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Hits and Misses for New North Haven Development

While news that Amazon will build a fulfillment center on the sprawling former Pratt & Whitney site has dominated headlines, several smaller new businesses have recently moved to North Haven—though filling the former Sports Authority remains an elusive goal.

On Universal Drive, a new wood-fired pizza restaurant, Indian cuisine restaurant, and dental office have moved into the plaza that houses Dick’s Sporting Goods and Home Depot. Assessor Gary Johns said in the case of new businesses in rental properties, the primary source of revenue for the town comes from taxes on the personal property. First Selectman Michael Freda noted that restaurants and medical offices provide greater revenue due to the substantial amount of professional equipment, while retail stores generally have less taxed personal property.

On Sackett Point Road, Freda said the Parker Store, a supply store for hydraulic hoses, tubing, and tube fittings, has set up shop.

“What I try to do here in this office is put the parties together, create the ideas and suggestions, and actively go out and recruit businesses,” said Freda. So it’s important…from the optics, how the plazas look, but it’s also important for the local economy to bring new business in, to have new jobs coming in as a result of those businesses, because those employees who are working in that business generally will shop and use the services in other businesses in town.”

According to Freda, a four-term Republican facing Democrat Alan Sturtz in the November race for first selectman, finding a solution for the former Sports Authority building on Universal Drive has been a challenge. He said he is working with the plaza owner to create options for this prominent space of 50,000 square feet.

Freda said the Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market chains have been approached however were not looking to expand operations in Connecticut, while an approach to HomeGoods was also unsuccessful.

Freda used a baseball metaphor to sum up the situation.

“For every 10 at-bats, we probably will make six to seven outs, but we can never be discouraged,” he said.