Pfizer Takes First Step Toward Building Demolition

Pfizer has applied for a coastal site plan review with Groton City, the first step to prepare for possible demolition of building 118, the sprawling complex at 445 Eastern Point Road.

Planning records show the company filed the paperwork Aug. 8.

A coastal site plan review is required before a company may proceed with demolition. If a structure falls in a coastal area - or within 1,000 feet of the shoreline in the case of Groton City- the owner must obtain the review before making substantial changes, said City Planner Barbara Goodrich.

The City Planning and Zoning Commission plans to discuss the request at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Groton Municipal Building.

Fuss & O’Neil wrote the letter seeking the review on behalf of Pfizer.

“Pfizer is proposing to remove Building 118 in its entirety,” the project description attached to the letter said. “Existing pole mounted exterior lighting adjacent to the building will not be removed…”

The application said the project would not involve the use of explosives and the project would be completed in one phase. The company said it does not expect to have to bring in any fill material from outside the site.

“This project will take place in an already highly developed area with industrial facilities, sanitary sewers, storm drainage and other utilities already in place,” the application said. “This project will not affect future water dependent uses of the Thames River…”

Last month, representatives from the University of Connecticut toured the grounds of Pfizer and Building 118, and indicated they saw potential there.  UConn said it was looking to partner with businesses and other groups that might form a partnership to use the building.

In addition, town and city officials met Aug. 23 with representatives of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Connecticut College, Mitchell College, Three Rivers Community College, Naval Submarine Base New London, and UConn-Avery Point to discuss the buildings available on the Pfizer campus.

Pfizer spokesman Steven L. Danehy said in early August that if the company's efforts to sell or lease the 750,000-square-foot Building 118 complex are unsuccessful by the end of the year, "demolition is a possibility. A final decision on the future of the 118 Complex will be made by the end of 2012," he said at that time.