Rocky Hill Economic Development Office Hopes To Fill or Sell Ames Building

The Town of Rocky Hill Economic Development Office is constantly looking to attract businesses to the town as well as retain the businesses already doing business here. 

Perhaps tops on the list of filling a space is the property that used to house Ames. 

"We are currently working now to have that property re-designated from redevelopment to rehabilitation," said Ray Carpentino, Economic Development Director. "That would allow us to give more tax abatement. We have to do something. It was the downtown for a long time but now we are missing that link."

Carpentino said that while the Silas Deane Highway should be an easy sell to merchants, there are actually many hurdles that have to be overcome to get businesses in open spaces. 

"Last year marked the completion of Phase I of the Silas Deane Streetscape," Carpentino said. "The Town is currently arranging funding for completion of Phase II. During the past year, the Rocky Hill business community has prospered and plans have emerged for continued growth. The streetscape and facade project has helped 14 businesses renovate the front of their business. 

"The Silas Deane is a corridor that is marked by multiple property owners and we're a small town size-wise. If you're near Exit 24 you're probably happy with your traffic but the further you go away from the exit the traffic decreases. What people are finding when they come into town to look for space is they want to own and the owners only want to lease. They also find it too expensive at times"

Carpentino is excited about the Foundry project that seems to be ready to roll ahead. 

"The redevelopment of the CT Foundry property, located along the banks of the CT River, is underway with the first phase of building demolition and environmental remediation and redevelopment plans have been submitted to the land use commissions. 

"We have an excellent stock for people looking for manufacturing and distribution," Carpentino said. "Town administration continue their efforts to implement and complete projects and initiatives focused on creating an environment that allows the business community to succeed and enhances community development." 

Anyone interested in business issues in Rocky Hill can Carpentino, Economic Development Director at (860)-258-7717or rcarpentino@rockyhillct.gov.