Talk of townhouses in New London

New London (WTNH) - After a decade of distrust, for some, New London may be moving forward on a controversial piece of land.

The agency in charge of developing the Fort Trumbull peninsula has given unanimous approval to a proposal to build 80 townhouses.

River Bank Construction out of Westport and New York pitched the idea. The townhouses would be built on land taken from homeowners by 'eminent domain,' in the name of economic development.

"I think it sends a good signal that we're hopefully on the other side of some of the troubled issues that we have," said New London Mayor Rob Pero.

"At least admit what you did was wrong first and then we can move forward and maybe the wounds could start to heal," added Mike Cristofaro a former homeowner.

The proposal will now go to the city council. If it decides to enter into an agreement with the developer, the plans will then be presented during public hearings.