Town of Wethersfield

719 Silas Deane Highway - DiGiorgi/Renewal by Anderson Showroom

This showroom has opened in the Mozzicato plaza. A grand opening has been planned for Friday June 8, 2007.

312 Silas Deane Highway - Office Use - Insurance Agency

Construction and renovation is underway to convert this residential building into a small insurance firm.

1695 Berlin Turnpike - 5th Avenue Motel

Construction is now underway for the construction of a second building at this site to accommodate an additional 11 rooms. Plans were reviewed and approved by the PZC in April.

TD BankNorth - Wells Road

This project was approved by the PZC in October of 2006 and is now under construction. The Bank will operate out of a temporary trailer while the renovation and addition to the building is complete.

86 Maple Street - Automotive Repair

An application has been approved by the Commission to renovate this space for an automotive repair garage.

7 Rail Road Place

Working with the new owner of this site on permit issues related to a proposed gift and coffee shop.

Comstock Ferre and Co. - Main Street

Applications to HDC and PZC have been submitted for the demolition of the rear portion of the building to accommodate the creation of a mixed use retail-office and residential project and a new building fronting on Church Street is also planned. HDC is reviewing the application and it has been tabled to May and the PZC will review in June.

1912 Berlin Turnpike - Office Buildings

The Building Official has ordered the demolition and clean up of this site by the end of March. The property owner has submitted plans for the construction of 2 small office buildings with approximately 5,000 square feet of space. Design Review will review the proposal again in May.

1260 Silas Deane Highway - Hartford Hospital

An inland wetlands application and a PZC application have been filed which including plans to expand the existing building and parking lots to accommodate the growing needs of this medical facility.

657 Silas Deane Highway - Brook's Pharmacy

A new signage program has been approved to convert this pharmacy to a Rite Aid Pharmacy.

Porch and Patio - 896 Silas Deane Highway

A foreclosure auction was held on February 10 and we have had several meetings with the high bidder. Interested in tax incentive and façade funding in order to support the project. An application for design review approval and a façade application have been filed by Pelton's Home Health Care.

Progress Drive

The owner has contacted staff about his plans o construct a 7,000 s.f. office building.

Goff Brook Shops - Silas Deane Highway

Spoke with developer representative about possible free standing restaurant use for this site.

1000 Silas Deane Highway - Former Weight Watchers

Continue to discuss potential redevelopment potential of this site with an out of state interest.

Berlin Turnpike - Retail

Spoke with real estate interest looking at site for big box tenant.

Silas Deane Highway - Sipperstein's

Sipperstein's has moved and met with business owner interested in acquiring this property for retail use.

462 Silas Deane Highway - Victorian Gallery

The tenant has recently moved out of this building and we have been contacted by an interested buyer for the property.

Goff Road - MultiFamily Property

We have been approached by several interested parties about the potential of this site. The site is presently zoned for multifamily use but has wetland and floodplain constraints.

FunZone

Spoke with owner and indicated property is under contract with new buyer and is working on plans.

Silas Deane Highway Revitalization Program

• Continue to meet with property owners interested in the façade program. Have committed funds to 5 business/property to date totaling $115,000.
• Distributed copies of the intersection plans to all affected property owners in order to discuss any potential issues.

Economic Development and Improvement Commission

• EDIC members have signed up for business visits with the new businesses that have started up in Town over the past 3 years. We have identified approximately 90 businesses to visit in this first phase.
• Provided information to the Hartford Business Journal for potential Wethersfield business spotlight.
• Provided information to Hartford Business Journal reporter regarding Silas Deane Highway revitalization efforts with Rocky Hill.
• Working with Greater Hartford Hotel Guide for a spotlight advertising section that will focus on Wethersfield businesses.
• Staff presented report on economic development issues at State of the Town Breakfast meeting.
• Staff presented Chamber Business of the Year award to Sterling Jewelers at the Chamber of Commerce Annual meeting.
• Completed quarterly report of available sites and space.

Tourism

• Working with CTM to place an ad in their seasonal publication "What To Do" in Connecticut. This publication is free and is distributed at several hundred locations in the State.
• Working on a promotional piece for the Trolley and working on a promo piece for use with Convention planners.
• On June 19 the Mayor will be receiving an award on behalf of the Tourism Commission from the Central Tourism District.
• The Commission marched in the Memorial Day Parade with the Wethersfield Trolley.
• The Commission has offered to assist with the grant and planning for the Horse/Buggy rides in Old Wethersfield.
• Provided photographs to River Valley Tourism District staff for Group Tour initiative they are working on.
• Met with Katie Blint Communications Director from the Convention Center regardings ways to coordinate efforts with Convention activity.

Redevelopment Agency

• The Chair met with the Chairs of PZC and EDIC to get feedback on the progress made to date and the Chair will make presentations to both Commissions at their next meetings.
• Met with Bond Counsel to discuss potential for Fall referendum on Redevelopment.
• Met with State DECD staff to discuss any potential Redevelopment Agency assistance that they might be able to offer.

Preserve America

• An additional public forum for residents will be held on June 20 with the JMA staff.

Planning and Zoning Commission

• Participated in a public information meeting with residents regarding proposal for sponsorship signs at Little League fields.

Newington Projects - Route 175 - Status

• Lowe Manufacturing - Corner of 175 and Russell Rd.,mixed use project, hotel/restaurant/bank, retail, as of last night the gas station application was pending in front of the PZC and concerns regarding traffic flow and impacts were still a big issue. This application has also been appealed to court.
• Cedar Mountain/Reno - office park - no change, denied by Commission on Dec 20, 2006.