Image courtesy of Mino Wasko Architects

Redevelopment of a vacant former UConn campus in West Hartford that’s been at the center of a contentious debate in that town took an important step forward when officials granted it wetlands permits.

The decision was made at a Town Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Wednesday night. The committee still needs to rule on other permits sought for the project, including zoning permissions.

Developer Garden Homes wants to build 560 multifamily units, a small grocery store and an assisted living facility on the 580-acre property.

An LLC controlled by Garden bought the 58-acre parcel at auction for $2.75 million at the close of 2021.

Wetlands permits were necessary because of a pond and partially-buried stream running through the middle of the site. Garden Homes is proposing to daylight the stream and make it the centerpiece of a park on the site.