Is Carmel conference center in jeopardy?

CARMEL-Plans for Putnam County's only luxury hotel and conference center may be in jeopardy.

The Town of Ridgefield, Conn., held a public hearing last night (Wednesday) on a multi-million dollar proposal that calls for the development of 400,000 square feet of "office-commercial-conference center space plus 200 units of active adult-age restricted housing," which local officials said would "provide a vital boost to Ridgefield's tax base by easing the burden on homeowners and providing necessary revenue to ensure the quality of life that Ridgefield residents have come to expect and enjoy."

"That's the Carmel project," said developer Paul Camarda, who intends to build a conference center and luxury hotel on property recently purchased from the town for $1 million as well as 100 units of age restricted housing on an adjoining 100-acre parcel.

Mr. Camarda reported on Monday that a special meeting took place several weeks ago when Terry Harwood, vice president and general manager of the Marriott Corporation flew in from Washington, and met with a number of public officials in his Carmel office.

"Mr. Harwood told us that his corporation would like to place a resort type hotel and conference center in Carmel on my site. The gentleman stressed that Marriott wanted to break ground within two years. Mr. Harwood also said only one of this type of facility would be constructed in the region. He confirmed that a site in the Danbury-Ridgefield area was also being reviewed," said Mr. Camarda.

Mr. Camarda said "Marriott's goal is to break ground within 24 months. Therefore, an interim road, as well as water and sewer lines must be in place. They will not wait around for three or four years to get this project going."

Mr. Camarda called "timing an issue. Marriott is time sensitive. They are backing their bet in Carmel but appear to be going forward in Connecticut at the same time.

Mr. Harwood had no comment when requested for a response by this reporter.

Others attending the March 28 meeting were Deputy County Executive Donald Smith, Carmel Supervisor Frank DelCampo and Kevin Bailey, chairman of the board of the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation.

Mr. Smith said the "people of greater Carmel have spoken by overwhelmingly approving a referendum the sale of the property to Mr. Camarda who promised the construction of a quality hotel and conference center."

Mr. Smith said such construction was the "kind of development that Putnam County needs. The project falls within County Executive Bob Bondi's deliberate balanced approach where open space is being saved while the environment is being protected and at the same time smart commercial development is proposed that will keep taxes in check."

Mr. Smith said a Marriott conference center would be a "real winner for Putnam County."

Mr. Smith said "county government respects home rule. However, when a project is proposed that is a winner, we must act quickly so that the county won't lose out to another region. This doesn't mean that shortcuts will be taken. All we are asking is that the project is placed on the front burner so that intense management is given to it."

Mr. DelCampo has assured his constituency that "we will do everything in our power to move the approval process diligently and expeditiously. The first step must be taken by Mr. Camarda who must present his application to the planning board."

Mr. DelCampo said the "people want a hotel and conference center on the Route 6 site in Carmel. My administration will work with Mr. Camarda to make this happen."

Mr. Bailey reacted to the latest news from Connecticut by saying, "we don't need another Danbury Mall fiasco in Putnam County."

Developers had originally wanted to construct the Danbury Mall in Southeast but when local opposition was mounted against the development, contractors packed their bags and were welcomed with open arms four miles away in Danbury.

Mr. Bailey said what most people don't realize is that the Danbury Hilton had also wanted to construct its hotel in Putnam County. "The Hilton simply followed the mall. Putnam County lost out big time and this county is still experiencing the result of that foolish governmental decision," he said.

Mr. Bailey said a grade A hotel and conference center containing 300 rooms, an indoor spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a conference center-resort property, a restaurant, banquet facilities and a ballroom were facilities that would "finally place Putnam County on the map while providing millions of dollars in revenue."

Man-on-the-street reaction to the conference center was positive.

At the Putnam Plaza Monday, Barry Bronson of Carmel said it would be "criminal if we lost another project of this magnitude to Connecticut. Our officials have to get their acts together. Let's be pro-active for a change."

Susan Alberti of Carmel said, "Carmel must rise to the occasion. Look at what's happening in Kent with a new town center. Development is coming to Brewster along Route 312. Route 22 in Patterson is being built up like crazy. What are we, second fiddle in Carmel?"

Martin Haley of Brewster said if Carmel loses out on the hotel and conference center, "let's pack up and get the hell out of here. When I think of all the tax revenue that has been generated from the Danbury Mall over the years that could have been coming to Putnam County and instead has filled Danbury coffers, I get sick. The conference center has to come to Carmel and I don't care what our officials have to do to get it here."

Mr. Camarda asked the local officials: "Can we rise to the occasion?"