Visions for Vacancies: Former Amphenol Factory on Kennedy Avenue

Think community planning with a capital C. Let's put all ideas on the table.

In this series we'll present a vacant commercial property and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts most people to sleep. Drop the plan. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

This week we’re looking at the vacant former Amphenol site on Kennedy Avenue between Rose and Main streets. 

Across Main Street from Subway Sandwiches and with its back to the Pulse Point bus stop, this 9.49 acre parcel is at the heart of downtown Danbury. It has approvals for 553 housing units, but that approval was won before the recession started five years ago, and nothing has been done.

What would you like to see there? What will succeed there? You decide.