Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) for Proposed Hockey Arena

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

Municipality where project is proposed: Mansfield

Address of Possible Project Location(s): 509 Jim Calhoun Way

Project Description: 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 in fall 2022. The new arena would 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.

Project Maps: 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.

Comments on this EIE will be accepted until 5 pm on Friday, April 3, 2020

The public may view a copy of the EIE:

  • Online here
  • Mansfield Town Clerk’s Office, 4 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield, CT
  • Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield, CT

A public meeting will be held on Friday, March 27, 2020

TIME: 10 am-12 pm (Doors will open at 9:30 am to allow review of informational materials)

PLACE: Konover Auditorium at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, 405 Babbidge Road, Storrs, CT. Public parking is available in the South Garage, 2366 Jim Calhoun Way, Storrs, CT, adjacent to the UConn Bookstore on Hillside Road.

NOTES: The event will be streamed live online. Links to the live stream and recording will be available at http://updc.uconn.edu as the date of the meeting approaches.

Questions and comments regarding this EIE and its public meeting may be sent 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) 486-3117

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.

Construction Update | Fall 2019

With the 2019-20 academic year underway and the summer construction season behind us, only a few significant projects will continue into the fall semester.   University Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Operations and other key departments are coordinating efforts to minimize impacts to daily campus life.

The following districts will be impacted by construction activities:

NORTH CAMPUS

PROJECT:  Improvements to Pharmacy-Chemistry-Engineering Science Quadrangle

Limited Parking and Restricted Access through Mid-October 2019

  • Changes to pedestrian circulation patterns – follow signs and safety personnel instructions

PROJECT:  Renovations to Gant Science Complex

Auditorium Road & Extension Closing Mid-October through Fall 2020

  • No thru traffic between North Eagleville Road and Jorgensen Road
  • Pedestrian detours around North Garage or through Gant Science Complex

ATHLETICS DISTRICT

PROJECT: New Performance Center and Stadia for Soccer, Baseball and Softball

Portion of Jim Calhoun Way Closed Now through Summer 2020

  • Jim Calhoun Way closed between Freitas Ice Forum and Alumni Drive
  • No access to core campus from Separatist Road – only Lot I and Freitas Ice Forum
  • Bus, special event & game traffic routing through Hilltop Apartments when necessary

        SOUTH CAMPUS

        PROJECT: New Production Facility for School of Fine Arts

        Coventry Road Closed through mid-November 2019

        • No thru traffic between Mansfield Road and Bolton Road
        • Access to Lot S from Bolton Road via Maple Lane or Alethia Drive – Follow signs

        Traffic patterns and road closures are subject to change however updates will be published when the significance of those changes warrant.

        We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding while we work to improve our campus facilities.

        For more information, please contact Sean Vasington at sean.vasington@uconn.edu

        Summer Construction Update #7 | August 2019

        As the 2019 summer construction season ends, the Office of University Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Operations and other key departments continue to coordinate efforts in order to prepare campus for move-in weekend.

        Traffic patterns in the following districts will continue to be impacted during the beginning of the 2019-20 academic year:

        NORTH CAMPUS

        Auditorium Road & Extension Closing Mid-October through Fall 2020

        • No thru traffic between North Eagleville Road and Jorgensen Road
        • Pedestrian detours around North Garage or through Gant Science Complex

        ATHLETICS DISTRICT

        Portion of Jim Calhoun Way Closed Now through Summer 2020

        • Jim Calhoun Way closed between Freitas Ice Forum and Alumni Drive
        • No access to core campus from Separatist Road – only Lot I and Freitas Ice Forum
        • Bus, special event & game traffic routing through Hilltop Apartments when necessary

              SOUTH CAMPUS

              Maple Lane Reopens August 23rd; Coventry Road Closed into Fall Semester

              • No thru traffic between Mansfield Road and Bolton Road through mid-November
              • Access to Lot S from Bolton Road via Maple Lane or Alethia Drive – Follow signs

              Traffic patterns and road closures are subject to change however updates will be published monthly, or more regularly when the significance of those changes warrant.

              Several changes to parking and shuttles are also anticipated by the beginning of the academic year.  Parking and Transportation Services has posted a parking map online, along with the new fall 2019 bus schedule.

              We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding while we work to improve our campus facilities.

              For more information, please contact Sean Vasington at sean.vasington@uconn.edu

              Summer Construction Update #6 | August 2019

              As the 2019 summer construction season enters its final weeks, the Office of University Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Operations and other key departments continue to coordinate efforts in order to prepare campus for the return of our students.

              Due to logistics and activities associated with improvements will be made to our buildings, infrastructure and grounds, traffic patterns in the following districts will be directly impacted:

              NORTH CAMPUS

              Auditorium Road & Extension Closed Now through Fall 2020

              • No thru traffic between North Eagleville Road and Jorgensen Road
              • Pedestrian detours around North Garage or through Gant Science Complex

              ATHLETICS DISTRICT

              Portion of Jim Calhoun Way Closed Now through Summer 2020

              • Closed between Freitas Ice Forum and Alumni Drive – No thru traffic from Separatist Road to Hillside Road
              • Access to Lot I via Separatist Road
              • Bus, special event & game traffic routing through Hilltop Apartments when necessary

                EAST CAMPUS

                Portion of Horsebarn Hill Road Extension Closed throughout Summer

                • No thru traffic between CT-195 and Horsebarn Hill through mid-August
                • Road will be renamed Manter Road upon reopening

                CORE CAMPUS

                Portion of Hillside Road Alternating Direction throughout Summer

                • Occasional delays between Gilbert Road and Fairfield Way through mid-August

                Mansfield Road Alternating Direction in Early August

                • Alternating direction and partial closure anticipated for 3 days/nights

                SOUTH CAMPUS

                Coventry Road & Maple Lane Closed into Fall Semester

                • No thru traffic between Mansfield Road and Bolton Road through mid-November
                • Access to Lot S from Bolton Road via Maple Road Extension or Alethia Drive – Follow signs

                Project names, locations and anticipated schedules, as well as additional information on these and other campus roads, are shown on these maps.  Construction sites and traffic patterns are subject to change however updates will be published monthly, or more regularly when the significance of those changes warrant.

                Several changes to parking and shuttles are also anticipated by the beginning of the academic year.  Parking and Transportation Services has posted a parking map online, along with the new fall 2019 bus schedule.

                We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding while we work to improve our campus facilities.

                For more information, please contact Sean Vasington at sean.vasington@uconn.edu

                Summer Construction Update #5 | July 2019

                As the 2019 summer construction season passes its midpoint, the Office of University Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Operations and other key departments continue to coordinate efforts and identify areas of campus where improvements will be made to our buildings, infrastructure and grounds.

                Due to logistics and activities associated with those improvements, traffic patterns in the following districts will be directly impacted:

                NORTH CAMPUS

                Auditorium Road & Extension Closed August 2019 through Fall 2020

                • No thru traffic between North Eagleville Road and Jorgensen Road
                • Temporary closure in late July for 4-5 days

                ATHLETICS DISTRICT

                Portion of Jim Calhoun Way Closed Now through Summer 2020

                • Closed between Freitas Ice Forum and Alumni Drive – No thru traffic from Separatist Road to Hillside Road
                • Access to Lot I via Separatist Road
                • Bus, special event & game traffic routing through Hilltop Apartments when necessary

                  EAST CAMPUS

                  Portion of Horsebarn Hill Road Extension Closed throughout Summer

                  • No thru traffic between CT-195 and Horsebarn Hill through early August

                  CORE CAMPUS

                  Portion of Hillside Road Alternating Direction throughout Summer

                  • Occasional delays between Gilbert Road and Fairfield Way through mid-August

                  SOUTH CAMPUS

                  Coventry Road & Maple Lane Closed throughout Summer

                  • No thru traffic between Mansfield Road and Bolton Road through mid-August
                  • Access to Lot S from Bolton Road via Alethia Drive – Follow signs

                  Project names, locations and anticipated schedules, as well as additional information on these and other campus roads, are shown on these maps.  Construction sites and traffic patterns are subject to change however updates will be published monthly, or more regularly when the significance of those changes warrant.

                  We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding while we work to improve our campus facilities.

                  For more information, please contact Sean Vasington at sean.vasington@uconn.edu

                  Summer Construction Update #4 | June 2019

                  As the 2019 summer construction season continues, the Office of University Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Operations and other key departments continue to coordinate efforts and identify areas of campus where improvements will be made to our buildings, infrastructure and grounds.

                  Due to logistics and activities associated with those improvements, traffic patterns in the following districts will be directly impacted:

                  NORTH CAMPUS

                  Auditorium Road & Extension Closed August 2019 through Fall 2020

                  • No thru traffic between North Eagleville Road and Jorgensen Road
                  • Temporary closure in July for up to 4-5 days (TBA)

                  ATHLETICS DISTRICT

                  Portion of Jim Calhoun Way Closed Now through Summer 2020

                  • Closed between Freitas Ice Forum and Alumni Drive – No thru traffic from Separatist Road to Hillside Road
                  • Access to Lot I via Separatist Road
                  • Bus, special event & game traffic routing through Hilltop Apartments when necessary

                  Portion of Alumni Drive Alternating Direction through mid-June

                  • Between Jim Calhoun Way and Husky Circle

                  EAST CAMPUS

                  Portion of Horsebarn Hill Road Extension Closed throughout Summer

                  • No thru traffic between CT-195 and Horsebarn Hill through early August

                  CORE CAMPUS

                  Portion of Hillside Road Closed June 10-14 – No Through Traffic at Night

                  • Closed 8PM-2AM between Gilbert Road & Glenbrook Road

                  Portion of Hillside Road Alternating Direction throughout Summer

                  • Intermittent delays between Gilbert Road and Fairfield Way

                  SOUTH CAMPUS

                  Coventry Road & Maple Lane Closed throughout Summer

                  • No thru traffic between Mansfield Road and Bolton Road through mid-August
                  • Access to Lot S from Bolton Road via Alethia Drive – Follow signs

                  Project names, locations and anticipated schedules, as well as additional information on these and other campus roads, are shown on these maps.  Construction sites and traffic patterns are subject to change however updates will be published monthly, or more regularly when the significance of those changes warrant.

                  We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding while we work to improve our campus facilities.

                  For more information, please contact Sean Vasington at sean.vasington@uconn.edu

                  Summer Construction Update #3 | June 2019

                  As the 2019 summer construction season continues, the Office of University Planning, Design & Construction, Facilities Operations and other key departments continue to coordinate efforts and identify areas of campus where improvements will be made to our buildings, infrastructure and grounds.

                  Due to logistics and activities associated with those improvements, traffic patterns in the following districts will be directly impacted:

                  NORTH CAMPUS

                  Auditorium Road & Extension Closed August 2019 through Fall 2020

                  • No thru traffic between North Eagleville Road and Jorgensen Road
                  • Temporary closure in July for up to 4-5 days (TBA)

                  ATHLETICS DISTRICT

                  Portion of Jim Calhoun Way Closed Now through Summer 2020

                  • Closed between Freitas Ice Forum and Alumni Drive – No thru traffic from Separatist Road to Hillside Road
                  • Access to Lot I via Separatist Road
                  • Bus, special event & game traffic routing through Hilltop Apartments when necessary

                  Intersection of Jim Calhoun Way & Alumni Drive Reopens June 3rd

                  Portion of Alumni Drive Alternating Direction through mid-June

                  • Between Jim Calhoun Way and Husky Circle

                  EAST CAMPUS

                  Portion of Horsebarn Hill Road Extension Closed throughout Summer

                  • No thru traffic between CT-195 and Horsebarn Hill through early August

                  CORE CAMPUS

                  Portion of Hillside Road Alternating Direction throughout Summer

                  • Intermittent delays between Jim Calhoun Way and Fairfield Way through mid-June
                  • Intermittent delays between West Campus Residence Halls and Fairfield Way, beginning by mid-June

                  SOUTH CAMPUS

                  Coventry Road & Maple Lane Closed throughout Summer

                  • No thru traffic between Mansfield Road and Bolton Road through mid-August
                  • Access to Lot S from Bolton Road via Alethia Drive – Follow signs

                  Project names, locations and anticipated schedules, as well as additional information on these and other campus roads, are shown on these maps.  Construction sites and traffic patterns are subject to change however updates will be published monthly, or more regularly when the significance of those changes warrant.

                  We thank you for your patience and appreciate your understanding while we work to improve our campus facilities.

                  For more information, please contact Sean Vasington at sean.vasington@uconn.edu

                  Notice of Scoping & Public Meeting – Ice Hockey Arena Development

                  The University of Connecticut (UConn) is planning development of a new ice hockey arena and surface parking on approximately 16 acres along Jim Calhoun Way on its main campus in Storrs. The site is about half developed today and consists primarily of a parking lot (Lot I), an isolated wetland, wet weather stormwater conveyance, and rolling, wooded uplands. Immediately east of and adjacent to Lot I is the existing Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum, a 1,650-seat ice hockey arena built in 1998 that UConn currently owns and operates.

                  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 had to play almost all its home men’s hockey games in the XL Center in Hartford for the last four years.  The Hockey East Association requires teams in the conference to have facilities with at least 4,000 seats along with other amenities. UConn has obtained permission from Hockey East to build a smaller venue with 2,500 seats so long as the arena’s design allows for potential expansion to 3,500 seats in the future.

                  The new arena will host some men’s hockey games, all women’s hockey games and will also support UConn’s robust recreational ice hockey program.  Additionally, the new arena could by utilized by the University or to support community needs.  At a minimum, the new arena will have the following features:

                  • Up to 3,500 seats, with at least 25% of the seats being seat-back chairs; the balance can be bleachers.
                  • Arena facilities and ice that will meet all NCAA Division I Ice Hockey requirements, all Hockey East Conference standards, and all University guidelines and requirements.
                  • A permanent locker room for both the UConn men’s and women’s ice hockey team, a Division 1 ice hockey team visitor’s locker room, two (2) other mid-sized locker rooms, and a small official’s locker room.
                  • Five (5) offices dedicated for UConn’s use.
                  • A scoreboard with video replay capability.
                  • Parking for up to 700 vehicles.

                  To satisfy parking requirements, the existing surface lot will approximately double in size. The new capacity of Lot I, however, will not accommodate sellout events at the arena. During those events, UConn will rely on its other parking facilities and shuttle operations.

                  UConn is currently negotiating an agreement with a private developer who will design, construct, own and operate the new arena on UConn’s property. As currently contemplated, UConn will be in charge of maintaining the arena, while the developer would operate and manage it.  The targeted opening of the new arena is during the fall semester of 2021 and it will adhere to University design guidelines and performance standards for new construction.

                  View a map of the project area and a preliminary concept plan of the proposed project.

                  A Public Scoping Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:30pm in Konover Auditorium at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center on the UConn campus in Storrs.  Doors will open at 6:00 pm.  The closest public parking is in the South Parking Garage, 2366 Jim Calhoun Way, adjacent to the UConn Bookstore.

                  To watch a live stream of the scoping meeting, please visit http://www.kaltura.com/tiny/uyrei.

                  UPDATE 6/14/19:  A recording of the live stream may be viewed at https://kaltura.uconn.edu/media/Konover_jpr08005_20190611-183106/1_kgyugmci.

                  Written comments are welcomed and accepted beginning May 21, 2019 until the close of business on Friday, June 21, 2019.  For submitting comments and questions about the public meeting or scoping for this project, please contact:

                  John Robitaille, Sr. Project Manager

                  University Planning, Design and Construction

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

                  john.robitaille@uconn.edu