December 2024
Progress Of and Planned Projects
By Barbara Heimlich
Editor
Source: Town of Stratford Economic Development
Zoning Regulations Update/Rewrite
Zoning Regulations update was approved for adoption by the Zoning Commission at their December 11th meeting. The final version of this important document is now available: https://arcg.is/1PHr8X0
Stratford Army Engine Plant (former Avco Plant) –All pertinent departments have reviewed and approved plans for the project’s first phase and confirmed that they comply with the Planning & Zoning conditions. This phase will include abatement and demolition of the buildings, followed by capping of the 77 acres in accordance with FEMA standards. An Environmental Service Cooperative Agreement (ESCA) is in place for the remediation, demolition and fill of the upland property and a separate one is in place for the tidal flat project. Both projects will take place simultaneously, enabling PSR to use the material from the mudflats as fill. PSR (Point Stratford Renewal, owners and developers of the Army Engine Plant) has created a website which provides project updates: https://www.formersaepinfo.com/
Former Center School Property (1000 East Broadway)
The Romano Brothers Builders are finalizing their contract with the Town of Stratford for the construction of a housing complex at the former Center School Property. The Town has agreed to sell the 3+ acres of property to Romano Brothers for approximately $1.69M. To date there has been no environmental survey nor traffic survey. A 10 year structured tax abatement would be given to Romano Brothers for the parking garage. To date the contract between Romano Brothers and the Town of Stratford has not been signed.
Contract Plating (540 Longbrook Avenue) HyAxiom, Inc., a global fuel cell provider, has been approved for the installation of 11 fuel cells on the Contract Plating property. The fuel cells will be gas powered and will generate electricity, helping to support a decentralized power grid. They will be arranged in a fenced-in area in the southwest corner of the property. The agreement between HyAxiom and the Town of Stratford has been signed. Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has agreed to grant supplemental funding for Phase III which will provide the Town with a remediation cost estimate
Parkway Plaza (behind Ryder’s Landing) – Phase II of the new development will be a boutique waterfront hotel and the last Phase will consist of a mixed-use building with a restaurant along with an additional restaurant.
Raymark Superfund Clean-up – The excavation is on-schedule and is currently taking place along the Ferry Boulevard Corridor. This phase of the project is earmarked for completion by end of 2024. The next area scheduled for cleanup is 576 Ferry Blvd and Shore Road. Unknown progress to date.
Stratford Performing Arts Complex
Full-service architectural firm Svigals + Partners is working on schematic drawings of the proposed renovations and addition to the Benjamin Nichols House (aka White House), as well as necessary infrastructure improvements to the property. The plan is to transform the building into an art space. The Town is currently working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which sets the standards for historic building projects.
Upcoming New Businesses
Kevin’s Collision Center, 1870 Barnum Ave.
My Gyro & Falafel, 1030-1056 Stratford Ave
H3 Pets, 3540 Main Street
Northeast Luxury Salon Suites, 1675 Barnum Ave.
Pikly’s Restaurant, 1 Woodend Road
Commercial Property Sales
3115 Main Street to Miller & Morilla Realty LLC for $675K on 11-16-24
24-26-40 Boston Avenue to Om Gan Ganpataye, LLC for $950K on 11-12-24
1785 Stratford Avenue to Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County Inc. for $5.7M on 11-7-24 1200 Linden Avenue to Janash Holdings LLC for $370K on 11-6-24
2563 and 2573 Main Street to Panasharp Properties, LLC for $1.267M on 10-22-24
Commercial Projects – New Construction
2009-2019 Main Street, construction of a 99-unit, 4 story apartment building
305 Hathaway, outfit building to a 40,000 SF cannabis grow facility
1220-1260 Linden Avenue, construction of a 2,300 SF drive-through Starbuck’s
500 Sniffens Lane, construction of a 6,000 SF marine service building & boatyard
130 Honeyspot Road, convert building to a 5,572 SF cannabis retail store
815 Woodend Road, construction of 25,000 SF pre-lease build-to-suit for Roto Rooter staff training center
1265 West Broad Street, construction of 230,000 SF warehouse/distribution facility (construction complete and open for business)
Infrastructure Improvements
Complete Streets Phase I – With the goal of improving pedestrian and cyclist traffic, Phase I of this project included replacement of sidewalks, installation of granite curbing, the addition of decorative crosswalks and bike lane striping along Main Street from the Main/Barnum intersection south to Harvey Place. This portion of the project is complete. For additional information, please visit COMPLETE STREETS at https://www.stratfordct.gov/o/stratford/page/planning-and-zoning-documents
Complete Streets Phase II – Will run along Main Street from the Main/Barnum intersection up through Paradise Green to Windsor Avenue. The project is currently in the 90% design phase. There has been outreach to gather input and feedback from landlords, businesses and residents;
an additional public meeting will take place on January 7th at 5:30 p.m. in the Stratford Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Barnum Avenue Cut-off Bridge – Located at the intersection of Barnum Avenue Cut-off and Longbrook Avenue, this bridge runs over the Metro North Rail. Through this DOT project, the bridge will be raised and sidewalks will be added, improving the safety and walkability of this area. The project is planned to begin in April 2025. Construction underway for several months.
Stratford Avenue/Honeyspot Road Roundabout – Working with the DOT on this project, the goal is to create safer traffic patterns and a more pedestrian-friendly, well-lit, attractive streetscape. The project should begin in the spring of 2025.
Marketing
The Town of Stratford video series — located on the Stratford Economic and Community Development YouTube Channel – is promoted throughout the year.
Stratford Museums Committee
Under the leadership of the Stratford Historical Society, plans are being made for America 250 – Stratford, a celebration of our country’s 250th birthday. A community kick-off meeting of civic organizations took place on October 9th. More to come in 2025! For those interested, a Facebook page has been created: America 250 Stratford
Job Opportunities with Stratford Businesses
The Economic and Community Development Office maintains a listing of job opportunities available with Stratford businesses: https://www.stratfordct.gov/jobs
Stratford Community Calendar – Now available on Instagram @STRATFORD.CALENDAR and Facebook STRATFORD CALENDAR. We encourage all Stratford residents and organizations to take advantage of this wonderful resource that lists all Stratford community events. https://www.stratfordcalendar.com/
Available Commercial Space – Updated listing of commercial properties for sale or lease on Economic Development page of Town website (directions below)
For additional information, please visit Townofstratford.com > Town Hall > Town Departments & Services > Economic Development
Will single family homes be built…and when?