Town of Wethersfield

326 Silas Deane Highway - Nirvana Salon Academy

A TCO has been issued to allow this local business to relocate, reuse and renovate the former Abbate Florist on the Silas Deane Highway.

730 Silas Deane Highway - Kim's Flower Shop

On May 1 it is anticipated that this new business will open in the former Nirvana Academy space.

1303 Silas Deane Highway - Farm Fresh ( Goff Brook Shops)

A building permit has been issued to create a new storefront space for a fruit and vegetable market in a portion of the former Baby Boom space.

1785 Berlin Turnpike - Valero - Former Sunoco Station

A new signage scheme has been approved to change the owner/operator of the former Sunoco Station to a Valero Station.

580 Silas Deane Highway - Catcher's Sports Bar - Former Boiler Room

Interior renovations are underway for new ownership of this restaurant/bar.

200 Main Street - Keeney Center - Farmer's Market

The PZC granted approval for the operation of a Farmer's Market on the side lawn of the Keeney Center. The anticipated start date is Thursday, May 28.

Progress Drive CREC School

A TCO has been requested to permit occupancy of the first phase of this expansion project which would allow the use of the new auditorium space.

• Discussed preliminary plans for reuse of vacant Oreck Vacuum space on Silas Deane Highway.
• Issued staff approval for reuse of vacant Midas Muffler space on Berlin Turnpike.
• Assisted realtor and attorney working on plans for the marketing of Comstock Ferre property.
• Discussed plans to open a bicycle shop in Old Wethersfield.
• Discussed possible use of Town Façade program for assistance with renovation of blighted property on Silas Deane Highway.
• Working with realtor in anticipation of vacancy at the Ritz Camera building on Silas Deane Highway.

• 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. Meeting scheduled for April 30.
• Working with the Public Works Department to complete the street tree planting program in front of Town Hall.

Economic Development and Improvement Commission

• The Commission is working on the details for a breakfast seminar to be held at the Country Club date and time not yet set.
• The Commission is planning for the initiation of a Shop Wethersfield program and will soon be compiling information for the development of an electronic business directory. The Commission will be sending out a mailing to all local businesses to solicit input into this new program.
• The Commission welcomes a new member Rene Ortega.
• The April 27 edition of the Hartford Business Journal featured an article about the Hartford Medical Group project at the Wethersfield Shopping Center.
• On April 24 staff attended a day long workshop entitled "Understanding the Municipal Role In Main Street Revitalization."

Tourism/ Preserve America

• Volunteers are working on significant updates and redesign to the Historic Wethersfield website.
• 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. The Town has been awarded a $90,000 grant from the Preserve America Program to assist with this project.
  

Noteworthy

• Working on some changes to our Land Use Fee Ordinance to be submitted for Council consideration in the near future. Presently reviewing draft with all affected departments and commissions.
• Working on RFP for consultant to update 2000 Plan of Conservation and Development.
• The Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce has scheduled their Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner for Wednesday May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wethersfield Country Club.