Granby Needs aMarketing Plan

GRANBY NEEDS A MARKETING PLAN

By Susan Patricelli-Regan

The premise upon which this op-ed commentary is submitted takes into consideration the observations made during attendance over the past number of years at public referendum presentations, meetings of
Granby’s BOS, BOF, Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation, Board of Education, budget workshops, discussions with the office of Community Development and recent review of Granby’s Plan of Conservation and Development effective 10/17/16.

The purpose of what I hope will be viewed as a literary contribution to stimulate Granby residents, vocal or written, to our town’s fiscal and quality of life future success. I say this because we see little or no attendance at the aforementioned meetings by townspeople with the exception of the annual Public Hearing review or if an “on my street” concern arises. There are some exceptions to the aforementioned, of course, and I would
welcome not only objective or supportive responses but definitively anti-rhetoric. The point being this is a “wake up slide” for those who wish to not only live here and acquiesce to a business as usual or knee jerk fixes to inherent or incurred issues that have long term effects, but those who wish to confidently participate without fear of embarrassment or retribution. There is nothing to lose but the opportunity to speak up, question and solicit the rationale for a specific board to make a unilateral decision without
consideration of public comment. An example is the recent publication of an RFP for the East Street Farm where at the public hearing included residents who supported an agricultural disposition only, but also those who wished to have an RFP* that allowed all “comers” who may be interested in leasing or purchasing the property with development rights for commercial purposes. There is an obligation by the Boards to protect our current and future fiscal health as well as the objectives to keep this an “open space” profile community. What good is this if our aging population cannot afford to remain in place or our rising mill rate is a negative to attracting/retaining new entrants. Note that Granby had to close the Kearns school due to a declining student population.

*https://newenglandfarmlandfinder.org/.../east-street-farm-cropland-available-granby-c...

Dec 11, 2017 - See Request for proposals at Granby-ct.gov TOWN OF GRANBY Request for Proposals The Town of
Granby, Connecticut is seeking Proposals for the purchase or lease of 125 acres of property for agricultural use. The property contains approximately 85 acres of tillable, prime farmland soils and is located at 107 East Street.

receipts.**

Mr. Hayes, a veteran farmer in Granby has pointed out at a recent RFP public meeting that he and other farmers subsist on marginal revenues of their facility production with the current market client
base. They rely on internally sourced hay for their livestock, saving them overhead costs. If the town sells or leases the East Street Farm to a larger commercial farm whether it be organic or otherwise, their feed needs will needs will incur external purchase/increased cost and client base reduction. The sale of the East Street Farm in consideration is a proposal is for $1.2 million dollars - far less than what the taxpayers had to absorb, with consternation, five years ago during a budget referendum leaving us with unthoughtful long term
debt and a minimal annual lease revenue holding pattern that makes little to no dent in the LT indebtedness.

Why could we not have considered the sale of a portion of the East Street property for commercial development that included sanctions that would produce an instant higher cash benefit to pay off the LTD
as well as increased annual revenue while structured in such a way to retain nature’s qualities with a well thought out blend of urban and rural use.

We need to get ahead of the curve which now leads me to the proposition that is in reference to the Plan of Conservation and Development*** for which I have addressed on various points with the BOS and BOF during public sessions and and individual conversations relative to expanding the media reach and visibility for the town (30” and 60” info commercial), best options for Kearns school and the need for a marketing plan
to, if not formally commercialize the physical side of the town but the “sale of the town” to the general public in CT and outside the state. If we are so proud of this community, why no boast about it, cultivate an aura of higher value and ROI. I quote from the Plan of C&D, page 56 itself written ad effective 10/17/16 (two years ago): “In an effort to attract future residents and to aid in attracting those residents who will continue to cherish our Fundamental Values, the town should develop a town marketing strategy
which identifies the Granby brand. A study committee should therefore be formed, made up of a diverse number of residents, business owners, farmers, school officials and others, to develop a Brand from those attributes which are broadly outlined within our fundamental values.” This circles back to the title of this
op-ed.

**Ref. page 36 of the Plan of Conservation and Development, effective 10/17/18

https://www.granby-ct.gov/sites/granbyct/files/uploads/planconservationdevelopment10-17-16.pdf

***See page 56 of the Plan of Conservation and
Development, effective 10/17/18