This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
04/28/2015 08:19 AMFirst Selectman Michael Freda guided the audience through a lively virtual bus tour at the Town Economic Development Commission Breakfast on April 21. Commission breakfast attendees saw everything from new stores and medical facilities to apartments and the proposed train station. They heard about large opportunities with the Northeast Gateway Park at the old Pratt & Whitney site.
Freda, who faces a challenge for re-election from Democrat John Bimonte this November, showed slides from the actual August Economic Development Commission bus tour.
“I would like to try and capture your imagination and ask you to step on board with me while I take you around the town, and through a few of some of the economic development projects in North Haven,” said Freda.
Starting on Universal Drive, Freda ticked off areas of growth, such as the Best Buy plaza where Comcast is now occupying space, and noted the interactive energy-saving Smart Living Center business moving into the Target shopping center, as well as Dick’s Sporting Goods moving into the Home Depot shopping plaza.
Freda then moved along to the construction of the brand new upscale California-based Cinemark Theatre, which purchased the Rave Theater adjacent to the Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Other stops were at the emerging medical center at 333 State Street, a new Cumberland Farms, and popular J. Roos Restaurant moving down the street.
Freda highlighted another major prospect for the town—”The distinct possibility of a new train station on Devine and State.” Freda said the new train depot in the old Humphrey Chemical space was in the 30 percent design phase and describe a walkability program that would bring sidewalks and crosswalk signalization into State Street.
Freda also discussed development on Clintonville Road and Washington Avenue, discussing the construction of the 85- to 90-unit Maplewood Senior Assisted Living Facility at the old Clintonville Manor, as well as a retail and residential facility mix at the old D’Addio farm that would be largely for Quinnipiac graduate students.
“There are a lot of good things going on, but I’m never satisfied,” Freda said. “A pursuit of excellence is what motivates me after five years in office. It’s not if, but when, things happen.”
Freda, Workforce Alliance Director Steve Johnson, and Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CSBDC) advisor Joseph Williams addressed the almost 140 people at the breakfast emceed by Economic Development Commission Chairman Richard LoPresti at the Best Western on Washington Avenue.
Johnson explained the job of Workforce Alliance, which uses government grants programs to provide on-the-job training programs. Williams discussed ways small business owners could benefit from CSBDC’s free, state-supported services, which included advisory services, financial analysis, marketing and social media training.
When introducing Freda, LoPresti congratulated him on some new awards he’s received for his economic development work, including a recent Connecticut Economic Resource Center Celebrate CT! Outstanding Leadership and Development Award.
Contact Jaki Lauper at j.lauper@shorepublishing.com with North Haven news ideas.