First Selectman's Report - March 8, 2024
Chipotle at 131 Linwood Ave
This week, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the Special Permit and Site Plan for Galaxy Development, LLC at 131 Linwood Avenue, the currently vacant 0.79± acre parcel in front of the Keystone Shoppes. The new building will house Chipotle Mexican Grill with a “Chipotlane” pick-up window plus two additional tenant spaces.
The detailed Traffic Impact Study, prepared by a licensed professional Traffic Engineer and submitted as part of the Commission’s proceeding on the application, finds that the current Level of Service of the six nearby intersections studied will not be changed as a result of this new development.
A construction schedule for the project is yet to be determined.
Recreational Trails Grant Application
Last night, the Board of Selectmen authorized me to sign an application for the Town of Colchester under the CT DEEP recreational trails grant program. Proposed projects include establishment of a trail network and picnic area at the former Sablitz Property on Middletown Road with a possible disk golf course and a sidewalk connecting the Airline Trail State Park to the future Norton Park on Route 149.
Thank you to the Land Use Department, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works Departments for their efforts to develop this grant application
Solar Field Proposal
Last night, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to sign a letter of intent with Silver Brook Solar regarding a possible land lease behind the Town Transfer Station for use as a solar field as part of the Connecticut Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program. The Letter of Intent is a preliminary first step in the process. If Silver Brook is awarded a bid under the NRES program, then the Town would negotiate terms of a potential agreement for a lease of the property that could bring up to $4.5 million to the Town over 30 years in addition to potential tax revenue from the site.
Colchester Community Choir & Orchestra
The Colchester Choir and Orchestra’s Winter Concert is being held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, 3:00 pm, at Bacon Academy, 611 Norwich Ave, Colchester. The Orchestra will feature Classical music and the Choir will feature modern classic favorites. A reception will follow the concert.
The concert is free of charge, but donations are welcomed to support our goal to bring a wide variety of music to our community free of charge. Check CCO’s website or Facebook page for more details about CCO, or for information about joining the choir or orchestra - www.colchesterchoirorchestra.org.
CCO is a program under the Town of Colchester, Parks and Recreation Department.
Kindergarten Registration
Registration for Kindergarten for the 24-25 school year is underway. Parents can register by clicking here or using the QR code below.
Monthly Veterans’ Coffee Meet Up
The Town of Colchester is inviting former military members to our first "Coffee House" on Saturday, March 16th at Cragin Library. This monthly gathering is being organized to connect those who served their country with the armed forces. Guest speakers will provide information around beneficial veteran programs and services as well as health and well-being.
The monthly Coffee Houses will be held the third Saturday of each month from 10:15 - 12:00 at Cragin Memorial Library. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
For questions and/or suggestions, please call Mary Emerling at (860) 537-2921. We hope to see you there!
Colchester Youth Theatre presents: The Adventures of Hanna and Gretel
Friday, March 15th at 6pm in the WJJMS Black Box Theatre
Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Available in advance at: https://colchester-actors-theatre.ticketleap.com
An exciting evening of adventure that takes a new twist and a few turns through familiar fairytales. Travel along with Hanna and Gretel as they face-down villainous characters, finding friends and helpers along the way! Bring your imagination, and sense of wonder to this original piece of theatre created for our very first Colchester Youth Theatre production! Fun for all ages!
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman