MEETING MINUTES
Thursday July 20th 2023
CO-Presidents - Welcome / Urgent Business, Tracy Flater & John Paindiris
Call to order
A meeting of The Park Rd Association was held at Playhouse on Park on 7.20
Urgent Business
Come see Bandstand at Playhouse on Park!
West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District is offering a free Naloxone Training workshop to the public on Wednesday, July 26, 6:00-7:00PM at the Faxon Library, 1073 New Britain Ave. Registration is required. You may register online or call Health Educator Viviane Rinaldi at 860-561-7901.
Many Park Rd Businesses were recognized by Best of We-Ha and Best of Hartford!!
Playhouse on Park was recognized by Critics Circle Awards with multiple nominations and awards
Economic Development Coordinator, Kristen Gorski
Sweet Spot, Cannabis Establishment filing for permits
Honest Beauty signed a lease, korean skincare establishment
Special amendment coming to town council- requesting to build multi tenant commercial building- 2 unknown businesses and a Chipotle with drive thru. Next to Bank of America on Kane/Prospect. Public hearing 8.22
Town wide wayfinding signage project, working on new signs pointing to historical sites and districts for new residents and tourists navigate through West Hartford. Locations and destinations are being selected
Possible directory for businesses on Park Rd- dependant on funding
The Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is inviting comment on its 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, and will hold a virtual meeting on July 27 @ 12:30. Follow link below for more information
https://we-ha.com/input-from-west-hartford-community-invited-as-crcog-develops-economic-development-strategy/
Town Manager, Rick Ledwith
Sunday front page paper had article about what makes West Hartford great
Hartford business journal released top ”movers and shakers” of real estate list, recognized Kirsten Gorski
Flooding has been an issue this summer, 3 inches of rain in an hour on 7.4. Flood management will take time and approx 200 million dollars. Drainage pipes need to be changed among other issues. Town Council has committed to spending $5m per year. Some ARPA money has been earmarked for flood management. Exploring more funding options.
Many competing factors for funding
900 farmington ave will be 100% affordable housing
Uconn withdrew application, resubmitted with changes. No more medical office or parking garage.
Channel 3 did a news story on West Hartford property rat infestation. Resident contact the Town and then the media without giving the town even a day to address it.
Construction and flooding both increased the rat issues
Bear showed up in Blueback Square- had a nice stroll before climbing a tree, monitored by animal control. Not looking to harm anyone, just looking for food. DEEP said to let it be.
Police, Ltn Lazure
Holding press conference this afternoon at 2:30, offering reward to anyone with info in regards to December’s hit and run on Boulevard
Piece of evidence in Dec hit and run linked to 2,000 cars- officers looked into all 2,000 & no match (registered cars)
Car burglaries, 169 burglaries since the start of year. Summer is the most popular time. Lock your cars, remove all valuables!
Auto thefts-14 stolen cars in July, 13 recovered and 9 arrests
Burglaries in businesses- 20 since the start of the year, 0 in July. Undercover officers watching suspects, county wide problem not just West Hartford.
Hyundai and Kia are easy to break into- recalling cars for this reason
Stolen UHaul, all 3 suspects caught and responsible for several burglaries
Chamber of Commerce - Christopher Conway
Zoom event today at 12, discussing public/private/nonprofit issues. Free webinar
Future Leaders networking event at yard goats
7.27 at warehouse 635, business after hours game night
Chamber fundraiser- golf tournament and bbq 8.15 all info on website
Miscellaneous:
New townhomes on Ringgold experienced flooding
New building in old convent opening leasing in August
Parade committee meeting next Thursday, 8:30 @ Effies
Parade committee spotlighting Renee DiNino’s (grande marshall) charities:, Fidelco, and Foodshare. Working on food drive for nonperishables and monetary donations
BudR- new business opening up. Cannabis store, 5 stores opening in state with West Hartford being the first. 1037 Boulevard tentatively opening 7.31. Extremely secure business with a multitude of security precautions being taken
Americana has Jazz on Mondays, Trivia Tuesdays, and guest bartenders on Wednesdays. Ladies night on Thursday and Karaoke on Saturday
NO MEETING IN AUGUST
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:47am.