, Sr. Project Manager
Agency: University Planning, Design & Construction
Address: 31 LeDoyt Road, Unit 3038, Storrs, CT 06269
Email: john.robitaille@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-5930

What happens next: The University will review the comments received and may conduct further environmental study and analysis or amend the evaluation. The University will then prepare responses to the substantive issues raised in review of and comment on the environmental impact evaluation and any supplemental materials or amendments. Those responses and all supplemental materials and comments shall be made available in a “Record of Decision” which will appear in the Environmental Monitor for public inspection.