Town of Wethersfield

Monthly Economic Development Report

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
August 29, 2007

A Monthly Update of Business and Development Activity in Wethersfield
Prepared By Peter D. Gillespie, Town Planner and Economic Development Manager
Phone: (860) 721-2838    E-mail: peter.gillespie@wethersfieldct.com

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS/NEW BUSINESSES

295 Ridge Road - Church Homes - Phase 1

A CO has been issued for the renovation of this building to accommodate 13 age restricted condominium units. The developer has a pending request in front of the PZC to remove the age restriction for this first phase of the project. This will be reviewed in September.

APPROVED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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.

TD BankNorth - Wells Road

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

7 Rail Road Place

Working with the new owner of this site to open a gift and coffee shop. The Town has agreed to assist this project with a façade grant to upgrade the property.

365 Maple - Former Fonfara Dental Office

The PZC has recently approved plans to convert this building into a prosthetic and orthotics lab.

1912 Berlin Turnpike - Office Buildings

The Building Official has ordered the demolition and clean up of this site. The property owner has submitted an application and plans for the construction of 2 small office buildings with approximately 5,500 square feet of space. The PZC has approved will review the applications in August.

Marsh Street - Olsen House

Renovation of this building is now underway.

Stillman Walk - Nott Street - 55+ Housing

Additional permits have been approved.

628 Silas Deane Highway - International Institute of Cosmetology

Façade renovations are underway to this multi-tenant building which is partially being funded through our Silas Deane Highway façade program.

PLANNING/DESIGN STAGE

Comstock Ferre and Co. - Main Street

An application to the HDC has been approved 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. The HDC decision has been appealed. A meeting was held with the CT Trust For Historic Preservation to investigate the possible reuse and renovation of the buildings and we have received some sketches with recommendations as to which portions of the barn they believe should be incorporated into the design.

1260 Silas Deane Highway - Hartford Hospital

An inland wetlands application and a PZC application have been approved for plans that include an expansion of 13,000 s.f. to the existing building and parking lots to accommodate the growing needs of this medical facility. Applications to the DEP and Army Corps will need to be approved before construction can commence.

61 Arrow Rd. - Phase 3

The PZC has a pending application for a new free standing cold storage building of approximately 5,000 s.f. This application will be reviewed again in September.

9/11 Memorial Sports Center - 30 Greenfield Street

PZC approval was recently issued for the renovation and remodeling of the Pitkin Community Center.

Town Line Road - KFC/Hines Sudden Service

Staff met with owner's representative about possible demolition and reconstruction of buildings on this site to accommodate 2 new buildings, a new restaurant and larger office building. A preliminary plan has been submitted and will be reviewed by Design Review and PZC in September.

Former Fire House Grill - 1151 Silas Deane Highway

A conceptual plan to demolish this building and replace it with an Arby's restaurant was submitted to the PZC for pre application review.

580 Silas Deane Highway - Bunker Café

Plans have been submitted to renovate the building into and Irish Pub to be known as the Wild Rover Pub.

DEVELOPER/PROPERTY OWNER CONTACT

Progress Drive

The completion of the road infrastructure is underway.

1000 Silas Deane Highway - Former Weight Watchers

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

462 Silas Deane Highway - Victorian Gallery

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

222 Main Street - Standish House

The Historical Society has announced that the building will be leased for the operation of J. Michaels Tavern.

Silas Deane Highway Revitalization Program

OTHER NEWS AND INITIATIVES

Economic Development and Improvement Commission

Tourism

Redevelopment Agency

Preserve America

Planning and Zoning Commission

MEETING/EVENT SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER

September 4 PZC 7:00 p.m.
September 5 Redevelopment 5:00 p.m.
September 5 Preserve America 6:30
September 5 Design Review 6:30 p.m.
September 6 Chamber of Commerce 8:30 a.m.
September 13 EDIC 12 noon
September 18 PZC 7:00 p.m.
September 19 Redevelopment 5:00 p.m.
September 19 Preserve America 5:00 p.m.
September 19 Design Review 6:30 p.m.
September 25 Tourism 5:30 p.m.
September 26 Land Use Boards 7:00 p.m.


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