Mayor’s Update…

Mayor’s Update…

As your Mayor, I will try to provide regular updates on projects, meetings, and decisions that affect the residents of South Windsor.

CONNECTICUT STUDIOS:

We are still working closely with Connecticut studios to manage and protect our town’s interests and work through this complex process. The energy component of this project - which involves the sale of energy through fuel cells - seems to be coming together well. I am happy to report that the fuel cells that will be used for this project will be made in South Windsor, bringing more jobs to our town.  The Town Council members have engaged in very productive and forthright meetings with the investors and developers of Connecticut studios project. As a result of meeting the investor group, this has evolved into a much more viable and stronger project.  I remain cautiously optimistic that the hard work by our South Windsor team with our manager, our legal department and former town councilors has brought us much closer to fruition.

SOLAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOWN HOMES:

Some in our residents may be able to benefit by investing in solar panels. We have asked our town manager to look for opportunities that can help individual owners reduce their energy costs. We have also requested, through the Clean Energy Finance Investment Authority, that we have the opportunity to participate in Phase 3 of the Solarize Connecticut Campaign.

EMERGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 

We will be forming the Emergency Advisory Committee. It will allow community members a way to support and enhance the efforts of our outstanding first responders. Various community groups will be represented on this committee. Jay Gonzalez, South Windsor’s , Assistant Director of Emergency Management will be coordinating this.

INTERACTIONS WITH MAYORS AND MANAGERS OF OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS:

We had a productive meeting with the mayors and managers of the five towns which border South Windsor.  This was the first time a meeting of this kind has taken place. We met for over 2 hours and discussed the areas of mutual opportunity, the need to identify and improve our individual towns and explored potential areas for collaboration.  We also spoke about the interconnectedness of our towns and the need for advocacy of our region with the State and Federal governments

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

I'm happy to report that the town has begun to move forward on economic development.  Oxford Performance Materials (OPM) is investing approximately $9 million in advancing and strengthening their South Windsor Company.  They have stated that the partnership with our town and collaboration with the State is helping them grow. This should bring more jobs to the town.

Our town has collaborated closely with ClearEdge, in the effort to create a partnership with Connecticut studios.  The intended result would provide more jobs in our town.

We are also moving forward with the first hotel in South Windsor.  It will be a 110 bed facility with four floors. The structure will be located in Evergreen Walk and is called Cambria Suites. It will provide high quality accommodations for to visitors. This would be an investment of 12 Million dollars

The Town Council approved the creation of a Temporary Economic Development Advisory Committee for South Windsor. I have spoken at the recent meeting of the Economic Development Commission for the town. Town Manager Matt Galligan and I will also be speaking to the members of South Windsor Chamber of Commerce, on February 21, about the Economic Development in South Windsor.

U.S. Hybrid Corp. makes electric and hybrid transportation power train components. U.S. Hybrid, in Torrance, Calif., is the only U.S-based supplier of the UTC-type of fuel cell power plants for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This company will make hydrogen fuel cells for the medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission commercial vehicle industry in the recently leased facility in South Windsor.

Continued economic growth and collaboration will make South Windsor even more attractive for future investors and high quality businesses.

Our goal is to stabilize taxes without compromising placing additional burdens on taxpayers.

YOUR IDEAS, CONCERNS AND OTHER ISSUES:

As most of you already know, I continue to hold office hours to discuss the issues of your concern.  I understand that sometimes it's important to have a private, in-depth conversation.  You can make an appointment to talk with me by calling 860-644-2511 extension 206. Debbie Reed will assist you.

I will continue to keep you updated on our Town Council meetings and the progress we are making. As always, I am anxious to hear your ideas and concerns.  

Dr. Saud Anwar,
Mayor, South Windsor