Town of Wethersfield

411 Hartford Avenue - Buck Arts Academy

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

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

A site plan for a 19,000 s.f. free standing, medical office building for the north end of this shopping center has been submitted. The application was approved by the PZC at their December meeting.

185 Broad Street - Silas Robbins House Bed and Breakfast

An application to renew and revise the conditions of approval for the special outdoor events will be heard by the PZC at their January 6 meeting.

• We have been meeting on a preliminary basis with a new interested party working on plans for the Comstock Ferre property.
• Discussed possible redevelopment plans for property on the Berlin Turnpike.
• Discussed concept plan for national chain restaurant looking at site on the Silas Deane Highway.
• Met with local business interested in expansion.
• Met with local business interested in possible reuse and renovation of former Abbate Florist on Silas Deane Highway.
• Working with local realtor on new listing of commercial property on Russell Road.
• Working with small local business looking to relocate on Silas Deane Highway.
• Talked to 2 property owners about possible renovation and use of façade program funds.
• Working with property owner on possible use of tax incentive program to fund project.

• Continuing to work 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 have filed an additional STEAP application for $500,000 for the remaining funding necessary to complete the streetscape improvements in front of Town Hall.
• The December 10 ceremony scheduled to celebrate the completion of phase 1 of the streetscape improvements in front of Town Hall was cancelled due to the weather and will be rescheduled to a future date most likely in the spring.
• The proposed amendments to the zoning regulations affecting mixed use zoning were approved by the PZC at their December meeting.
• Attended meeting to discuss inclusion of a portion of the northerly end of Silas Deane Highway up to Jordan Lane in Hartford's Wethersfield Avenue Streetscape project.

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 has been providing a summary of monthly activities to improve communications with residents and businesses.
• The Salute To Business event was held on Wednesday December 3 at the Wethersfield Country Club. Local businesses were recognized in several categories:
  • New business recognition was awarded to:
    • Little Caesars
    • The Bean & Grape
    • Roche Service Co.
    • Top Trimmers Salon
    • J & L Medical Services
    • Live Right Body Mind Spirit Wellness
    • Wing Crazy
    • Noble Nails
    • Fabulous Jewelry
    • The Boiler Room
    • Ooh La La A Dog Spa
  • Longevity recognition (over 40 years in business) was awarded to:
    • Michael Albino Plumbing & Heating
    • Bliss Market
    • CT Association of Land Surveyors
    • D & K Sound Services
    • Goodyear Auto Service Center
    • Hine's Sudden Service
    • Manousos Wines & Liquors
    • Modern Barber Shop
    • Sal the Tailor
    • Town Oil Co.
    • Welcome Aboard Travel Agency
    • Atlas Tile
    • Clearing House Auction Galleries
    • Cross Automotive
    • Friendly's Restaurant
    • Hairport Hair Designers
    • Kentucky Fried Chicken
    • McCue Gardens
    • Plaza VII Hair Design
    • Sebastianelli Jewelers
    • United Paint & Wallpaper
  • Special recognition was awarded to:
    • 9/11 Memorial Sports Center
    • Pelton's Home Healthcare
    • 912 Silas Deane Highway LLC
    • Hine's Sudden Service
    • Liberty Bank
    • Wolcott Hill Condo Association
    • Kentucky Fried Chicken
• The Commission is working on the development of a Buy/Shop Wethersfield program and will present these ideas in the near future.
• 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.

Redevelopment Agency

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

Tourism

• Volunteers are working on significant updates and redesign to the Historic Wethersfield website.
• The Holiday schedule for the Horse and Carriage rides was distributed.

Preserve America

• The Steering Committee met 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.
• A subcommittee is beginning work on the details of the wayfinding signage program.