Town of Wethersfield

31 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 complete for the restaurant.

280 Main Street - Massage Therapy and Wellness Center

Interior renovations are complete to renovate this space.

54 Beaver Road - Dog Grooming Business

Interior improvements are complete.

1303 Silas Deane Highway - Goff Brook Shops

Spirit Halloween stores has opened a temporary store in this space.

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.

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. Construction is underway.

1380 Berlin Turnpike - Jordan Lane Shopping Center

Interior renovations are underway for a Little Caesar's Pizza restaurant in this space.

1770 Berlin Turnpike - Carmen Anthony's Restaurant

A building permit has been issued for interior renovations for a banquet room.

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. A public hearing is scheduled for October 7.

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 for a small office building.
• Discussed possible purchase of Silas Deane Highway Shopping Center property.
• Met with architect and engineer working on plans for a mid sized multi family housing project.
• Pursuing possible interest in new restaurant construction on Silas Deane Highway.

• Work is nearly completed on the Church Street streetscape project as paver sidewalks, ornamental walls and stairs are constructed. Street lights have now also been installed.
• Met with CRCOG representative to discuss possible options and locations for new bus shelters at key locations on the Silas Deane Highway and in other locations in Town.

• 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

• 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.
• The Commission has identified a series of priorities for the upcoming year which include: increased business visitations, development of a shop local program, better use of Town website for marketing and promoting the Town for development, improved communication with the business community and support for development projects particularly the Redevelopment Agency Initiatives.
• Wethersfield Life has graciously agreed to provide some monthly space for an update on economic development and EDIC initiatives. EDIC member Doug Sacks will be providing a summary of monthly activities to improve communications with residents and businesses.
• An updated available property list is being distributed.
• The Salute To Business event will be held on Wednesday December 3 at the Country Club.
• Staff and the EDIC Chair attended a breakfast meeting at Rocky Hill Town Hall to discuss ways to attract retail projects to the community.
• The EDIC welcomes several new members including Dorcas McHugh, Rick Willard and Ben Bare.

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 are scheduled through the end of October on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 pm
• 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.
• Coordinated meeting with Old Wethersfield Stakeholders to communicate ongoing efforts amongst all groups. Will continue with regular schedule of meetings into the future.
• The Tourism Commission welcomes several new members: Dorcas McHugh as the EDIC rep and Shireen Aforismo as the Chamber rep.
• Working with Paul Mayer from the Central Tourism District on a promotional video of the Town. Filming is planned for October 9 and 10.

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 on October 15 at 7pm at the Silas Deane Middle School. Guest Speakers include a local commercial real estate broker and representatives from the State's office of Responsible Growth.
• A draft mixed use zoning regulation is presently being reviewed by a subcommittee consisting of representatives from Design Review, PZC and the Redevelopment Agency. A public hearing is scheduled for November 5.

Preserve America

• 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 are working with the State on the awarding of $115,000 towards the gateway project at Marsh Street. We are working on plans in anticipation of putting the project out to bid in the near future.