Tracey Spells Out Economic Development Initiative

Submitted by Republican mayoral candidate "Big" Steve Tracey:

On Monday, East Haven mayoral candidate "Big" Steve Tracey released a multi-part economic development plan geared toward completing major projects currently in the pipeline, fostering development along major thoroughfares across Town, and partnering with local and regional business groups to address local concerns and highlight the community's selling points.

Tracey explained, "East Haven's grand list continues to grow. However, in order to keep taxes stable, we need to sustain and expand that growth. My multi-part economic development strategy focuses on completing current projects in the pipeline, enacting programs to encourage development along major thoroughfares like Route 80, and working with local and regional groups like our Chamber of Commerce to highlight the Town's business-friendly environment."

According to Tracey, the Town has a number of projects in the pipeline that need attention in order to get them over the finish line.

Tracey explained, "Hilton appeared before the 'Planning and Zoning Commission' nearly a year ago with a large-scale renovation of the Quality Inn site on Frontage Road. We need to facilitate that project moving forward, along with the combination commercial/residential project across from the Corner Stop on Hemingway Avenue. We can't count our chickens before they hatch. Too many projects fall apart after approval simply because communities fail to follow-up. My first priority is to ensure we get these projects over the finish line."

Tracey also indicated that, if elected, he would work to have Route 80 declared an "Enterprise Zone," which would give developers tax incentives to invest in property along the major thoroughfare.

Tracey added, "When ShopRite came to Town, its arrival revitalized an entire plaza and attracted other tenants to nearby vacant storefronts. If elected, I will seek to have Route 80 designated as an "Enterprise Zone," which will give commercial developers valuable incentives to purchase and revitalize key stretches of Route 80. As new tenants take root along Route 80, major vacant storefronts will fill rapidly and attract other tenants."