SPRAGUE - With the future of New London County's community college up in the air, town leaders here are also grabbing for Three Rivers Community College.

First Selectman Dennison Allen said Tuesday he sent a proposal letter to Governor John G. Rowland indicating a potential site in the Baltic section of town.

"If Norwich decides they don't want it, we do," he said.

The Norwich college is divided into two city campuses, on Mahan Drive and New London Turnpike.

The Norwich City Council earlier this week rejected the consolidation of the campus at Mahan Drive.

The proposed site is located where the monstrous Baltic Mill burned down August 18, 1999.

Only crumbled cement and partial buildings are left on the vacant property off Route 97, near the town hall and
library buildings.

"We have a very picturesque area overlooking the Shetucket River," Allen said.

Allen said the letter also noted the spot was readily available for development and is four miles from
Interstate 395 in a quiet location.

Selectman Tom McAvoy, and Economic Development Commission members gave Allen their consent on the decision to seek the college.

EDC Chairman Kevin Generous said he is glad Allen "threw the hat in ring."

"We're undergoing a strategic plan for the town that envisions developing property that would be compatible
with the community college," he said, referring to the Baltic Mill site.

Generous said the commission originally hoped to develop an office park at the site.

He said members see the site as a beautiful location for an educational facility and a smart move for
developing the rural area.

"We have a pretty clear idea of how we want to develop the town," Generous said.

The town has a reputation of being a classic 19th-century mill town, according to Generous.
 

McCavoy said he thinks keeping the college in the immediate area would be good, regardless of where it is.
jehicks@norwichbulletin.com