New Milford EDC Hears Business Updates, Workforce And Downtown Plans

NEW MILFORD, CT — The New Milford Economic Development Commission received updates on new businesses, workforce initiatives and downtown economic development during its regular meeting July 2 at Town Hall.

Chairman Paul Murphy called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. in the Loretta Brickley Conference Room. There was no public participation. Mayor Pete Bass and Patti Crispo of the Bee City Committee also attended the meeting.

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Crispo updated commissioners on Bee City activities, noting that Newtown has adopted a ban on rodenticides and that other communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts have taken similar action. She said Rhode Island has enacted a statewide ban. The Bee City Committee is also planning a screening of the documentary "The Little Things That Run the World" at the library.

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Bass reported that Connecticut's unemployment rate stands at 5 percent, while New Milford's rate is 4.5 percent. He also provided updates on several commercial projects and business openings throughout town. Alltown Market and its gas station are expected to open in late August, while Murphy's Heating and Cooling anticipates completing its neighboring location by September. Lesser Evil is expected to occupy the former Edelman Leather building on Pickett District Road for storage, and Clancy's Moving and Storage is seeking Inland Wetlands approval for a 250,000-square-foot expansion at its existing facility.

Bass said construction is continuing on a 250,000-square-foot storage facility on Route 7 adjacent to Advance Auto and on an 8,300-square-foot development on Route 202 next to Il Colosseo. He also reported that OC Bakery has opened on Railroad Street.

Commission members also received an overview of New Milford's 250th anniversary celebration, which was scheduled to begin the following day with a flag display at the library, a ceremony, music at the bandstand, children's games, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and fireworks.

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The commission discussed expanding collaboration with the Town of Sherman by promoting events across both communities through the New Milford Economic Development Corporation. Members also reviewed a workforce training partnership with the Northwest Regional Investment Board that would place teenagers in paid positions with town departments, with wages funded through the regional workforce agency.

Other initiatives discussed included the "Miles on Main" program, which encourages residents to visit and patronize businesses throughout downtown, and the third annual Ice Cream Crawl, which has expanded to 10 participating locations this year, including Wendy's and McDonald's. Participants who complete the challenge may submit receipts at the mayor's office for a prize.

Bass also told commissioners the town and Town Council are developing an ordinance addressing vacant storefronts to encourage commercial occupancy. He said the former H.H. Taylor site will be converted into a commercial kitchen, while the former Upper Crust location is expected to reopen as a French restaurant. A Mediterranean restaurant is also planned for the space occupied by Boardman Bridge and Boardman Butchers.

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The meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m. The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 6.