Showing posts with label economic development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic development. Show all posts

Monday, May 5, 2014

Ansonia mayor to unveil plans for former housing complex


Public forum slated May 29 at AHS

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti is poised to propose his vision for the redevelopment of the former Riverside Drive housing complex, according to a press release from his office this morning. 

The announcement will be made at a public forum at 6 p.m. May 29 in the library of Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway.

“It is crucial that the redevelopment of the site serve the best interests of Ansonia and its residents,”  Cassetti said.  “I have put much thought into a plan for revitalization of the property and I am very excited to finally share my vision with the public.”

While the mayor is saving details of the project for the forum, he has shared the guiding principles of the planned redevelopment.   
“A dual commitment to security and community forms the cornerstone of this revitalization effort,” Cassetti said. “I believe this project will have a significant and profoundly positive impact on Ansonia’s future.”

Sheila O’Malley, Ansonia’s newly-appointed Economic Development Director, has said the mayor’s vision manages to address “a variety of Ansonia’s needs” in a single redevelopment plan.  “Without giving anything away, I believe that the response to the mayor’s proposal will be very well received because of how many interests it serves,” she said. 
“It is part economic development, part community development," O'Malley said. "This is a mixed use redevelopment plan that represents a strong commitment to the health and safety of the entire city.”

The mayor’s announcement will be made in tandem with officials from the Ansonia Housing Authority, who will present their own plans for redevelopment at the site.  
“Essentially you will see an outline of several separate projects that together constitute a well-integrated revitalization plan,” O’Malley said.
“This will certainly be a long-term project,” Cassetti cautioned.  “It will also take the input and support of our entire community to succeed,” he said. 
 “The plan unveiled will by no means be final,” Cassetti added.  “There will be room to adjust and grow based on the input of both officials and residents as the process moves forward.” 

 “May 29 will be the start of a very exciting dialogue in Ansonia,” Cassetti said.  “I am eager to kick things off.”


This post is taken from a press release from the mayor's office.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

We like the farmer's market, do you?

ANSONIA - Economic Development Commission Chairman Vinnie Scarlata this week announced a Facebook page for the new Ansonia Farmer's Market in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street.

The market had a successful grand opening last Thursday.

He said these vendors are expected to be there Thursday:

  • Darling Farm, 1907 Litchfield Turnpike, Woodbridge;
  • Eastside Greenhouses, 72 North Prospect St., Ansonia;
  • Grassy Hill Farms, 970 Grassy Hill Road, Orange;
  • Marcucio Farms, 34 Benz St., Ansonia;
  • Marcucio Gardens, 480 New Haven Ave., Derby.


Scarlata is trying to promote the market with a new Facebook page and is asking people to visit it and "like" it.

See you at the farmer's market!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Ansonia will soon have Asian fusion restaurant

Spotted today:  A sign of the times.

Ansonia will soon have an Asian Fusion restaurant at the site of the former Pilgrim Bar-B-Q restaurant on Main Street. Economic Development Commission chairman Vinnie Scarlata said he was pleased to see that plans are moving along for the restaurant, which he said will offer "more gastronomic diversity" to downtown. Patricia Villers/Register

Friday, July 20, 2012

Farmers' market welcomed in Ansonia

 

As a resident of Ansonia I'm happy the city now has its own farmers' market.

The market in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street was open for business Thursday for the first time. Three local farms were represented.

A small but steady stream of customers came through to see what was for sale. Everyone seemed pleased the market was there.

I bought a beautiful flowering plant for half the price I would have had to pay at a retail store.

 

My husband bought several different kinds of vegetables for just $5.


Kudos go to Economic Development Commission chairman Vinnie Scarlata and commission members for turning an idea into a reality in just a few short weeks.
And city officials are to be commended as well for quickly approving the concept.


See you Saturday at the farmer's market!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Farmers' market is welcome news for downtown Ansonia

By Marc Weissman
Producer/Host
"Looking Up: A View From The Valley"
Community Access TV show



Hats off to Chairman Vinnie Scarlata of Ansonia's Economic Development Commission for an absolutely fabulous job spearheading the city's new Farmers' Market that kicks off at 2 p.m. Thursday.
It will be open 2-6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays each week through the fall. 

Illustration by Rich DiCarlo of Derby

What a great way to attract more patrons to Ansonia's downtown as well as help promote overall business development in the city.

Between the recent success of the second annual Pierre Lallement Bike Festival, and now this follow-up effort -  completed in just three weeks from concept to approval - Scarlata has clearly demonstrated himself as a positive force to be reckoned with in the Valley.

And in case you hadn't heard, in addition to nearby farmers participating in this worthwhile community effort, Vinnie and the EDC have also smartly included Eddy’s Bake Shop and Big Y as vendors. There is even open space allotted for any  local  co-op  growers  from   Ansonia's  own  Nature   Center
What this means is that Scarlata and his group have astutely developed a unique and savvy biweekly event that collaborates local agriculture, at least one downtown business and a corporate entity all in one nice, neat, Valley-friendly package.

Good luck, Vinnie, and congratulations to all involved! 
 

Check out www.lookingupvalley.com
to learn more about Weissman's community access TV show.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Farmers' market is great news for Ansonia

Kudos to Vinnie Scarlata, Ansonia Economic Development Commission chairman, for gaining city approval this week for a farmer's market.

It will be set up in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street, near the train station. Grand opening is slated for Thursday.


As an Ansonia resident I must say I'm happy about this positive turn of events. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Mayor James Della Volpe has voiced his support, as has Bart Flaherty, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
 
Scarlata said he looked at the following potential locations: Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center; City Lot, East Main Street; City Lot, West Main Street; Farrel Corp. Lot, Main Street; Nolan Field, Wakelee Avenue; Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall, Main Street.

He considered a variety of necessary attributes, such as parking, accessibility, traffic, visibility, vendor spaces, site maintenance, police coverage, insurance, and state certification.

Scarlata used his own criteria to rate the sites, and came up with the West Main Street spot. Commission members will serve as market managers.

Scarlata and all city officials deserve plaudits for moving quickly to make this concept a reality.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Town seeks residents' input on development

    SEYMOUR - The town of Seymour has scheduled a public workshop to obtain input from residents about the downtown area.
    The workshop is part of an update of the Economic Development Action Plan for Seymour.
    The workshop is intended to involve town residents in exercises that will help identify issues and priorities for the town to address in the downtown area in the coming years.
    The results of the workshop will be considered by the Economic Development Commission and the Town of Seymour.
    The workshop is scheduled for  7-9 p.m. May 9 at Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road
    Residents are encouraged to bring their views, concerns, and questions to this workshop to ensure that issues and possible strategies for the downtown are identified.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Business forum slated Thursday in Ansonia

 ANSONIA - Economic Development Commission chairman Vinnie Scarlata has scheduled another in a series of monthly forums for Ansonia merchants and business owners.
The forum will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Original Antonio's Restaurant, 314 Main St.
Scarlata said in an e-mail that he plans to update business owners on the second Pierre Lallement Festival of Bicycles June 3 and ask for their participation.
He also will update them on a Storefront Grant Program that would be run through the Economic Development Commission.

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