Town of Wethersfield

1380 Berlin Turnpike - Jordan Lane Shopping Center - Little Caesars

A ribbon cutting was held on Monday November 10.

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. The ALF phase of this project was approved by the PZC at their November 5 meeting.

411 Hartford Avenue - Buck Arts Academy

Plans have been submitted to HDC for demolition and renovation to the barns on this property to accommodate an arts academy. The PZC reviewed the plans at their October meeting.

1025 Silas Deane Highway - OR and L Construction - Wethersfield Shopping Center

Reviewing site plans for a 19,000 s.f. free standing, medical office building for the north end of this shopping center. The application will be reviewed again by the PZC at their December 2 meeting.

• We have been meeting on a preliminary basis with a new interested party working on plans for the Comstock Ferre property.
• Met with owner of Fun Zone to discuss developer interest in the property.
• Discussed possible redevelopment plans for property on the Berlin Turnpike.
• Discussed preliminary plans for the possible redevelopment of the former Weight Watchers building at 1000 Silas Deane Highway.

• 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.
• Staff are preparing an additional STEAP application for the remaining funding necessary to complete the streetscape improvements in front of Town Hall.
• On December 10 at 4 p.m. a brief ceremony will be held to celebrate the completion of phase 1 of the streetscape improvements in front of Town Hall.
• The proposed amendments to the zoning regulations affecting mixed use zoning is presently being reviewed by the PZC. A public hearing was held on November 18. Staff are providing responses and changes based upon comments made at the hearing in anticipation of the December 2 meeting.

Economic Development and Improvement Commission

• 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.
• The Salute To Business event will be held on Wednesday December 3 at 5:30 at the Country Club.
• The Commission is working on the development of a Buy/Shop Wethersfield program and will present these ideas in the near future.
• Approved the award of an additional façade loan to the owner of the strip commercial plaza at 616-620 Silas Deane Highway (Mangia Pizza).
• Commission members have initiated a new phase of the business visitation program and have started to meet with the newest members of the business community. 100 visits are planned.

Tourism

• The Agency submitted its first quarterly report for the Council.
• Volunteers are working on significant updates to the Historic Wethersfield website.
• The Holiday schedule for the Horse and Carriage rides has been distributed.

Redevelopment Agency

• Staff have prepared an RFP for consulting services to prepare a redevelopment analysis and Plan for the Fun Zone property.

Preserve America

• The Steering Committee is meeting on November 24 to discuss implementation strategies for the Plan.
• We are continuing to work 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.