Author Archives: mc support

Preston Riverwalk and Mohegan Sun Progress

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It has been in the news for many months, but the Mohegan Tribe is investing heavily in the region. Of course, they are adding many venues and improving the assets at Mohegan Sun as good businesses do.  This showed up most recently as the addition of the $80MM Convention and Conference Center which is designed to draw thousands to the region for years to come.  This was the site of the 3rd of the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction events since 2015. Many other recognizable trade shows will be hosted here, furthering eastern Connecticut as a destination for many people and organizations.

Additionally, the Town of Preston via the Preston Redevelopment Agency, and the Mohegan Tribe have agreed on the purchase of the former Norwich Hospital site in Preston, approximately 400+ acre development. The conceptual master plan shows the development including everything from residential housing and retail support services to large format entertainment and theme parks to indoor waterpark and hotels with banquet halls. In all, an estimated investment range of $200,000,000-$600,000,000 over the full buildout. If you pass by the site via automobile along RT12 or the Mohegan Pequot Bridge, or from the Thames River, you will see much of the overgrowth thinned out and huge stockpiles of clean fill accumulated on the southwestern corner of the site. This is all in preparation for environmental remediation of the soils under the old roadbeds.

 

Global City Norwich Hosts Peruvian Fest

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On July 29th, 2018 Global City Norwich hosted Peruvian Fest 2018, a community block party which celebrated the proclamation of independence for Peru. Over 1,500 attended from areas all over New England. We teamed up with the Peruvians United of CT and reached out to the large population of Peruvians (approx. 5,000) in the Norwich community to participate with traditional folk dances, traditional music, food and art. Peruvian and non-Peruvian people attended the festival and participated as vendors. The fest boasted a giant waterslide, a llama and two alpacas, and children’s games. The only two Peruvian restaurants within our county (New London) attended the festival as vendors. The minister for the Consulate General of Peru surprised us as well as honored us with his presence. Other public officials such as the Senator, State Rep, Mayor, City Council members attended as well as many community leaders of the Norwich area and local areas. The festival speaks volumes as a direct result of the festival is the gain of two new Foundry 66 members who will be utilizing the new space upstairs for MixxedFit and Zumba classes. Global City Norwich serves to unite the community together by celebrating, supporting and encouraging all facets of diversity and culture through global themed events. With the overall objective to stimulate economic growth, entrepreneurship and community building Global City Norwich is perfectly in line with the mission and spirit of the NCDC (Norwich Community Development Corporation) as we complete the first quarter.

In addition to creating community events, GCN also gears up other projects. One of our ongoing projects is hanging global flags throughout Downtown Norwich and mounting them to store fronts. Global Flags compass a range of flags from different countries as well as tribal flags. This project since starting in June, has had an overwhelmingly positive impact in our community as well as throughout neighboring regions. Engaging with business owners, landlords and residents as we ask permission, educate and give information about GCN and the purpose of the flags has sparked cohesiveness in Downtown in just the few short months of GCN’s existence.

Meeting and engaging with a variety of different organizations and communities such as Rotary, the local library, local churches, local schools, local Chamber of Commerce, tribal leaders and tribal members, City Council members, City employees and officials, veterans as well as small and large businesses in the early stages of building GCN is an extreme necessity. Learning about the needs of the community by meeting people at their places of worship or workplace or wherever is a best fit is true engagement and has organically developed friendships, ideas, and real human connections. These relationships and collaborations are the core of GCN and the upcoming projects for 2018 and 2019 are a direct result of conversations that have taken place in the past 4 months.

Upcoming GCN events:

Polish Fest 2018 – Oct. 21
A long-awaited Polish Fest is finally coming, and it will be held on Franklin Street. With the support of many members of the Polish Fest living locally in Norwich, Greenville all the way to Colchester and New Britain, the excitement is quickly growing daily as we progress with festival plans. The famous Polanie Polish Folk Dancers from New Britain, the hall of famed Maestro’s Men, The Divine Providence Church and many more other Polish community members are all on board for this great event.

Sunday Indoor Global Markets – Nov. 2018 to May 2019

2019 Festivals: Haitian Festival, Cape Verde, Tibetan Festival, International Zombie Run, Puerto Rico Festival, Filipino Festival, Pacific Islands Festival, Mediterranean Festival, Ellis W. Ruley Art Festival and much more in the works.

More Good News for Taftville!

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On September 21, there was a Phase 1 Ribbon Cutting and Phase 2 Groundbreaking at the Lofts at Ponemah Mill. The new facility is currently 97% occupied, and by the time this newsletter comes out, the 116 units of the first phase of the redevelopment will be completely filled. That’s the ribbon cutting portion. The facility had its financial closing on July 12th for the second phase (121 units), the construction of which is already 48% complete at this time!  The owners expect the lease up to be equally as rapid due to the location, the magnificent facility, and its amenities. Combine the Ponemah Mill redevelopment and the new Hills at River View Apartments (300+ units) just a bit further up on CT RT 97, Taftville is turning out to be a great location for an entirely new generation of workers.

The tenants that are locating at these two large residential facilities are generally designed for studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments. The prime targets for residents are single individuals, couples or some single parents with a child.  To date, there are less than 30 children residing within the two facilities. Approximately 40% of the occupants work at either EB or the Subase showing the regional nature of housing.

Other indications of improving condition of Taftville is the increase in the number of calls related to locating businesses and investors considering the area. Recently, the Coordinating Committee (made up of the City’s enforcement officials, the offices of the NPU, Assessor, and NCDC have met with several entities looking for locations in Taftville.

City Council pitched $8.47 million revitalization program

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NORWICH — The City Council is considering a $8.47 million bond ordinance for Norwich’s economic revitalization initiative to spur economic development in the city.

At a special meeting of the council on Tuesday, Norwich Community Development Corporation president Robert Mills presented a proposal for an expansion of the city’s downtown revitalization bond program.

Mills provided statistics and data on the status of the $3.38 million bond program approved in 2010. Mills said that $2.47 million of that money has been spent or committed, resulting in $22.8 million of economic impact to Norwich. He said that investment has resulted in 124,000 square feet of improved space across 17 downtown properties.

“We have put nearly $23 million into the local economy over the life of these projects,” Mills said. “That’s a return of $9.22 to our economy for each dollar invested.”

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Norwich City Council to consider expansion to downtown bond program

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NORWICH — The City Council will meet on Tuesday for a special meeting to discuss the possibility for expansion of Norwich’s downtown revitalization bond program.

Mayor Peter Nystrom said that during Tuesday’s meeting, the Norwich Community Development Corp. will be presenting to the City Council a review of the current downtown bond program, the impact it has had on the downtown area, and determining whether to ask for voter approval for an expansion of the current bonding program.

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Norwich City Council to consider second revitalization bond

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Norwich — The City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday to hear presentations on Mayor Peter Nystrom’s proposal to seek voter approval for a second economic revitalization bond, possibly totaling $8.5 million, and to expand the incentive program outside the downtown.

Voters approved a $3.38 million downtown revitalization bond program in November 2010 that funded a matching grant program for building upgrades, a lease rebate program to boost building occupancy and a loan program for development. The programs are administered by the Norwich Community Development Corp., the city’s economic development agency.

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

June 2018 Newsletter

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June 2018 | Newsletter

There are a number of projects currently underway, predominantly in the Downtown area of Franklin Street, Main Street, and Broadway. These developments total nearly $14 million of direct economic investment for the city of Norwich—just in Downtown alone! I am pleased to share and expand upon a few of these developments with you today:

FRANKLIN FOUNDING. It was the developments surfacing on of Franklin Street that sparked an economic expansion in Downtown Norwich. These Guys, the popular brewpub located on 76 Franklin Street, was nearly a $1 million development that started to stimulate growth five years ago. 30-66 Franklin Street boasts of three champion occupants— Foundry 66 ($400,000); Epicure Brewing ($900,000) and Rose City Fitness ($165,000)—with an additional $1 million in the pipeline for an additional three units. That’s over $2.5 million of investment in just one building!

BROADWAY BOOM. Seven out of thirteen buildings are currently in re-development on Broadway Street. The Fairhaven Building, 26 Broadway, sold late last year and will be undergoing a $1 million renovation for its 18 residential apartments. 51 Broadway, a mixed-use, retail apartment complex is nearing completion of a $400,000 renovation. Both 59 and 54 Broadway, respectively, are experiencing $500,000 re-developments. 80 Broadway, a 5,500’ sq. ft. property that has been city-owned since 1964, sold in April to a private investor. The Castle Building (former People’s Bank) at 4 Broadway, purchased in 2016, has a new anchor tenant set to move in late summer or early fall of this year.

Craftsman Cliff Roasters, an eclectic coffee roasting house at 34 Broadway, opened just last month after undergoing a $150,000 redevelopment process, aided in part by NCDC.

MAIN STREET SURGE. The infamous Reid & Hughes building of 201 Main Street was adopted by the Women’s Institute and is on track for the beginning of a $6 million redevelopment project for veteran housing. Development for this substantial venture began just under a month ago. This month, 88 Main Street began a fully-funded renovation of its mixed-use retail and residential space. 77-91 Main Street, a 3600’ sq. ft. mixed-use retail building just sold at $500,000. Eastern Savings Bank is halfway through a $1.65 million redevelopment project on the fourth and fifth floors of 257 Main Street.

NCDC, pub owner honored for contributions to downtown Norwich revival

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Norwich — In the summer that will mark the 30th anniversary of the annual July 4 Norwich Harbor downtown fireworks festival, downtown business owner Paul Siefert had big words to say about the city’s urban center.

“I moved here in 1980,” the owner of Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still said Thursday evening at an event to honor his contributions to downtown Norwich. “This is as optimistic as I’ve ever been about downtown Norwich.”

Siefert, who purchased Billy Wilson’s at 57 Broadway in 2009, and the Norwich Community Development Corp. were selected by the Norwich Events Organization for the annual Ron Aliano Memorial Service Award for their distinguished service in the development of the city. Both were honored during a gala at the Marina at American Wharf on Thursday, the major fundraiser event for the fireworks festival….

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

The Chelsea Groton Foundation makes $100K grant for establishing a Global City Initiative — supporting the revitalization of Downtown Norwich

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NORWICH, Connecticut (April 12, 2018) – Today, The Chelsea Groton Foundation announced funding for a multi-year project of supporting the revitalization of Downtown Norwich through a Global City Initiative. This multi-cultural program will assist existing efforts to bring people together to participate in rich, diverse, multicultural experiences that the residents of Norwich and its surrounding communities have to offer. The Initiative will also assist entrepreneurs who are interested in occupying storefront spaces in the Downtown area.

“Just like we’ve seen in many small towns throughout New England, the more activity there is in downtown areas, the better the commerce is. Similarly, having attractive and interesting storefronts helps to drive activity. What’s unique to Norwich however, is the incredible cultural diversity of its’ residents,” explained Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank.

“Norwich is such a special place. Our goal with funding this program is to capitalize on the wonderful diversity, beautiful architecture and incredible waterfronts that are all already present in Norwich,” continued Rauh. “We’re thrilled to be working with NCDC on the project, and hope that the Global City Initiative will help to bring together existing programming, improve awareness of all Norwich has to offer, and revitalize Downtown Norwich through multicultural events, festivals, and small business activity.”

The principal objectives of the Global City Initiative are to:

1) engage the strength of a diversity of population uniquely available in Norwich to the benefit of all,

2) to fill empty spaces in a very impactful area of Norwich, concentrated in the downtown, and

3) activate multiple different cultures into being a critical part of the resurgence of their new home community.

The overall project will occur in many phases over the next few years. Initially, the Chelsea Groton Foundation is partnering with NCDC to focus on increasing demand through cultural activities and by increasing occupancy of retail spaces downtown. Demand will increase by enhancing existing parades, ethnic food offerings, art galleries, and other special events to ensure they have a larger, more positive economic impact on the community, and by introducing new cultural celebrations in order to improve the vibrancy of Downtown Norwich.  In order to increase occupancy of retail spaces, NCDC and the Chelsea Groton Foundation committee will identify the properties that should have a retail presence, determine what needs to be done to make them each viable spaces and assist entrepreneurs in getting set up in those spaces.

“NCDC is the development agency for the City of Norwich and has downtown revitalization as a key mission component” commented Bob Mills of NCDC. “This new funding and focus will add a creative new dimension to filling spaces and making Downtown more vibrant for everyone.”