Town of Wethersfield

185 Broad Street - Silas Robbins House Bed and Breakfast

An application to renew and revise the conditions of approval for the special outdoor events at this bed and breakfast establishment was approved at the January 20 PZC meeting.

863 Silas Deane Highway - Jamertunes Studios and Entertainment

957 Silas Deane Highway - New England Property Investment Group

1025 Silas Deane Highway - Hartford Medical Group Office Building

A building permit application has been filed for the construction of a 19,205 s.f. medical office building for the Hartford Medical Group at the Wethersfield Shopping Center.

• Discussions have been held with an architect working on preliminary plans for the Comstock Ferre property,
• Discussed concept plan for national chain restaurant looking at site on the Silas Deane Highway.
• Met with local business interested in possible reuse and renovation of former Abbate Florist on Silas Deane Highway.
• Talked to 2 property owners about possible renovation and use of façade program funds.
• Discussed permit process issues with interested party looking for site to build a new church.

• 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.
• Waiting to hear about our STEAP application for $500,000 for the remaining funding necessary to complete the streetscape improvements in front of Town Hall.
• Requested extensions on our 3 State DECD STEAP grants as we complete the distribution of funds associated with our streetscape and façade programs.

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 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.
• Two façade application requests have been filed by the owner of 982-990 Silas Deane Highway for the creation of 2 new facades on these buildings. At the present time one of the buildings is being used for storage and the other building houses Mila Fabric and New England Patio and Hearth.
• A tax incentive request has been filed by the owner of 291 Ridge Road to assist with the financing of an 80 bed assisted living facility as Phase 2 of this project. The applicant estimates that this 70,000 s.f. project with construction costs of approximately $7 million will be completed by the Fall of 2010. Once additional information is received the request will be forwarded to the Council for review.
• The Commission is working on the details for a breakfast seminar to be held at the Country Club date and time not yet set.

Redevelopment Agency

• Staff have prepared an RFP for consulting services to prepare a redevelopment analysis and Plan for the Fun Zone property. Responses are due in mid February.
• At the request of the Agency conducted survey to determine budget and staff resources of the Planning and Economic Development Departments of some of our neighboring Towns

Tourism

• Volunteers are working on significant updates and redesign to the Historic Wethersfield website.
• Redesigned ad to include 375th Anniversary Logo for placement in AAA Journeys Magazine and What To Do In Connecticut publications.
• Working with Central CT Tourism District to send promotional packet to approximately 50 bus tour operators
• Working with stakeholders group on RFP for cooperative marketing grant from State Tourism Commission
• Commission members attended Tourism advocacy media event at State LOB on January 13

Preserve America

• 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 and will be releasing an RFP for the sign details in the near future.

Noteworthy

• Expecting receipt of draft GIS survey of Town Departments from outside consultant in the next few days
• Working with Finance Director and Town Manager to prepare Bond Rating Report for Bond Sale in March
• Historic District Property database will be completed and placed online in the very near future
• Working with Town Manager and other Department Heads on several "Shovel Ready" economic stimulus projects that we hope are funded by the Federal Government
• Working on some changes to our Land Use Fee Ordinance to be submitted for Council consideration in the near future