Letter to the Editor: Thoughts on Economic Development
- Theresa Cramer
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
I'm writing a response to the editor's commentary on the Stafford EDC meeting on May 28th. I was in attendance and can echo and agree with former EDC member Theresa Cramer's assessment. The EDC was formed in 2004 and amended in 2006. In 21 years can anyone write a clear and concise report on what the achievements were that progressed Stafford into a better community today compared to 21 years ago. If so, I'd like to read it. In 2024 the current 9- member commission met 4 times in the course of 1 year. One was cancelled due to inclement weather, 4 were cancelled due to a lack of a quorum and 1 cancelled without an explanation. The October and November minutes do not appear under minutes on the EDC website. That leaves 5 meetings in which to plan for an Economic Development strategy. At the May 28th meeting only 1 member attended out of 9 members. With a new commission being formed new members and existing members who plan on continuing need to have 2 initial goals, a desire to be successful and to focus on the objectives.
One goal is to attract new businesses into town; however, the town needs to be attractive. Stafford Springs downtown has such potential to be a quaint and unique village center. Think for a moment Main Street is comprised of buildings that are nearly 125 years old or older. They do not have sprinkler systems, fire walls and only recently mandated to have smoke alarms in some cases. The owners are not required to have fire insurance, but are required to have liability ins. In 2011 a building collapsed on Main Street, where the small park is located. Fortunately, no one was hurt. May not be that lucky next time. Town employees from building, fire, zoning, planning and health should plan to do inspections to bring buildings to code. This may already be in place.
Stafford has a Blight ordinance to keep the town clear of unsightly trash and dangerous materials. You can't help but notice the number of abandoned cars and trucks left in the front and back yards of homes. This affects the towns property values and will be a deterrent to families and businesses thinking of moving into town. Scrap metal cos would gladly remove the vehicles and other metal items for the scrap material, at no cost to the town or vehicle owners.
Stafford is the 4th largest town land wise in Ct. There's access to routes 84, 91 and the Mass Pike which makes it suitable for small manufacturing companies to move product easily. An industrial park adjacent to the highway would be a plus for Stafford.
The key to a successful project is setting and meeting goals, strategic planning, communication and the inclusion of individual's input. If the EDC wants to be successful they need to stay focused and have productive meetings not coffee klatches. Stafford has great opportunities ahead.
Chuck Alfano
Letters to the Editor represent the views of the letter writers only. They are not edited, even for grammar and spelling, so double-check your letter before submitting.
