Friday, August 18, 2006
Will Utopia Live Up to the Hype?
Gentile makes promises to Preston residents
By Stephen Kurczy
Preston Plains Middle School will be getting new microphones for its sound system, that is, if Joseph Gentile keeps his promise.
Earlier this month, when the microphone being used by the chief financial officer of Utopia Studios gurgled during his informational presentation, Gentile simply smiled and asked the crowd of 300-plus if they’d like to see new microphones at the school.
Gentile later confirmed that even if residents did not approve his project at Tuesday’s referendum, he would still buy the microphones.
“Joseph Gentile has no use for money,” he said.
Just like the school’s microphones, the town of Preston is stammering.
Traffic speeds through town to spend money at the world’s two largest casinos, and in return for this negative impact on roads and services, town officials repeatedly say the town is under-compensated. The education budget has had to cut nearly $500,000 from its proposed budget, slashing from desperately needed staff and library supplies.
And then there is Utopia Studios, promising the instant gratification of $12 million in taxes if the town merely approved its $1.6 billion proposal for movie studios, hotel rooms, theme parks and a performing arts college on 419 acres of the former Norwich State Hospital.
There it is, dangling like a carrot, but still as far away as the new microphones Gentile promised on May 4.
“Joseph Gentile is a very smart man,” First Selectman Robert Congdon warned residents during a pre-referendum informational meeting. “It’s scary to talk with him because you’re constantly wondering what you’re missing.”
Jerry Grabarek, a selectman and member of the Hospital Advisory Committee, isn’t worried that Utopia won’t live up to its promises. He has said he’s concerned that Utopia will exceed all hopes.
“You cannot discount the Hollywood connection,” he said on a sunny day last month, walking through the 300 acres of fields and woods that have been in his family for three generations. “People love that celebrity stuff.”
Grabarek has coarse hair, and his hands are dyed yellow from the iodine he uses to clean the udders of his 66 milk cows.
“I can recognize them by their udders,” he said, pointing toward the grazing cows. “They’re like family to me. There’s Madeline walking by, and there’s Lena.”
Since reading “The Long Emergency” by James Howard Kunstler, Grabarek is convinced that car-dependent projects are ill-fated.
The author maintains that over half of the world’s oil resources are gone, and as gasoline becomes more expensive it will become more scarce, leading to the collapse of auto-dependent societies.
“We’re going to be building all these roads and nobody’s going to be able to drive on them,” Grabarek said. He picked up a stick and used it to brush aside the cobweb of branches. “I say in 20 years the woods is going to be worth more than the roads.”
Before Anaheim had Disney Land, Grabarek said, orange groves and farms filled the land. Preston faces the same fate.
“The major farms aren’t going to be in existence any more,” Grabarek said by phone recently. “The choice is between farmland and Ferris wheels.”
Grabarek’s property comes within a half-mile of the former Norwich State Hospital property.
“I’m the one person who has the most to gain from Utopia,” he said, “but you don’t see me beating their drum.”
Even if Grabarek won’t, Utopia Studios, Ltd. has plenty of people who will dance to its tune.
The Long-Island based firm rallied the support of film stars, state politicians, and union bosses – from the Karate Kid to the speaker of the state House – all for the sake of Tuesday’s referendum.
But after three years of site walks, heated talks, and now, a ground-shaking town referendum that quaked Connecticut to its core, it all comes back to Gentile’s microphone.
Will he keep his promise?
By Stephen Kurczy
Preston Plains Middle School will be getting new microphones for its sound system, that is, if Joseph Gentile keeps his promise.
Earlier this month, when the microphone being used by the chief financial officer of Utopia Studios gurgled during his informational presentation, Gentile simply smiled and asked the crowd of 300-plus if they’d like to see new microphones at the school.
Gentile later confirmed that even if residents did not approve his project at Tuesday’s referendum, he would still buy the microphones.
“Joseph Gentile has no use for money,” he said.
Just like the school’s microphones, the town of Preston is stammering.
Traffic speeds through town to spend money at the world’s two largest casinos, and in return for this negative impact on roads and services, town officials repeatedly say the town is under-compensated. The education budget has had to cut nearly $500,000 from its proposed budget, slashing from desperately needed staff and library supplies.
And then there is Utopia Studios, promising the instant gratification of $12 million in taxes if the town merely approved its $1.6 billion proposal for movie studios, hotel rooms, theme parks and a performing arts college on 419 acres of the former Norwich State Hospital.
There it is, dangling like a carrot, but still as far away as the new microphones Gentile promised on May 4.
“Joseph Gentile is a very smart man,” First Selectman Robert Congdon warned residents during a pre-referendum informational meeting. “It’s scary to talk with him because you’re constantly wondering what you’re missing.”
Jerry Grabarek, a selectman and member of the Hospital Advisory Committee, isn’t worried that Utopia won’t live up to its promises. He has said he’s concerned that Utopia will exceed all hopes.
“You cannot discount the Hollywood connection,” he said on a sunny day last month, walking through the 300 acres of fields and woods that have been in his family for three generations. “People love that celebrity stuff.”
Grabarek has coarse hair, and his hands are dyed yellow from the iodine he uses to clean the udders of his 66 milk cows.
“I can recognize them by their udders,” he said, pointing toward the grazing cows. “They’re like family to me. There’s Madeline walking by, and there’s Lena.”
Since reading “The Long Emergency” by James Howard Kunstler, Grabarek is convinced that car-dependent projects are ill-fated.
The author maintains that over half of the world’s oil resources are gone, and as gasoline becomes more expensive it will become more scarce, leading to the collapse of auto-dependent societies.
“We’re going to be building all these roads and nobody’s going to be able to drive on them,” Grabarek said. He picked up a stick and used it to brush aside the cobweb of branches. “I say in 20 years the woods is going to be worth more than the roads.”
Before Anaheim had Disney Land, Grabarek said, orange groves and farms filled the land. Preston faces the same fate.
“The major farms aren’t going to be in existence any more,” Grabarek said by phone recently. “The choice is between farmland and Ferris wheels.”
Grabarek’s property comes within a half-mile of the former Norwich State Hospital property.
“I’m the one person who has the most to gain from Utopia,” he said, “but you don’t see me beating their drum.”
Even if Grabarek won’t, Utopia Studios, Ltd. has plenty of people who will dance to its tune.
The Long-Island based firm rallied the support of film stars, state politicians, and union bosses – from the Karate Kid to the speaker of the state House – all for the sake of Tuesday’s referendum.
But after three years of site walks, heated talks, and now, a ground-shaking town referendum that quaked Connecticut to its core, it all comes back to Gentile’s microphone.
Will he keep his promise?
Voter's To Decide Utopia's fate
Residents choose at Tuesday’s referendum
By Stephen Kurczy
In the fantasy book “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” three siblings face three options when their younger sister says there exists a magical world of talking animals: Their sister is crazy, is lying, or is telling the truth.
If she is neither prone to lying nor to lunacy, then they must believe her.
At next Tuesday’s referendum, Preston residents face the same options: Utopia Studios, Ltd. is lying, is crazy, or is telling the truth.
“Either he’s going to build it, or he’s crazy,” said First Selectman Robert Congdon, “and I don’t think he’s crazy.”
If Joseph Gentile, Utopia’s chief financial officer, is telling the truth, then the Long-Island based firm will build a $1.6 billion complex complete with a 4,200 hotel rooms, a performing arts college, a fully enclosed theme park and America’s largest movie production studio east of Hollywood. That is, if residents decide they want to give him the chance.
The collective voice of Preston will be louder than any individual voice heard during the month of May after the referendum.
During the last three weeks, Utopia has puffed out its chest, bringing in famed actors and notable engineers to tout its project. The Hospital Advisory Committee has gathered twice to detail the development agreement.
The committee hosts a final information session tonight at 8 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial School.
Utopia wants to develop 419 acres of the former Norwich State Hospital, which the state still owns.
An April poll conducted by the Times projected 47 percent of those polled voting in favor of the project, 35 percent voting against and 18 percent undecided. Now, many voters still seem unsure of the project.
From the crew of 25 people that Gentile gathered to tout his proposal, none said specifically what role they’ll play with Utopia.
Gentile compared Utopia to both the New York Yankees baseball club and the experience of “meeting that special person in your life,” but he had not answered one of Preston resident Jim Ewing’s 20 questions.
“It was more fluff than substance,” Ewing said.
Another Preston resident, Eleanor Miller, was also unsatisfied with Utopia’s presentations. She compared Utopia’s proposal for a 6,000-student college with the New York Film Academy, the world’s largest film school, which has 1,000 students.
“We’re voting on numbers that aren’t even realistic,” she said.
No matter how many students actually attend, Congdon replied, Utopia will still be paying taxes on a 6,000-student school. If fewer students come, that may merely mean less traffic.
Nevertheless, Ron Pearlman, who starred in the 2004 blockbuster “Hellboy,” tried to convince residents that Utopia’s proposal is realistic.
“I’m a believer,” Pearlman said.
Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, the sole shareholder of Utopia, and the supporting actress in the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” told the crowd, “It’s a no-lose situation.”
Overall, the Hospital Advisory Committee agrees.
“If they build it, we benefit; if it fails, we benefit,” said Kent Borner, a member of the advisory committee, last Saturday to a 100-plus crowd at a public forum.
“Preston’s been the runt of Connecticut; we’ve had two casinos and an incinerator shoved down our throat,” Borner said. “We have the chance to benefit for a change.”
If approved at next week’s referendum, Utopia has 15 days to provide the town $50,000 to cover additional soft costs, and $800,000 for an environmental assessment of the contaminated and dilapidated former state hospital.
If Utopia does not meet the June 7 deadline, the agreement may be terminated.
Next, Utopia must pre-fund the town $13.3 million, the first four years in tax payments and soft costs, which will be placed in escrow. Also, Utopia must complete the phase III environmental assessment and provide proof that it can pay for the remediation.
If not done within 180 days, the agreement may be terminated. Only at this point would the town buy the property for $1 and sell it to Utopia for $10.
Before breaking ground, Utopia must complete the environmental remediation, deposit an additional $3.7 million in escrow, secure at least $900 million in financing, complete the master plan and have all governmental permits.
If not done within 18 months, the agreement may be terminated.
“If we close with Utopia, that money is in the bank,” Borner said. “They can’t touch it, we can.”
Preston resident Paul Sampson asked if the town will ever again see such a lucrative deal.
Probably not, Congdon answered.
However, several residents were alarmed by this reasoning.
“I feel like we’re not really voting on Utopia happening, we’re voting on the development agreement being strong,” said Gail Rigney, Preston resident.
Some committee members hinted that they want Utopia to fail.
“Most of you seem to think it’s going to fail, and if it fails that we win,” said local resident Gary Piszczek. “I think we’re being pigs about this.”
If Utopia fails, the town will still be $13.3 million richer and can sell the property to an alternative developer.
Borner suggested the town request an additional escrow to be used in the event that the town must sue Utopia, so that Utopia would be effectively suing itself.
“I believe the agreement is as rock-solid as you could make,” Congdon said.
“But,” added Selectman Gerry Grabarek, “there’s no guarantee that the impact to the town will be greater than what we wish for.”
During Utopia’s presentation, Christopher Thompson, president of Utopia, reminded residents of as much.
“It doesn’t end on May 23,” he said. “It begins.”
Referendum: Tuesday, May 23
Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Preston Town Hall
“Shall the property disposition and development agreement by and between the town of Preston and Utopia Studios, Ltd., relating to the former Norwich State Hospital Property, be approved?”
By Stephen Kurczy
In the fantasy book “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” three siblings face three options when their younger sister says there exists a magical world of talking animals: Their sister is crazy, is lying, or is telling the truth.
If she is neither prone to lying nor to lunacy, then they must believe her.
At next Tuesday’s referendum, Preston residents face the same options: Utopia Studios, Ltd. is lying, is crazy, or is telling the truth.
“Either he’s going to build it, or he’s crazy,” said First Selectman Robert Congdon, “and I don’t think he’s crazy.”
If Joseph Gentile, Utopia’s chief financial officer, is telling the truth, then the Long-Island based firm will build a $1.6 billion complex complete with a 4,200 hotel rooms, a performing arts college, a fully enclosed theme park and America’s largest movie production studio east of Hollywood. That is, if residents decide they want to give him the chance.
The collective voice of Preston will be louder than any individual voice heard during the month of May after the referendum.
During the last three weeks, Utopia has puffed out its chest, bringing in famed actors and notable engineers to tout its project. The Hospital Advisory Committee has gathered twice to detail the development agreement.
The committee hosts a final information session tonight at 8 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial School.
Utopia wants to develop 419 acres of the former Norwich State Hospital, which the state still owns.
An April poll conducted by the Times projected 47 percent of those polled voting in favor of the project, 35 percent voting against and 18 percent undecided. Now, many voters still seem unsure of the project.
From the crew of 25 people that Gentile gathered to tout his proposal, none said specifically what role they’ll play with Utopia.
Gentile compared Utopia to both the New York Yankees baseball club and the experience of “meeting that special person in your life,” but he had not answered one of Preston resident Jim Ewing’s 20 questions.
“It was more fluff than substance,” Ewing said.
Another Preston resident, Eleanor Miller, was also unsatisfied with Utopia’s presentations. She compared Utopia’s proposal for a 6,000-student college with the New York Film Academy, the world’s largest film school, which has 1,000 students.
“We’re voting on numbers that aren’t even realistic,” she said.
No matter how many students actually attend, Congdon replied, Utopia will still be paying taxes on a 6,000-student school. If fewer students come, that may merely mean less traffic.
Nevertheless, Ron Pearlman, who starred in the 2004 blockbuster “Hellboy,” tried to convince residents that Utopia’s proposal is realistic.
“I’m a believer,” Pearlman said.
Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, the sole shareholder of Utopia, and the supporting actress in the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” told the crowd, “It’s a no-lose situation.”
Overall, the Hospital Advisory Committee agrees.
“If they build it, we benefit; if it fails, we benefit,” said Kent Borner, a member of the advisory committee, last Saturday to a 100-plus crowd at a public forum.
“Preston’s been the runt of Connecticut; we’ve had two casinos and an incinerator shoved down our throat,” Borner said. “We have the chance to benefit for a change.”
If approved at next week’s referendum, Utopia has 15 days to provide the town $50,000 to cover additional soft costs, and $800,000 for an environmental assessment of the contaminated and dilapidated former state hospital.
If Utopia does not meet the June 7 deadline, the agreement may be terminated.
Next, Utopia must pre-fund the town $13.3 million, the first four years in tax payments and soft costs, which will be placed in escrow. Also, Utopia must complete the phase III environmental assessment and provide proof that it can pay for the remediation.
If not done within 180 days, the agreement may be terminated. Only at this point would the town buy the property for $1 and sell it to Utopia for $10.
Before breaking ground, Utopia must complete the environmental remediation, deposit an additional $3.7 million in escrow, secure at least $900 million in financing, complete the master plan and have all governmental permits.
If not done within 18 months, the agreement may be terminated.
“If we close with Utopia, that money is in the bank,” Borner said. “They can’t touch it, we can.”
Preston resident Paul Sampson asked if the town will ever again see such a lucrative deal.
Probably not, Congdon answered.
However, several residents were alarmed by this reasoning.
“I feel like we’re not really voting on Utopia happening, we’re voting on the development agreement being strong,” said Gail Rigney, Preston resident.
Some committee members hinted that they want Utopia to fail.
“Most of you seem to think it’s going to fail, and if it fails that we win,” said local resident Gary Piszczek. “I think we’re being pigs about this.”
If Utopia fails, the town will still be $13.3 million richer and can sell the property to an alternative developer.
Borner suggested the town request an additional escrow to be used in the event that the town must sue Utopia, so that Utopia would be effectively suing itself.
“I believe the agreement is as rock-solid as you could make,” Congdon said.
“But,” added Selectman Gerry Grabarek, “there’s no guarantee that the impact to the town will be greater than what we wish for.”
During Utopia’s presentation, Christopher Thompson, president of Utopia, reminded residents of as much.
“It doesn’t end on May 23,” he said. “It begins.”
Referendum: Tuesday, May 23
Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Preston Town Hall
“Shall the property disposition and development agreement by and between the town of Preston and Utopia Studios, Ltd., relating to the former Norwich State Hospital Property, be approved?”
Utopia Parking Plan Keeps Cars Offsite
Studio’s parking is purposefully inadequate
By Stephen Kurczy
Quite purposefully, there would not be enough parking to accommodate everyone at Utopia Studios, according to Earth Tech’s traffic study.
“If there are too many empty parking spaces,” Earth Tech engineer James Ford warned, “people might want to park there.”
But if Utopia’s entertainment complex is built, this does not mean that people will be left to endlessly circle the parking lots in search of an open space or exiting car. It means that after the 8,500 on-site parking spaces are filled, the remaining vehicles would be diverted to off-site parking in other towns.
Engineers with Earth Tech, who performed a “peer review” of a traffic study performed by The Arpen Group, said this is a credible plan.
During Earth Tech’s traffic study presentation, it was cited that Universal Island of Adventure Theme Park in Florida has twice as many parking spaces for half as many visitors. Utopia officials have proposed attendance at levels equal with Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, that is, 21.9 million ticket sales annually.
Hospital Advisory Committee members have not debated attendance projections but rather asked, “How will these people get to Preston?”
In an attempt to limit the number of cars clogging the road, Utopia officials plan to bus patrons in.
Earth Tech engineers estimated that 3.9 people arrive in each car. If this is the case, then on-site parking could accommodate 33,150 patrons. This accounts for three-quarters of the projected 40,575 patrons who will come on the 154 non-peak days.
On the 207 normal days, however, on-site parking will accommodate two-fifths of the projected 74,000 patrons. This leaves 60 percent of the attendants to be bused in from off-site commuter parking lots.
Earth Tech said that four times a year – on the theme park’s peak attendance days – there would probably be 100,000 patrons.
On these days, on-site parking would accommodate one-third of the total attendance. The remaining two-thirds – about 67,000 people – would park in surrounding towns and be bused in by luxury motor coach, according to the chief financial officer of Utopia Studios, Joseph Gentile.
“The only thing is, until you look at feasibility you don’t know if people want to be bused into this site,” Advisory Committee co-chair Mike Sinko said.
Gentile holds the options to land in Bozrah, Plainfield and Waterford.
During negotiations, the hometown of the New England Patriots was brought into comparison.
The town of Foxboro, population 16,000, has managed to handle the influx of 15,000 to 70,000 football and soccer fans who flood into Gillette Stadium 30 times a year.
“There’s been some minor incidences, but they’ve been dealt with and handled,” Foxboro’s fire chief, Gerald McNamara Sr., said by phone last week. “Over the years there’ve been growing pains but there’s been adjustments made.”
McNamara said he stations about 40 firefighters at the stadium for each event. Surrounding towns help with the burden, too.
But First Selectman Robert Congdon asked, “Can Preston handle a flood of 74,000 people to the town 211 days a year?”
By Stephen Kurczy
Quite purposefully, there would not be enough parking to accommodate everyone at Utopia Studios, according to Earth Tech’s traffic study.
“If there are too many empty parking spaces,” Earth Tech engineer James Ford warned, “people might want to park there.”
But if Utopia’s entertainment complex is built, this does not mean that people will be left to endlessly circle the parking lots in search of an open space or exiting car. It means that after the 8,500 on-site parking spaces are filled, the remaining vehicles would be diverted to off-site parking in other towns.
Engineers with Earth Tech, who performed a “peer review” of a traffic study performed by The Arpen Group, said this is a credible plan.
During Earth Tech’s traffic study presentation, it was cited that Universal Island of Adventure Theme Park in Florida has twice as many parking spaces for half as many visitors. Utopia officials have proposed attendance at levels equal with Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, that is, 21.9 million ticket sales annually.
Hospital Advisory Committee members have not debated attendance projections but rather asked, “How will these people get to Preston?”
In an attempt to limit the number of cars clogging the road, Utopia officials plan to bus patrons in.
Earth Tech engineers estimated that 3.9 people arrive in each car. If this is the case, then on-site parking could accommodate 33,150 patrons. This accounts for three-quarters of the projected 40,575 patrons who will come on the 154 non-peak days.
On the 207 normal days, however, on-site parking will accommodate two-fifths of the projected 74,000 patrons. This leaves 60 percent of the attendants to be bused in from off-site commuter parking lots.
Earth Tech said that four times a year – on the theme park’s peak attendance days – there would probably be 100,000 patrons.
On these days, on-site parking would accommodate one-third of the total attendance. The remaining two-thirds – about 67,000 people – would park in surrounding towns and be bused in by luxury motor coach, according to the chief financial officer of Utopia Studios, Joseph Gentile.
“The only thing is, until you look at feasibility you don’t know if people want to be bused into this site,” Advisory Committee co-chair Mike Sinko said.
Gentile holds the options to land in Bozrah, Plainfield and Waterford.
During negotiations, the hometown of the New England Patriots was brought into comparison.
The town of Foxboro, population 16,000, has managed to handle the influx of 15,000 to 70,000 football and soccer fans who flood into Gillette Stadium 30 times a year.
“There’s been some minor incidences, but they’ve been dealt with and handled,” Foxboro’s fire chief, Gerald McNamara Sr., said by phone last week. “Over the years there’ve been growing pains but there’s been adjustments made.”
McNamara said he stations about 40 firefighters at the stadium for each event. Surrounding towns help with the burden, too.
But First Selectman Robert Congdon asked, “Can Preston handle a flood of 74,000 people to the town 211 days a year?”
A Model That Works
Utopia cites Disneyland as feasible comparison
By Stephen Kurczy
In July, the Hospital Advisory Committee voted 11-0 to end negotiations with Utopia. In September, co-chair Mike Sinko voted against resuming negotiations with Utopia.
“I didn’t think it was necessary to give this developer another bite at the apple,” Sinko said recently, after voting against sending Utopia’s proposal for a $1.6 billion entertainment complex to a town-wide referendum.
“I was hoping the developer would come forward at some point and give us some information that this was a viable project. But that never happened,” Sinko said of the revived negotiations with the Long Island developer over the last six months.
Most may say that it’s a precarious thing, trying to figure out if an entertainment complex is a feasible undertaking for the town of Preston.
It might be feasible.
It might not be.
A lot depends on what model you’re using.
Many models have been tossed around in negotiations between Utopia Studios’ traffic study engineers and the Norwich State Hospital Advisory Committee.
There’s the Anaheim model, based on Disneyland, a major theme park on a small acreage, much like Utopia’s proposal, which also exists within a densely populated area.
Then there’s the Disney model, based on Disney World. And don’t forget the Universal model, the Atlantic City model, or even the Foxwoods model.
“We’re working on the Anaheim model,” Utopia Studios attorney Christopher Thompson has said.
That’s the model that works.
“The one that made the most sense to me was the Anaheim model,” agreed Robert Congdon, committee member and first selectman.
Congdon was one of six advisory committee members to approve sending Utopia to the Board of Selectmen.
But there were other models that Hospital Advisory Committee members kept returning to.
Joseph Biber, a co-chair of the advisory committee, voted against sending Utopia to the Board of Selectmen. During the traffic study report, Biber brought up the Disney World model, and cited the amount of traffic and the correlating number of hotel rooms it provides.
Compared with Utopia’s projections, Biber said, “I just don’t see comparables.”
Compared with the Disney-Orlando model, Biber was saying, Utopia’s proposal is not feasible.
During Earth Tech’s traffic study presentation it was also cited that Universal Island of Adventure Theme Park in Florida has twice as many parking spaces for half as many visitors.
When faced with inconsistencies between Utopia’s proposal and other models, Chief Financial Officer Joseph Gentile said, “I would ask that you look at the model we gave you.”
Gentile’s implication is that Utopia Studios’ proposal would not be feasible everywhere. The proposal suits the Disney-Anaheim model but not the Disney-Orlando model – it is unique to the geography of this area.
Regardless of the “model” argument, Congdon said, if voters approve Utopia at referendum on May 23, the Department of Transportation will be conducting a traffic report and be making their own “model” conclusions.
“When it gets to that point,” Congdon said, “it doesn’t matter what I think or you think but what DOT thinks and what model they think is appropriate.”
By Stephen Kurczy
In July, the Hospital Advisory Committee voted 11-0 to end negotiations with Utopia. In September, co-chair Mike Sinko voted against resuming negotiations with Utopia.
“I didn’t think it was necessary to give this developer another bite at the apple,” Sinko said recently, after voting against sending Utopia’s proposal for a $1.6 billion entertainment complex to a town-wide referendum.
“I was hoping the developer would come forward at some point and give us some information that this was a viable project. But that never happened,” Sinko said of the revived negotiations with the Long Island developer over the last six months.
Most may say that it’s a precarious thing, trying to figure out if an entertainment complex is a feasible undertaking for the town of Preston.
It might be feasible.
It might not be.
A lot depends on what model you’re using.
Many models have been tossed around in negotiations between Utopia Studios’ traffic study engineers and the Norwich State Hospital Advisory Committee.
There’s the Anaheim model, based on Disneyland, a major theme park on a small acreage, much like Utopia’s proposal, which also exists within a densely populated area.
Then there’s the Disney model, based on Disney World. And don’t forget the Universal model, the Atlantic City model, or even the Foxwoods model.
“We’re working on the Anaheim model,” Utopia Studios attorney Christopher Thompson has said.
That’s the model that works.
“The one that made the most sense to me was the Anaheim model,” agreed Robert Congdon, committee member and first selectman.
Congdon was one of six advisory committee members to approve sending Utopia to the Board of Selectmen.
But there were other models that Hospital Advisory Committee members kept returning to.
Joseph Biber, a co-chair of the advisory committee, voted against sending Utopia to the Board of Selectmen. During the traffic study report, Biber brought up the Disney World model, and cited the amount of traffic and the correlating number of hotel rooms it provides.
Compared with Utopia’s projections, Biber said, “I just don’t see comparables.”
Compared with the Disney-Orlando model, Biber was saying, Utopia’s proposal is not feasible.
During Earth Tech’s traffic study presentation it was also cited that Universal Island of Adventure Theme Park in Florida has twice as many parking spaces for half as many visitors.
When faced with inconsistencies between Utopia’s proposal and other models, Chief Financial Officer Joseph Gentile said, “I would ask that you look at the model we gave you.”
Gentile’s implication is that Utopia Studios’ proposal would not be feasible everywhere. The proposal suits the Disney-Anaheim model but not the Disney-Orlando model – it is unique to the geography of this area.
Regardless of the “model” argument, Congdon said, if voters approve Utopia at referendum on May 23, the Department of Transportation will be conducting a traffic report and be making their own “model” conclusions.
“When it gets to that point,” Congdon said, “it doesn’t matter what I think or you think but what DOT thinks and what model they think is appropriate.”
Thursday, August 17, 2006
The Story Behind a Mogul and a Movie Star: Part 2
Gentile insists he is a ‘regular Joe’
By Stephen Kurczy
At the world premier of “Analyze That,” walking alongside a tall blonde actress named Cathy Moriarty, was the big-bellied Joseph Gentile, slightly shorter and slightly out of place.
Moriarty’s smoky voice and long legs first made waves in the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” hailed as one of the best films of the century, thrusting her into stardom at the age of 20. Almost two decades later in “Analyze That,” she was reunited with Robert DeNiro, who won an Oscar for his performance in “Raging Bull.”
Gentile stands shorter than his 5-foot 9-inch wife, and walking down the red carpet some may agree that he looked conspicuous.
But when Moriarty joins her husband, the chief financial officer of Utopia Studios, Ltd., on visits to the Preston Town Hall or the dilapidated Norwich State Hospital, she too may look out of place.
The duo might seem opposites. One has spent 25 years in the movie industry; the other is a land mogul.
But they meet hand-in-hand in Preston, where they have invested three years trying to secure the rights to develop 419 acres into a $1.6 billion entertainment complex, complete with hotels, theme parks, movie studios and a performing arts college.
“Cathy is laid-back; she would fit in Preston very well,” said First Selectman Robert Congdon. “I think if you had an opportunity to meet and talk with her, I don’t find at all that she is a stereotypical star.”
Gentile regularly commutes from their Long Island home to attend development meetings and Moriarty, a partner with Utopia, has hosted numerous press conferences to boast of the jobs and revenue Utopia will create.
“I think Utopia is Cathy’s dream and that Joe loves her and he wants Utopia to come true for her,” Carol Matsumoto said last August.
Matsumoto, owner of Captain Grant’s 1754 Bed and Breakfast in Poquetanuck, the preferred hotel for Gentile and his colleagues, said she has seen a lot of the Gentiles.
Captain Grant’s is one of the many local places, along with diners and pizza joints, which the Gentiles frequent.
The two met in 1998. Moriarty was 39.
Her film career took a downward spiral after a flopped second movie, a car accident in 1982 that required back surgery and a failed first marriage. She disappeared from the screen for nearly six years.
Gentile recalls playing in a polo match on Long Island when a friend introduced him to Moriarty, who was in town filming “Prince of Central Park.” The two exchanged greetings, but there was no plan to meet again.
Several weeks later Gentile spent a weekend in Saratoga, NY, with his grandfather. By chance, Moriarty happened to be staying at the resort on the same day.
“I spotted her in the clubhouse,” Gentile remembers. “She was there ironically with her parents.”
When it started to rain, Gentile said he and his grandfather took refuge in the clubhouse.
“I asked her out for dinner,” Gentile remembers. “So our first dinner was chaperoned by her parents and my grandfather.”
A year later they were married, on Aug. 28, 1999, at Meadowbrook Polo Club in Old Westbury, Long Island.
On Sept. 11, 2000, Moriarty gave birth to fraternal twins: Catherine Patricia and Joseph John.
“Everything ahead of schedule and under budget,” Gentile, always the developer, jokes.
In 2001 they formed Utopia Studios, Ltd, with themselves as principals.
“He is a terrific father,” Matsumoto said.
At times, Gentile has brought his entire family to Captain Grant’s.
“He loves his kids. He’s attentive, he talks to them, he tries to have them with him as much as he can,” Matsumoto said.
On Sept. 11 of that year, Gentile was putting on his jacket and getting ready to drive into New York City, where he was scheduled to meet with bank officials at the World Trade Center. But Moriarty asked him to stay home and celebrate their children’s birthday. So he did.
“They saved my life,” he says, referring to the terrorist attack that killed 2,752 people when two hijacked planes struck the twin towers.
Two months later Moriarty gave birth to their third child, Annabelle Rose.
“She’s a mother of three kids and that’s her number one priority at this point in life,” Congdon said.
At this time Moriarty was negotiating a development in Riverhead, Long Island, similar to what is now proposed for Preston’s 419 acres.
But the project fell through, Gentile says, in the confusing aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In 2003 they went public with their bid to develop the former state hospital in Preston.
Ever since, the two have been courting Preston, and spent many nights at Matsumoto’s bed and breakfast.
“He told me once that he and his wife made a pact that they’d spend as many nights with their kids as possible,” Matsumoto said.
Gentile is a mogul, a land financier and a father, to peel back a few layers in his onion-like personality, but he remains insistent that he is a “regular Joe.”
“I’m not an onion,” Gentile said after a recent Hospital Advisory Committee meeting. “I’m a Joe Gentile.”
By Stephen Kurczy
At the world premier of “Analyze That,” walking alongside a tall blonde actress named Cathy Moriarty, was the big-bellied Joseph Gentile, slightly shorter and slightly out of place.
Moriarty’s smoky voice and long legs first made waves in the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” hailed as one of the best films of the century, thrusting her into stardom at the age of 20. Almost two decades later in “Analyze That,” she was reunited with Robert DeNiro, who won an Oscar for his performance in “Raging Bull.”
Gentile stands shorter than his 5-foot 9-inch wife, and walking down the red carpet some may agree that he looked conspicuous.
But when Moriarty joins her husband, the chief financial officer of Utopia Studios, Ltd., on visits to the Preston Town Hall or the dilapidated Norwich State Hospital, she too may look out of place.
The duo might seem opposites. One has spent 25 years in the movie industry; the other is a land mogul.
But they meet hand-in-hand in Preston, where they have invested three years trying to secure the rights to develop 419 acres into a $1.6 billion entertainment complex, complete with hotels, theme parks, movie studios and a performing arts college.
“Cathy is laid-back; she would fit in Preston very well,” said First Selectman Robert Congdon. “I think if you had an opportunity to meet and talk with her, I don’t find at all that she is a stereotypical star.”
Gentile regularly commutes from their Long Island home to attend development meetings and Moriarty, a partner with Utopia, has hosted numerous press conferences to boast of the jobs and revenue Utopia will create.
“I think Utopia is Cathy’s dream and that Joe loves her and he wants Utopia to come true for her,” Carol Matsumoto said last August.
Matsumoto, owner of Captain Grant’s 1754 Bed and Breakfast in Poquetanuck, the preferred hotel for Gentile and his colleagues, said she has seen a lot of the Gentiles.
Captain Grant’s is one of the many local places, along with diners and pizza joints, which the Gentiles frequent.
The two met in 1998. Moriarty was 39.
Her film career took a downward spiral after a flopped second movie, a car accident in 1982 that required back surgery and a failed first marriage. She disappeared from the screen for nearly six years.
Gentile recalls playing in a polo match on Long Island when a friend introduced him to Moriarty, who was in town filming “Prince of Central Park.” The two exchanged greetings, but there was no plan to meet again.
Several weeks later Gentile spent a weekend in Saratoga, NY, with his grandfather. By chance, Moriarty happened to be staying at the resort on the same day.
“I spotted her in the clubhouse,” Gentile remembers. “She was there ironically with her parents.”
When it started to rain, Gentile said he and his grandfather took refuge in the clubhouse.
“I asked her out for dinner,” Gentile remembers. “So our first dinner was chaperoned by her parents and my grandfather.”
A year later they were married, on Aug. 28, 1999, at Meadowbrook Polo Club in Old Westbury, Long Island.
On Sept. 11, 2000, Moriarty gave birth to fraternal twins: Catherine Patricia and Joseph John.
“Everything ahead of schedule and under budget,” Gentile, always the developer, jokes.
In 2001 they formed Utopia Studios, Ltd, with themselves as principals.
“He is a terrific father,” Matsumoto said.
At times, Gentile has brought his entire family to Captain Grant’s.
“He loves his kids. He’s attentive, he talks to them, he tries to have them with him as much as he can,” Matsumoto said.
On Sept. 11 of that year, Gentile was putting on his jacket and getting ready to drive into New York City, where he was scheduled to meet with bank officials at the World Trade Center. But Moriarty asked him to stay home and celebrate their children’s birthday. So he did.
“They saved my life,” he says, referring to the terrorist attack that killed 2,752 people when two hijacked planes struck the twin towers.
Two months later Moriarty gave birth to their third child, Annabelle Rose.
“She’s a mother of three kids and that’s her number one priority at this point in life,” Congdon said.
At this time Moriarty was negotiating a development in Riverhead, Long Island, similar to what is now proposed for Preston’s 419 acres.
But the project fell through, Gentile says, in the confusing aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In 2003 they went public with their bid to develop the former state hospital in Preston.
Ever since, the two have been courting Preston, and spent many nights at Matsumoto’s bed and breakfast.
“He told me once that he and his wife made a pact that they’d spend as many nights with their kids as possible,” Matsumoto said.
Gentile is a mogul, a land financier and a father, to peel back a few layers in his onion-like personality, but he remains insistent that he is a “regular Joe.”
“I’m not an onion,” Gentile said after a recent Hospital Advisory Committee meeting. “I’m a Joe Gentile.”
The Story Behind a Mogul and a Movie Star
Joseph Gentile Calls Development ‘Altruistic’
By Stephen Kurczy
The town has spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars negotiating a development agreement with Utopia Studios, Ltd.
Based on traffic studies the Long Island-based firm is now presenting, next Wednesday the Hospital Advisory Committee is scheduled to decide if the $1.6 billion entertainment complex – complete with movie studios, 4,200 hotel rooms, a performing arts college and theme parks – will take root in Preston.
“From my point of view (the traffic study) is very important,” said First Selectman Robert Congdon. “Traffic is one of the concerns I hear over and over from people. It has been voiced at every one of our public meetings. So I think there are a lot of questions that the advisory committee and the townspeople want to know.”
And they will all fall on the back of Joseph Gentile, Utopia’s chief financial officer.
“I think I was born to do this,” Gentile said recently. “This is a project of altruism.”
Like the mythic Atlas holding the world on his shoulders, Gentile is balancing on his back the potential of 22,000 union jobs.
Will he shrug?
“I’ll get all the rest I want when I’m dead,” Gentile said, brushing off the possibility of giving up on the project.
Gentile said he sleeps between three and four hours a night.
To attend a meeting in Preston he drives to the tip of Long Island, ferries across the Sound, and races the 40 miles from the docks of New London to check in at Town Hall.
But because meetings regularly tick three hours long and ferry service ends at 7 p.m., he drives home through New York City: a four-hour commute.
“He’s the real McCoy,” said Oakdale resident Roger Wilson. “I’ve been at town functions where he donated money and time. And he never asks for anything in return.”
In 2003, Wilson helped sell the 328-acre dilapidated airport property in Waterford to TMC Partners, who in turn is looking to develop the property with Utopia Studios, Ltd.
“It’s hard for me to separate myself from the friendship and the business,” Wilson admitted.
Wilson, still a commercial broker at 71, said Utopia’s development will boost property values along Route 12.
“Property values could go up 25 percent,” he said. “And that’s just the start.”
Property value around Foxwoods Resort Casino has doubled in the past five years. According to the Assessor’s Office, a 3.8-acre property on Watson Road sold for $400,000 last November, an increase in $230,000 in five years.
“The people near the casino want much higher prices than they would anywhere else,” Assessor Mildred Peringer said. “Everybody on Route 2 feels they can get top dollar because it’s zoned resort-casino.”
Another 8-acre property on Route 2 was worth $350,000 before Foxwoods was built, Peringer said, but then sold for $850,000 in 2001.
Union workers believe this project will be built entirely with union labor. If this is the case, it would be the largest union project in Connecticut’s history, according to Ed Reilly, business manager for Local Union No. 15.
Utopia Studios continues its traffic study presentation Monday at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial School. On Wednesday, April 12, the committee will make its recommendation.
By Stephen Kurczy
The town has spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars negotiating a development agreement with Utopia Studios, Ltd.
Based on traffic studies the Long Island-based firm is now presenting, next Wednesday the Hospital Advisory Committee is scheduled to decide if the $1.6 billion entertainment complex – complete with movie studios, 4,200 hotel rooms, a performing arts college and theme parks – will take root in Preston.
“From my point of view (the traffic study) is very important,” said First Selectman Robert Congdon. “Traffic is one of the concerns I hear over and over from people. It has been voiced at every one of our public meetings. So I think there are a lot of questions that the advisory committee and the townspeople want to know.”
And they will all fall on the back of Joseph Gentile, Utopia’s chief financial officer.
“I think I was born to do this,” Gentile said recently. “This is a project of altruism.”
Like the mythic Atlas holding the world on his shoulders, Gentile is balancing on his back the potential of 22,000 union jobs.
Will he shrug?
“I’ll get all the rest I want when I’m dead,” Gentile said, brushing off the possibility of giving up on the project.
Gentile said he sleeps between three and four hours a night.
To attend a meeting in Preston he drives to the tip of Long Island, ferries across the Sound, and races the 40 miles from the docks of New London to check in at Town Hall.
But because meetings regularly tick three hours long and ferry service ends at 7 p.m., he drives home through New York City: a four-hour commute.
“He’s the real McCoy,” said Oakdale resident Roger Wilson. “I’ve been at town functions where he donated money and time. And he never asks for anything in return.”
In 2003, Wilson helped sell the 328-acre dilapidated airport property in Waterford to TMC Partners, who in turn is looking to develop the property with Utopia Studios, Ltd.
“It’s hard for me to separate myself from the friendship and the business,” Wilson admitted.
Wilson, still a commercial broker at 71, said Utopia’s development will boost property values along Route 12.
“Property values could go up 25 percent,” he said. “And that’s just the start.”
Property value around Foxwoods Resort Casino has doubled in the past five years. According to the Assessor’s Office, a 3.8-acre property on Watson Road sold for $400,000 last November, an increase in $230,000 in five years.
“The people near the casino want much higher prices than they would anywhere else,” Assessor Mildred Peringer said. “Everybody on Route 2 feels they can get top dollar because it’s zoned resort-casino.”
Another 8-acre property on Route 2 was worth $350,000 before Foxwoods was built, Peringer said, but then sold for $850,000 in 2001.
Union workers believe this project will be built entirely with union labor. If this is the case, it would be the largest union project in Connecticut’s history, according to Ed Reilly, business manager for Local Union No. 15.
Utopia Studios continues its traffic study presentation Monday at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial School. On Wednesday, April 12, the committee will make its recommendation.
Anxious to Reach Agreement
Joseph Gentile, chief financial officer for Utopia Studios, Ltd, drove to the tip of Long Island on Wednesday, ferried though the “great wet barnyard of Long Island Sound,” and raced the 40 miles from the docks of New London to check in at last Wednesday’s Hospital Advisory Committee meeting.
Apparently anxious about the development negotiations, which are under a strict timeline, Gentile was assured that both he and Utopia’s attorney Christopher Thompson would be e-mailed a copy of the development agreement on Thursday, Jan. 19 and a hard copy would be mailed overnight express.
“We’re anxious to get going on this right away,” Gentile said. “The quicker the better.”
Even if Utopia Studios does not come to Preston, the town still has a three-year window to find a developer; 15 have expressed interest in the site. If one is not approved in referendum within three years, the purchase and sale agreement is void and the state retains ownership of the property.
The Advisory Committee’s attorney Bruce Chudwick, an attorney with Shipman & Goodwin, agreed to sit with Gentile this week.
“That would be great,” Gentile said to Chudwick. “Thank you.”
Apparently anxious about the development negotiations, which are under a strict timeline, Gentile was assured that both he and Utopia’s attorney Christopher Thompson would be e-mailed a copy of the development agreement on Thursday, Jan. 19 and a hard copy would be mailed overnight express.
“We’re anxious to get going on this right away,” Gentile said. “The quicker the better.”
Even if Utopia Studios does not come to Preston, the town still has a three-year window to find a developer; 15 have expressed interest in the site. If one is not approved in referendum within three years, the purchase and sale agreement is void and the state retains ownership of the property.
The Advisory Committee’s attorney Bruce Chudwick, an attorney with Shipman & Goodwin, agreed to sit with Gentile this week.
“That would be great,” Gentile said to Chudwick. “Thank you.”
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Timeline to Utopia
January 5 - 20
Attorney General signs purchase-and-sale agreement. Hospital Advisory Committee takes the max 15 days to review a development agreement before mailing it overnight express to Utopia Studios, Ltd.
January 20 – March 20
Ongoing negotiations between Preston and Utopia Studios.
March 20
Negotiations end. Shipman & Goodwin LLP, Preston’s law firm, begins finalizing the development agreement.
April 5 & 10
Utopia Studios to present traffic study to the Hospital Advisory Committee at 7 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial School.
April 12
The advisory committee is expected to forward Utopia’s $1.6 billion development proposal to the Board of Selectmen with either a “yay” or “nay” decision. If “nay,” then exclusive negotiations are over and the town can consider the other developers interested in the site.
April – May
If “yay,” then over the next weeks public hearings will be held to inform the public about the upcoming referendum to decide if Utopia Studios’ $1.6 billion entertainment complex is coming to Preston.
Attorney General signs purchase-and-sale agreement. Hospital Advisory Committee takes the max 15 days to review a development agreement before mailing it overnight express to Utopia Studios, Ltd.
January 20 – March 20
Ongoing negotiations between Preston and Utopia Studios.
March 20
Negotiations end. Shipman & Goodwin LLP, Preston’s law firm, begins finalizing the development agreement.
April 5 & 10
Utopia Studios to present traffic study to the Hospital Advisory Committee at 7 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial School.
April 12
The advisory committee is expected to forward Utopia’s $1.6 billion development proposal to the Board of Selectmen with either a “yay” or “nay” decision. If “nay,” then exclusive negotiations are over and the town can consider the other developers interested in the site.
April – May
If “yay,” then over the next weeks public hearings will be held to inform the public about the upcoming referendum to decide if Utopia Studios’ $1.6 billion entertainment complex is coming to Preston.
December 2005: Residents Want Answers
Citizens organizing private meeting with Gentile
By Stephen Kurczy
Tired of feeling left in the lurch, citizens are organizing a private meeting with Joseph Gentile, chief financial officer of Utopia Studios Ltd., to discuss his $1.5 billion development proposal for 419 town acres.
Preston Residents for Responsible Development also invited town officials to the meeting, though First Selectman Robert Congdon said he is hesitant to attend without guidance from the town attorney.
“We want to make sure we don’t jeopardize the work we’ve done with the (Norwich Hospital Advisory) Committee,” Congdon said.
Utopia went public with its proposal in August of 2003.
“It is illegal for a Board of Selectmen to hold private meetings,” Congdon said.
Keleigh Baretinic is chairman of Preston Residents for Responsible Development. She said PRRD’s reason for holding a private meeting without press or public is to get honest, up-front answers to questions about traffic studies and visitation projection.
“Joe Gentile has publicly stated that he would be more than happy to meet with someone and answer any of their questions,” Baretincic said, alluding to a November Hospital Advisory Committee meeting when Gentile addressed over 50 people, saying, “Your concerns are our concerns. … I’m a very accessible person. I look forward to being as accessible to everyone in the public that I can.”
Roger Wells, the spokesman for a rival political action committee, Preston Residents for Utopia, which meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m., was also invited to attend the private meeting on Jan. 16.
“Both groups are on the same footing,” Wells said. “We’re both looking for some sort of responsible development.”
Though relations have not always appeared cordial, Wells said that tension between the two groups is being mended. At an October forum in the library meeting room, Wells and others filed in halfway through the first meeting of PRRD and stood in a circle around the room. A bitter discussion ensued, and at one point Baretinic said, “Let’s quit throwing stones and have a discussion.”
PRRD, which meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., “has never had any intention of being divisive or argumentative,” Baretincic said. “We want answers to questions we think are important. We believe it’s our responsibility as citizens to make informed votes.”
Recently, Baretinic attended a meeting for Preston Residents for Utopia.
“We had a very good informal discussion among both groups,” Wells said. “Keleigh came over and wanted to ask a lot of questions.”
Wells said they suggested that Baretincic meet with Gentile, who has repeatedly said that he is available for questions.
Wells denied that Preston Residents for Utopia receives funding from Utopia Studios, Ltd.
“He is not our leader,” Wells said. “We believe in his development.”
By Stephen Kurczy
Tired of feeling left in the lurch, citizens are organizing a private meeting with Joseph Gentile, chief financial officer of Utopia Studios Ltd., to discuss his $1.5 billion development proposal for 419 town acres.
Preston Residents for Responsible Development also invited town officials to the meeting, though First Selectman Robert Congdon said he is hesitant to attend without guidance from the town attorney.
“We want to make sure we don’t jeopardize the work we’ve done with the (Norwich Hospital Advisory) Committee,” Congdon said.
Utopia went public with its proposal in August of 2003.
“It is illegal for a Board of Selectmen to hold private meetings,” Congdon said.
Keleigh Baretinic is chairman of Preston Residents for Responsible Development. She said PRRD’s reason for holding a private meeting without press or public is to get honest, up-front answers to questions about traffic studies and visitation projection.
“Joe Gentile has publicly stated that he would be more than happy to meet with someone and answer any of their questions,” Baretincic said, alluding to a November Hospital Advisory Committee meeting when Gentile addressed over 50 people, saying, “Your concerns are our concerns. … I’m a very accessible person. I look forward to being as accessible to everyone in the public that I can.”
Roger Wells, the spokesman for a rival political action committee, Preston Residents for Utopia, which meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m., was also invited to attend the private meeting on Jan. 16.
“Both groups are on the same footing,” Wells said. “We’re both looking for some sort of responsible development.”
Though relations have not always appeared cordial, Wells said that tension between the two groups is being mended. At an October forum in the library meeting room, Wells and others filed in halfway through the first meeting of PRRD and stood in a circle around the room. A bitter discussion ensued, and at one point Baretinic said, “Let’s quit throwing stones and have a discussion.”
PRRD, which meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., “has never had any intention of being divisive or argumentative,” Baretincic said. “We want answers to questions we think are important. We believe it’s our responsibility as citizens to make informed votes.”
Recently, Baretinic attended a meeting for Preston Residents for Utopia.
“We had a very good informal discussion among both groups,” Wells said. “Keleigh came over and wanted to ask a lot of questions.”
Wells said they suggested that Baretincic meet with Gentile, who has repeatedly said that he is available for questions.
Wells denied that Preston Residents for Utopia receives funding from Utopia Studios, Ltd.
“He is not our leader,” Wells said. “We believe in his development.”
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
November 2005: Town Hopping
Gentile looks to Plainfield for land
By Stephen Kurczy
Plainfield officials were impressed with the open and honest attitude of Utopia Studios Ltd. last Tuesday night at the same time a group of Preston residents were criticizing the Long Island-based firm for not being realistic, upfront or explicit.
Joseph Gentile, Utopia’s chief executive officer and spokesman for a $1.5 billion development proposed in Preston, met with Plainfield’s economic development commission last week to discuss developing the 200-acre Plainfield Greyhound Park as an auxiliary to the Preston development, possibly as off-site parking.
Gentile’s entire plan hinges on the purchase and sale of the former Norwich State Hospital property, which state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is yet to sign.
“He will be examining it from a legal viewpoint and not challenging the terms of the agreement themselves,” said Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard. “Not all surplus property has the environmental contamination that this site has. It’s also unique in that the state has given the town three years to find a developer.”
If Blumenthal signs, the Norwich State Hospital Advisory Committee has 15 days to provide a development plan, which is already being drafted, to Utopia Studios. The two parties must negotiate an agreement and put the decision to town-wide vote within 30 days.
Dave Ertsgard, president of Concerned Citizens for the Quiet Corridor, a political action committee in Plainfield, has spoken personally with Gentile on several occasions and also attended Gentile’s meeting with Plainfield officials last Tuesday.
“What Joe said that really stuck with me is that he wants to work with the community,” Ertsgard said. “Joe is forthcoming and wants to reveal everything in public. And he has. Based on past developers he is a breath of fresh air. And so far he is true to his word.”
Concerned Citizens for the Quiet Corridor has “been dubbed the watchdogs of the town when it comes to irresponsible development,” Ertsgard said. “We like to look behind the scenes and do a little investigation and we’re very well experienced doing it.”
Ertsgard continued, “We’re listening to Joseph Gentile and what he has to say, and it’s pretty positive for Plainfield. But I also think it’s our responsibility to meet with people who are against the development.”
Those people are Preston Residents For Quality Development, formerly known as Preston Residents Against Utopia, a committee skeptical of Utopia’s merits. The same night that Plainfield officials met with Gentile, the 30-member group was hatching plans to demythologize Utopia.
Keleigh Baretincic is the group’s founder and chairman.
“When I think that my group just started four or five week ago – Oct. 18 was our first unofficial meeting – the amount of support we’ve gained is really tremendous,” Baretincic said.
Ertsgard contacted her last week. He said he told Baretincic, “‘Our group wants to meet with you to share information.’ We like to investigate both sides.”
For now, developer Eugene Arganese of New England Raceway LLC holds development options on Plainfield Greyhound Park, which closed last May after 30 years as a dog track.
“Arganese went behind the community’s back,” Ertsgard said about the proposal for a 140,000-seat, domed auto racetrack on the Plainfield site. “Gentile has a different message and wants to meet with the community.”
For Ertsgard, this has made all the difference.
“I’m sounding more positive because of the nightmare/hell trip that Mr. Arganese brought to our town two years ago,” Ertsgard said. “He was not upfront and forthcoming to the town.”
By Stephen Kurczy
Plainfield officials were impressed with the open and honest attitude of Utopia Studios Ltd. last Tuesday night at the same time a group of Preston residents were criticizing the Long Island-based firm for not being realistic, upfront or explicit.
Joseph Gentile, Utopia’s chief executive officer and spokesman for a $1.5 billion development proposed in Preston, met with Plainfield’s economic development commission last week to discuss developing the 200-acre Plainfield Greyhound Park as an auxiliary to the Preston development, possibly as off-site parking.
Gentile’s entire plan hinges on the purchase and sale of the former Norwich State Hospital property, which state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is yet to sign.
“He will be examining it from a legal viewpoint and not challenging the terms of the agreement themselves,” said Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard. “Not all surplus property has the environmental contamination that this site has. It’s also unique in that the state has given the town three years to find a developer.”
If Blumenthal signs, the Norwich State Hospital Advisory Committee has 15 days to provide a development plan, which is already being drafted, to Utopia Studios. The two parties must negotiate an agreement and put the decision to town-wide vote within 30 days.
Dave Ertsgard, president of Concerned Citizens for the Quiet Corridor, a political action committee in Plainfield, has spoken personally with Gentile on several occasions and also attended Gentile’s meeting with Plainfield officials last Tuesday.
“What Joe said that really stuck with me is that he wants to work with the community,” Ertsgard said. “Joe is forthcoming and wants to reveal everything in public. And he has. Based on past developers he is a breath of fresh air. And so far he is true to his word.”
Concerned Citizens for the Quiet Corridor has “been dubbed the watchdogs of the town when it comes to irresponsible development,” Ertsgard said. “We like to look behind the scenes and do a little investigation and we’re very well experienced doing it.”
Ertsgard continued, “We’re listening to Joseph Gentile and what he has to say, and it’s pretty positive for Plainfield. But I also think it’s our responsibility to meet with people who are against the development.”
Those people are Preston Residents For Quality Development, formerly known as Preston Residents Against Utopia, a committee skeptical of Utopia’s merits. The same night that Plainfield officials met with Gentile, the 30-member group was hatching plans to demythologize Utopia.
Keleigh Baretincic is the group’s founder and chairman.
“When I think that my group just started four or five week ago – Oct. 18 was our first unofficial meeting – the amount of support we’ve gained is really tremendous,” Baretincic said.
Ertsgard contacted her last week. He said he told Baretincic, “‘Our group wants to meet with you to share information.’ We like to investigate both sides.”
For now, developer Eugene Arganese of New England Raceway LLC holds development options on Plainfield Greyhound Park, which closed last May after 30 years as a dog track.
“Arganese went behind the community’s back,” Ertsgard said about the proposal for a 140,000-seat, domed auto racetrack on the Plainfield site. “Gentile has a different message and wants to meet with the community.”
For Ertsgard, this has made all the difference.
“I’m sounding more positive because of the nightmare/hell trip that Mr. Arganese brought to our town two years ago,” Ertsgard said. “He was not upfront and forthcoming to the town.”
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
August 2005: They Made a Home at Captain Grant's
Gentiles were sincere, trustworthy, B&B owner says
By Stephen Kurczy
Maybe it was her idea all along.
“I think Utopia is Cathy’s dream and that Joe loves her and he wants Utopia to come true for her,” said Carol Matsumoto, owner of Captain Grant’s 1754 Bed and Breakfast in Poquetanuck.
Over the past three years, Matsumoto has gotten a good impression of Joseph Gentile, formerly the CFO of Utopia Studios and now the CEO of Utopia Studios Development Corp., his wife, Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, and his family.
“As much as you can get to know somebody you’ve met 50 times,” Matsumoto said. “We don’t go out to the movies with them but we know them and admire them.”
Captain Grant’s is the preferred stay for Gentile and his colleagues when they are in town. While Gentile has not stayed at the B&B since July 22, when exclusive negotiations ended with the State Hospital Advisory Committee, he did visit several weeks ago “just to say hello and chat,” Matsumoto said.
Gentile sometimes brought his children, even his entire family, these past three years. They spoke candidly, Matsumoto said.
“He told me once that he and his wife made a pact that they’d spend as many nights with their kids as possible,” Matsumoto explained. “He is a terrific father. He loves his kids. He’s attentive, talks to them, tries to have them with him as much as he can. How many big businessmen take their kids along on business trips?”
Matsumoto spoke highly of Gentile’s wife, a notable actress from such films as “Analyze That,” “Raging Bull” and “Casper.”
“Cathy is a very real person,” she said. “She is not a phony, not somebody who puts on airs. She’s just a real down to earth human being.”
As CEO, Gentile represents Utopia Studios Development Corp. For the past three years, Captain Grant’s has represented the town of Preston to Gentile. Is the way that Gentile has treated the Preston home an analogy to how Preston will be treated if Utopia Studios develops the Norwich Hospital land?
Matsumoto came to expect absolute orderliness from Gentile and the people from Utopia Studios.
“Nothing is sloppy,” she said. “Everything is tidy. All the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted.”
Matsumoto said Gentile was extremely respectful, kind and thoughtful.
“Joe always paid and always tipped well to everyone. There were three people working here and everyone got a tip -- a big one,” she added.
Besides hosting Gentile’s family and business partners, meetings between Gentile, union leaders and Preston officials were held regularly around Matsumoto’s dining table.
“I would not only have Joe and (Utopia CFO) Chris (Thompson), I’d have (First Selectman and Advisory Committee member) Bob Congdon, (committee member) Joe Biber, attorney (Stu) Greenfield, Greenfield’s son -- the table would fill up with an entourage of people from this area.”
The setting was ideal for all -- quiet, private, and the home that Congdon grew up in. After purchasing the home from Congdon’s parents in 1994, Matsumoto restored it and converted it to a bed and breakfast.
Utopia, for Matsumoto, means less traffic because of the proposed bypass around Poquetanuck Village. She fears that a smaller development may not require a new bypass would increase traffic on Route 2A.
“We’ve seen this whole process from the beginning,” Matsumoto said. “I really admire Bob (Congdon). That’s what makes all of this so difficult. I feel like I know everybody, and I’ve trusted everyone, and I hope that it hasn’t all been in vain. I feel very, very sad about what has happened because of all the good relationships that were and now aren’t.”
“I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
Matsumoto wants business. So does Preston.
Matsumoto wants traffic decreased. So does Preston.
Matsumoto trusts Gentile.
“Joe never takes advantage of us. Never,” Matsumoto said. “He’s consistent. At least, he has been consistent.”
By Stephen Kurczy
Maybe it was her idea all along.
“I think Utopia is Cathy’s dream and that Joe loves her and he wants Utopia to come true for her,” said Carol Matsumoto, owner of Captain Grant’s 1754 Bed and Breakfast in Poquetanuck.
Over the past three years, Matsumoto has gotten a good impression of Joseph Gentile, formerly the CFO of Utopia Studios and now the CEO of Utopia Studios Development Corp., his wife, Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, and his family.
“As much as you can get to know somebody you’ve met 50 times,” Matsumoto said. “We don’t go out to the movies with them but we know them and admire them.”
Captain Grant’s is the preferred stay for Gentile and his colleagues when they are in town. While Gentile has not stayed at the B&B since July 22, when exclusive negotiations ended with the State Hospital Advisory Committee, he did visit several weeks ago “just to say hello and chat,” Matsumoto said.
Gentile sometimes brought his children, even his entire family, these past three years. They spoke candidly, Matsumoto said.
“He told me once that he and his wife made a pact that they’d spend as many nights with their kids as possible,” Matsumoto explained. “He is a terrific father. He loves his kids. He’s attentive, talks to them, tries to have them with him as much as he can. How many big businessmen take their kids along on business trips?”
Matsumoto spoke highly of Gentile’s wife, a notable actress from such films as “Analyze That,” “Raging Bull” and “Casper.”
“Cathy is a very real person,” she said. “She is not a phony, not somebody who puts on airs. She’s just a real down to earth human being.”
As CEO, Gentile represents Utopia Studios Development Corp. For the past three years, Captain Grant’s has represented the town of Preston to Gentile. Is the way that Gentile has treated the Preston home an analogy to how Preston will be treated if Utopia Studios develops the Norwich Hospital land?
Matsumoto came to expect absolute orderliness from Gentile and the people from Utopia Studios.
“Nothing is sloppy,” she said. “Everything is tidy. All the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted.”
Matsumoto said Gentile was extremely respectful, kind and thoughtful.
“Joe always paid and always tipped well to everyone. There were three people working here and everyone got a tip -- a big one,” she added.
Besides hosting Gentile’s family and business partners, meetings between Gentile, union leaders and Preston officials were held regularly around Matsumoto’s dining table.
“I would not only have Joe and (Utopia CFO) Chris (Thompson), I’d have (First Selectman and Advisory Committee member) Bob Congdon, (committee member) Joe Biber, attorney (Stu) Greenfield, Greenfield’s son -- the table would fill up with an entourage of people from this area.”
The setting was ideal for all -- quiet, private, and the home that Congdon grew up in. After purchasing the home from Congdon’s parents in 1994, Matsumoto restored it and converted it to a bed and breakfast.
Utopia, for Matsumoto, means less traffic because of the proposed bypass around Poquetanuck Village. She fears that a smaller development may not require a new bypass would increase traffic on Route 2A.
“We’ve seen this whole process from the beginning,” Matsumoto said. “I really admire Bob (Congdon). That’s what makes all of this so difficult. I feel like I know everybody, and I’ve trusted everyone, and I hope that it hasn’t all been in vain. I feel very, very sad about what has happened because of all the good relationships that were and now aren’t.”
“I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
Matsumoto wants business. So does Preston.
Matsumoto wants traffic decreased. So does Preston.
Matsumoto trusts Gentile.
“Joe never takes advantage of us. Never,” Matsumoto said. “He’s consistent. At least, he has been consistent.”
August 2005: Inconsistent Figures
Advisory Committee saw conflicting numbers
By Stephen Kurczy
You might call them utopian numbers, the proposed attendance figures submitted in the General Plan for development by Utopia Studios.
The Day and the Norwich Bulletin have both reported that an estimated 24 million people will visit Utopia every year – that’s 65,000 a day.
But page 83 of addendum U to the General Plan for development submitted by Utopia Studios reads, “It has been determined … the number of visitors to theme parks out paces visits to casinos by a margin of 1:1.04. Currently there are 34.7 million visitors to the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. This will result in 36.08 million visitors to the Utopia Theme Parks.”
About 34.7 million people visit Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos every year. Therefore, 36.08 million will visit Utopia Theme Parks.
“That appears to conflict with the 24 million issue,” said Mike Sinko, chairman of the Norwich State Hospital Advisory Committee. “Those are two attendance figures that don’t jive.”
Sinko said that feasibility studies from a nationally recognized group would legitimize the figures.
On page 75 of addendum U another projection is made: “The area within 600 miles of Utopia contains over 18 million children between the ages of 0-10. Yet, the areas where Disneyland and Disneyworld are located contain only 9 million respectively. Both Disney parks are successful. Utopia will be with a demographic consisting of 200 percent more children within a one-day drive to the site. It is noteworthy that both Disney parks are indoor-outdoor venues. Utopia is slated to be an all-year, all-weather facility. It is a facility, virtually completely enclosed and thus capable of accommodating the projected number visitors in all weather conditions.”
About 18 million children live within 600 miles of Preston. Only 9 million live within that vicinity of Disneyworld. Therefore, Utopia Theme Parks has the potential for twice as many visitors.
Utopia’s plan to build a $1.6 billion entertainment resort consisting of four theme parks, a performing arts college, movie and television studios, an entertainment and retail plaza, and 4,200 hotel rooms also appears inconsistent with a theme park already in existence.
Universal Studios Orlando, whose former senior vice president of international new business development met with Preston town leaders in May, consists of two theme parks -- each stand-alone $1 billion ventures -- and a total of 2,400 hotel rooms.
Foxwoods has 1,916 hotel rooms. Mohegan Sun has 1,156 hotel rooms. Utopia’s proposed number of hotel rooms is more than both combined.
“What’s the basis?” Sinko asked. “What’s that based on?”
By Stephen Kurczy
You might call them utopian numbers, the proposed attendance figures submitted in the General Plan for development by Utopia Studios.
The Day and the Norwich Bulletin have both reported that an estimated 24 million people will visit Utopia every year – that’s 65,000 a day.
But page 83 of addendum U to the General Plan for development submitted by Utopia Studios reads, “It has been determined … the number of visitors to theme parks out paces visits to casinos by a margin of 1:1.04. Currently there are 34.7 million visitors to the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. This will result in 36.08 million visitors to the Utopia Theme Parks.”
About 34.7 million people visit Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos every year. Therefore, 36.08 million will visit Utopia Theme Parks.
“That appears to conflict with the 24 million issue,” said Mike Sinko, chairman of the Norwich State Hospital Advisory Committee. “Those are two attendance figures that don’t jive.”
Sinko said that feasibility studies from a nationally recognized group would legitimize the figures.
On page 75 of addendum U another projection is made: “The area within 600 miles of Utopia contains over 18 million children between the ages of 0-10. Yet, the areas where Disneyland and Disneyworld are located contain only 9 million respectively. Both Disney parks are successful. Utopia will be with a demographic consisting of 200 percent more children within a one-day drive to the site. It is noteworthy that both Disney parks are indoor-outdoor venues. Utopia is slated to be an all-year, all-weather facility. It is a facility, virtually completely enclosed and thus capable of accommodating the projected number visitors in all weather conditions.”
About 18 million children live within 600 miles of Preston. Only 9 million live within that vicinity of Disneyworld. Therefore, Utopia Theme Parks has the potential for twice as many visitors.
Utopia’s plan to build a $1.6 billion entertainment resort consisting of four theme parks, a performing arts college, movie and television studios, an entertainment and retail plaza, and 4,200 hotel rooms also appears inconsistent with a theme park already in existence.
Universal Studios Orlando, whose former senior vice president of international new business development met with Preston town leaders in May, consists of two theme parks -- each stand-alone $1 billion ventures -- and a total of 2,400 hotel rooms.
Foxwoods has 1,916 hotel rooms. Mohegan Sun has 1,156 hotel rooms. Utopia’s proposed number of hotel rooms is more than both combined.
“What’s the basis?” Sinko asked. “What’s that based on?”
