Town of Wethersfield

Liberty Bank - 171 Silas Deane Highway (Former TD Banknorth)

Renovation of this space is nearing completion and a grand opening is planned for August 18.

National Health Care - 850 Silas Deane Highway

A CO will be issued soon for the renovation of this space.

580 Silas Deane Highway - The Boiler Room (Former Wild Rover Restaurant and Pub)

Has reopened as the Boiler Room.

Former Fire House Grill - 1151 Silas Deane Highway - Humphrey's Restaurant

An interior demolition permit has been issued to conduct some interior work to this building. An application has been approved by Design Review and a building permit application has been approved. Construction is now underway.

Nathan Hale Apartments, AHEPA, Inc. - Elderly Housing Project - 1532 Berlin Turnpike

An application was approved by the ZBA and the PZC to permit the construction of an addition to the existing building to accommodate 42 additional units. A building permit has been approved. The project was delayed as additional State funds were pursued to cover budget overruns. A CO is anticipated shortly.

Former Amici's Restaurant - Pal's Pub - 672 Silas Deane Highway

Approval has been granted for the renovation of this building and for the use of an outdoor patio for a new restaurant/café in this building. Construction is now underway. A CO is anticipated next month.

Town Line Road - KFC/Hines Sudden Service

The PZC has approved plans for the demolition and reconstruction of buildings on this site to accommodate 2 new buildings, a new restaurant and larger office building. Construction is now underway.

Lot 4 Progress Drive - Office Building

A PZC application and plans have been submitted for site plan approval for the construction of a 2 story medical office building at this site, the building is roughly 20,000 s.f. and will be known as the Connecticut Center For Cosmetic Enhancement and Young Pharmaceuticals.

Progress Drive - CREC - Soundbridge School

On April 1 the PZC approved plans for an expansion to the school which would double the size of the building.

280 Main Street - Massage Therapy and Wellness Center

Interior renovations are underway to renovate this space.

54 Beaver Road - Dog Grooming Business

Interior improvements are planned.

Cottone Field - Sports Lighting

At their August 5 PZC meeting plans were approved to install sports lighting at Cottone Field.

1260 Silas Deane Highway - Hartford Hospital

At the August 5 PZC meeting revise 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 were approved.

322 - 334 Silas Deane Highway - Zone Change

A zone change has been approved to rezone various properties located north of Nott Street on the east side of the Highway as recommended in the Silas Deane Highway Master Plan.

295 Ridge Road - Church Homes - Assisted Living

A CO has been issued for the renovation of this building to accommodate 13 condominium units. A preliminary plan has been submitted for the second phase of this project which would change the approved plans and include an assisted living facility. At the August 5 PZC meeting a zoning regulation amendment application was approved that would permit assisted living in this zone.

411 Hartford Avenue - Buck Arts Academy

Plans have been submitted to HDC for demolition and renovation to the barns on this property to accommodate and arts academy.

• Comstock Ferre and Co. - Main Street

  We have been approached by a new interested party working on plans for this property, negotiations are underway and no plans have been submitted yet.

• Discussed conceptual plans and site improvements with engineer representative Silas Deane Highway shopping center.
• Discussed possible purchase of Silas Deane Highway Shopping Center property.

• Work continues to progress on the Church Street streetscape project as paver sidewalks, ornamental walls and stairs are constructed. Street lights have now also been installed.
• A draft mixed use zoning regulation is presently being reviewed by a subcommittee consisting of representatives from Design Review, PZC and the Redevelopment Agency.

• Continue to meet with property owners interested in the façade program. Have committed funds to 10 business/property owners to date totaling $256,212. One closing was held in July and 2 additional closings are planned in the next few weeks.
• Town Manager has signed STEAP contract for an additional $200,000 to be used for properties in Old Wethersfield and the Berlin Turnpike. We will be sending out a mailing to property owners to promote the program.

Economic Development and Improvement Commission

• Continue to work with Keiler & Co. on marketing and promotion of the Town.
• The Commission has initiated a process to review and revise the 2001 Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Several members are working with the Tourism Commission to organize for a Farmers Market.
• On July 30 staff participated in a webcast entitled "Executing Your Retail Marketing Strategy and Achieving Results".
• Continue to administer façade improvement programs.

Tourism

• We continue to work with Allegra Farms from East Haddam to operate the Horse and Carriage rides in Old Wethersfield through our recent State grant. The effort has been very successful and we intend to continue to operate this program throughout the rest of the year on select weekends. Rides have been held in July and the hours have been adjusted to later in the day to avoid the heat of the day. A heavier schedule of rides are planned throughout the Fall.
• The 3 Historic Wethersfield billboards have been installed on I-95 and I-91 in the New Haven area. The effective circulation of each site is over 90,000 adults/day.
• The Commission has signed up with both the Connecticut and Massachusetts versions of the Staycation programs to encourage local residents to visit attractions closer to home this summer and Fall. We will be tallying web site hits in response to this new initiative.
• The Commission has recently coordinated a discount coupon program with local merchants and is making it available through the Staycation program.
• Working with Chairman on Annual Report for Council.
• Coordinated meeting with Old Wethersfield Stakeholders to communicate ongoing efforts amongst all groups. Will continue with regular schedule of meetings into the future.

Redevelopment Agency

• The Agency continues to meet with property owners to discuss potential for redevelopment opportunities and partnerships.
• The Agency is working on plans for the second community forum to be held in the Fall. Tentative date is October 15.

Preserve America

• A public hearing on the draft plan was held on May 20 and the Committee is waiting for revisions to the plan based upon the public comments. It is anticipated that the revised draft will be presented to the Council in September.
• We have heard that we have been awarded $90,000 to be used for a wayfinding signage program. Official notification has not yet been received. We will shortly begin a process to review and detail the final design and locations with the various stakeholders.
• We have been advised that the state will be awarding an additional $115,000 towards the gateway project. We are working on plans in anticipation of putting the project out to bid in the near future.