Windsor Locks OKs study, hires lobbying firm

Matthew Knox, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·1 min read

Mar. 10—WINDSOR LOCKS — The Board of Selectmen this week approved entering into a contract with a consulting firm to conduct a study of downtown.

The study will conduct a review of the current market conditions in that part of town and determine what kinds of commercial, residential, and industrial projects are needed and will survive there.

According to First Selectman Paul Harrington, the cost of the study is about $22,000. Harrington said the study will focus on Main Street and the tax increment financing district, which also covers small portions of surrounding streets, such as Elm Street.

The study also will evaluate the current real estate market conditions, including vacancy rates, leasing and rental rates, and sales prices. It will collect data on the demographics of the area, the employment opportunities present, and the traffic counts.

At the same meeting Tuesday, the selectmen approved an agreement with lobbying firm Sullivan & Leshane, paying them $2,500 per month for 10 months.

Harrington said he was at the State Capitol one day when he struck up a conversation with some lobbyists and learned that towns can hire them too.

He said his hope is that the firm will give the town more of a voice at the state and federal level of government and increase the chances of obtaining funding.

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