Vernon Business Activity Includes A New, Bank, Restaurants

VERNON, CT — There's currently a flurry of economic development activity within Vernon's borders with projects that include a New York-based bank moving in right after a major merger involving another New York-based bank, new restaurants and progress on a new entertainment center.

Here's a look at what's going on, courtesy of Vernon Economic Development Director Shaun Gately:

Dime Bank: It plans to occupy the long-vacant former Farmington Bank location along the 100 block of Talcottville Road, across from Western New York-based M&T Bank, which recently took over People's United. Gately said the Dime deal is pretty much in the bag, and he called it a "plug-and-play" move, meaning a bank is a permitted use and only a few interior alterations are needed.

New Storage Facility: Grading work has started on a new storage facility business behind Wendy's, approved years ago as part of the expanded development of the plaza on Talcottville Road.

Tri-City Plaza: Work is under way to transfer an old Payless into a Five Below location. Infinity is also planning a location in the busy shopping center, Gately said.

Lazy Dog: Work on the restaurant taking over the old Angellino's location on Kelly Road across from the Tri-City Plaza is "progressing," Gately said.

Jeff's Kettle Corn: Work is also progressing on a retail store and popping facility on Talcottville Road across from Tri-City. Among the lucrative contracts the company has secured is The Bushnell, Gately said.

Valvoline: Construction is under way on Route 83 to renovate a car wash and add a Valvoline car are center after the buyout of Mr. Sparkle, Gately said. A for sale sign is on the location of the former Mr. Sparkle in Rockville.

The new Golf Land/Rocking Horse Saloon: Work has been progressing, albeit slow, at the parcels just over the Vernon line from Manchester on Hartford Turnpike, Gately said. Mini golf and bumper boats are hopeful for the fall, Gately said.

Kinder Care: A 10,000-square-foot daycare center is proposed for a spot adjacent to the Trail Run Apartments.

The Chimney: A hair salon has the necessary approvals to join the mysterious chimney that still stands across from the Trail Run apartment complex.