Although the impact of the state budget remains uncertain for six Central Connecticut communities, progress in economic development and infrastructure is certain.
Last Thursday, the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce held the State of the City and Towns Breakfast at Chippanee Country Club where local leaders gave an update on the current economy of Bristol, Plainville, Farmington, Burlington, Bloomfield, and Plymouth.
With ESPN as its largest taxpayer, Bristol continues to be a leader in manufacturing.
The first lot of the business park also is the home of Uniprop AM, LLC, which recently celebrated a grand opening of its 127,000 square foot storage/distribution center for Connecticut Portable Storage, the Connecticut/Western Massachusetts PODS franchise.
The Memorial Boulevard Building Committee and the Memorial Boulevard Cultural Center’s Board of Directors continue to working together with the architect and construction manager for the project, which has an estimated cost of $13 million, said Cockayne.
“The rating agency has said that Bristol has a strong, local economy,” said Cockayne, adding the city will continue to have a ‘watchful eye” on the state budget.
“Two new medical office buildings are under construction,” said Farmington Town Manager Kathy Eagen.
Meanwhile, Bloomfield and Burlington continue to see activity in business expansions and new restaurants within the past year, which also has marked a time of both challenges and successes for the town of Plainville.
Merchant noted the need for regionalization, especially for small towns like Plymouth.
“Little towns need to help each other out—we need to combine services,” said Merchant, adding how the town’s mill rate increased substantially.