A Monthly Update of Business and Development Activity in Wethersfield
Prepared By Peter D. Gillespie, Town Planner and Economic Development Manager
Phone: (860) 721-2838 E-mail: peter.gillespie@wethersfieldct.com
WELCOME!
Fresh Pickings - Goff Brook Shops - The Farm Fresh produce market recently reopened under new ownership.
Hartford Medical Group - Wethersfield Shopping Center - A ribbon cutting was held on February 24 to celebrate the opening of this new medical building.
Just Perfect Consignment - Goff Brook Shops - Has recently opened in this shopping center.
RECENT APPROVALS
322 Silas Deane Highway - Lifeline Financial - Construction is underway for interior and exterior improvements to convert this building for office use. Façade improvement funds from the EDIC are being used to assist this project.
1290 Silas Deane Highway - A building permit has been filed for interior remodeling of the first floor (20,000 s.f.) to accommodate ITT Technical School.
Wethersfield Shopping Center - A building permit has been filed to renovate and expand space to accommodate the relocation of Once Upon A Child.
The former Kyoto Steakhouse at 2138 Berlin Turnpike is being remodeled under new ownership and will reopen as Yuan Asian Bistro.
DEVELOPER/PROPERTY OWNER/REALTOR CONTACT
Preliminary plans have been submitted to the PZC by a developer interested in developing property on the Berlin Turnpike for a 150 unit apartment complex to be named Collier Place. An application to modify the multifamily zoning regulations has been filed and will be heard by the PZC on March 2.
An application has been filed by the new owner of former Ritz Camera building - 526 Silas Deane Highway for a façade improvement loan for this property.
A façade improvement application has been filed by the owner of the property at 318 Silas Deane Highway and the building that houses Hair Innovators Beauty Salon.
Met with an interested business start up looking to lease the former Mainly Tea space on Main Street.
Met with the owner of Lucky Lou's Restaurant on Main Street to discuss plans for an expanded outdoor patio.
Met with several interested buyers for the former FunZone building and will be compiling information for them as they research the property.
Met with business owner looking to lease space for a motorcycle repair shop.
Met with prospective new owner for office building at 376 Silas Deane Highway.
Discussed plans for possible new tenant for vacant Hollywood Video space on Silas Deane Highway.
Met with owner of Goff Brook shops to discuss plans for possible tenant space in this shopping center.
Met with developer of the Ridge at Wethersfield - Assisted Living project on Ridge Road to discuss the next steps for this project.
OTHER NEWS AND INITIATIVES
Economic Development and Improvement Commission
On Wednesday morning February 25 at 8 a.m. in the Council Chambers in Town Hall the EDIC hosted the second breakfast meeting with the business community to discuss the creation of a Wethersfield Shops Local program. Over 50 local businesses expressed an interest in participating in these meetings. The Commission has started to narrow down the ideas suggested for this new program.
Tourism/ Preserve America
Preliminary design concepts have been submitted and are being reviewed for the wayfinding signage program. Final design specifications are on hold pending an upcoming meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
In partnership with the Wethersfield Historical Society received notice from the State Commission on Culture and Tourism that we will be receiving the full grant requested $10,402 to assist us with an advertising campaign that will promote Historic Wethersfield in newspaper inserts in the NY/NJ and Connecticut Metro area.
