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Welcome to this edition of
Mayor Carbone's Electronic Newsletter!
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Greetings!
It is finally beginning to look and feel like spring and, since spring represents new beginnings, it is an ideal time to participate in our annual Earth Day clean up on Saturday, April 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For more information,call Rista Malanca in our Planning Office (860)-489-2221. It is also a great opportunity to take advantage of our annual City Spring Leaf and Yard Waste pick-up program (The pick-up schedule and program guidelines can be found on the City Website or by clicking Here.
Over these next several weeks, we are going to focus on beautification and making sure our City areas are being well-maintained so we can all continue to be proud to call Torrington home.
During the spring and summer months, downtown is a vibrant place. I am excited about all that we have to offer in the heart of our city during the spring and summer months. From Main Street Marketplace and concerts in the park to car shows and museum and gallery openings. It’s Happening Here!
If you haven't visited downtown Torrington lately, please do so. Come and enjoy a leisurely walk on our beautiful sidewalks, visit the newly renovated library, check out an exhibit at the Torrington Historical Society or grab lunch and do some shopping with friends or family. From new restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, yoga studios and more, downtown is a great mix with something for everyone.
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One thing you may have noticed recently while coming into downtown from East Main Street are the new window decals on the second floor above Five Points Gallery. Proudly touting "Artist Launch Pad, University of Hartford"
This new collaboration between these two great organizations is the result of the efforts of Five Points Gallery Director Judy McElhone, Torrington Downtown Partners, and the University of Hartford Art School. The Launchpad involves artists using second floor office space for a period of 2 years (I think) for a reduced rent, and an exhibit of their work at the gallery.
Programs like this are so important since they not only draw in a university presence, but more importantly because they result in the ever important "feet on the street" The students, 14 of them at the moment, are able to patronize our local businesses and add to the vibrancy of our downtown. I recently had the chance to tour the Launchpad and meet with one of the artists, Karl Goulet. Karl does great work and is also active in the running of the Five Points Gallery as well.
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Just last year, the City completed Phase II of our sidewalk project which included new and wider sidewalks, planters and curbing from Maiden Lane to the Water Street intersection. This work was paid for by federal grants which the city had applied for and received a few years ago.
Additionally, we will soon be undertaking a project on the center bridge which will improve the appearance of the bridge with new lighting, plantings, and a painted railing. This work will also be covered by federal grants.
In addition to these efforts, the City of Torrington and Town of Winchester have written to the state Office of Policy and Management and have requested their consideration of funding for another round of the ever popular Facade Improvement Program. This program allows any business property owner to receive financial assistance to improve the exterior of their property. Many businesses across Torrington, and most recently the Torrington Downtown Partners among others, have been able to utilize this funding to
By improving the aesthetics and pedestrian safety of our downtown, and taking steps to incorporate business friendly features such as wider sidewalks the area has improved greatly and I am proud of the work that we have undertaken in this regard.
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Employee Spotlight
Rista Malanca,
Zoning Enforcement Officer & Inland Wetlands Officer
Rista has worked with the City for the past 3 years. In addition to her duties enforcing zoning and wetland regulations around the city, Rista advocates for Torrington to become more bike and pedestrian friendly. Rista has worked with abutting municipalities and the Torrington Trails Network t o secure over $500,000 from multiple grants to plan, design, and construct trails and greenways within Torrington. Rista serves as Co-Chair of the Naugatuck River Greenway Steering Committee, Secretary on the executive board of the CT Association of Zoning Enforcement Officers and is a member of the CT Greenways Council, Fit Together, and American Planners Association.
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One of the most exciting things lately is the growth of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses in Torrington and in downtown as well. Over the past few years, we have seen many new businesses sprout up. From real estate agencies, restaurants, natural food stores and more, these locally owned businesses are so important to the vitality of our community. I am greatly appreciative and thankful for the investment that so many business owners make right here in Torrington and I'm glad to do all that we can to support our local stores.
KidsPlay Childrens Museum, which has quickly become the happening place to be for families with young children, (my grandson included!) is currently undergoing a sizable expansion. They are in the midst of creating additional museum space right next door which will help them grow their offerings and further cement their commitment to Torrington. I recently had the opportunity to tour the new space and can't wait for work to be complete, museum staff are looking forward to a summer 2018 opening of their expanded museum.
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Historical Walking Tour
If you've been downtown in the past few months you may have seen the new plaques touting the Audio Walking Tour.
This initiative, a collaboration between the Torrington Historical Society, and Stephen Warshaw, a former marketing consultant for the City, allows individuals to use their smartphone to scan a barcode on plaques located at 21 historically significant properties throughout downtown. The project was also made possible by funding from the Northwest CT Community Foundation, Torrington Savings Bank, and the CT Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts. For more information or to hear the audio recordings online, please click
Here.
While we have driven past many of the buildings featured countless times, it's fascinating to hear the history and former lives of these iconic Torrington buildings.
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One of the newer trends that has come about recently is that of "incubator spaces". This involves several different business owners utilizing the same space for different purposes.
Downtown Torrington is not left out in this trend. Act Natural Energy Healing and Herbal Apothecary, located at 27 Water Street describes itself as "A unique collaborative of diverse holistic practitioners offering classes, workshops in nutrition, herbs, energy healing massage, and so much more". Through the hard work and energy of owner Pam Pinto and a talented group of instructors, the beautiful space is used for many events, classes, and gatherings. To the left is a photo of the beautiful space that Pam has worked to create.
While I meet with various other property owners of buildings that are underutilized, it is my hope that incubator space can be replicated and put to use. It's a great win for both property owners and business owners who may not have the need or resources to own and maintain an entire property of their own.
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As always, please do not hesitate to call or email the Mayor's office with any questions or concerns you may have.
Phone: 860-489-2228
Email: elinor_carbone@torringtonct.org
Please click
Here for the monthly meeting schedule.
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