Under the plan initiated by Ali, the main building, housing the hotel, would be set back off the street, with two arms extending toward the street. Those arms would be supported on pillars and would allow parking for the more than 15,000 square feet of commercial space above it. His own martial arts center would be housed in a good portion of one of the commercial arms, allowing for other stores. The parking, would allow shoppers to avail themselves of the stores offered in what is usually one of the busiest intersections in the city. It was that traffic that prompted Ali to think in grander terms.

Along with the hotel and commercial shopping, the city is looking for a pedestrian bridge to be built near the site. Crossing that part of Campbell Avenue can be a daunting task for the most agile of residents. With the Prete Senior Housing Complex just doors away such a construction would be welcome. Mayor John Picard is searching out state grant money to bring that part of the proposal to fruition.

What remains is the proposal going before the various commissions and officials to get this project off the ground. Ali has been encouraged, thus far, by the cooperation he has received. If all goes well, he hopes to begin construction as early as late spring. West Haven has been known as the town that “finds reasons not to do projects,” we hope this epithet is expunged in this current proposal.

For Allingtown meanwhile, this proposal is the third good piece of news it has received. Barely down the street at the former Bowl Drive-In site, developer/businessman Joseph “Chick” Celentano is clearing land for the construction of a Penske Truck terminal. Not only will the site house the trucks, but also they will be registered in West Haven, boosting the tax base of both the city and the Allingtown Fire District.

Elliptipar, located in the former “Web Shop” at the Post Road and Front Avenue has announced its intention to expand at its location.