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Got the Process Started

Last Thursday I attended a meeting of economic developers from across the state. Attending with me was the chairman of our Economic Development Commission, Ryan Duques. This is usually a fairly informal luncheon networking opportunity, but at this particular meeting, David Lehman, the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), was the speaker.

I know David from having met him at a prior economic development forum where I asked for help on a specific project having to do with state property in Madison that could be used for economic development. As I described the opportunity, he became interested and asked for more information.

There are two parcels of land outside of Hammonasset Beach State Park that are owned by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) but located in our commercial district. They are on the north side of the Post Road at the corner of the Hammonasset Connector and has been neglected and unused as long as I can remember.

I spoke with David about helping us to get DEEP involved in discussions to transfer the property to the town or to a developer so it would be an addition to that commercial district. He was very helpful and arranged a meeting with several of the people that could help make that happen. We have a lot of hoops to jump through to bring this to fruition, but he got the process started.

I am often critical of the state government for how they deal with towns on many issues, but in this case, Madison has a friend in Hartford.

First Selectman Tom Banisch

Madison

Republican Tom Banisch is seeking re-election in the November elections.