Fourteen Stories to Watch in South Windsor for 2014

By Ted Glanzer

Out with the old, in with the new. While 2013 was certainly an eventful year in South Windsor, 2014 figures to present new challenges and opportunities for the town.

I got out my crystal ball (OK, it’s my laptop) and came up with the following 14 stories (which appear in no particular order) to watch out for in the new year.

1. CT Studios - Don’t roll your eyes at me. It’s been more than five years since the project was first introduced, and the only construction that’s taken place is the foundation for a security shed. Much of the discussion in public has been the wrangling over the reverter clause for the 20 acres of land the town kicked in as part of the deal. Will this be the year that the financing is secured and construction begins? Or will the project fall through, with litigation following in its wake?

2. Schools Referendum - The first of three referenda on the South Windsor elementary schools project is scheduled for March. The plan calls for the construction of a new school, the renovation of three others and the shutting down of the Wapping School. If the first one passes, the plan moves forward. If it fails, it’s back to the drawing board for the school district.

3. Economic Development - Mayor Dr. Saud Anwar said that this is a major priority for the immediate and long-term future of the town. Anwar recommends, among other things, the creation of an economic development subcommittee.

4. Apartments - For the third time, a proposal fell through for a new apartment complex to be constructed at Evergreen Walk. That led to a larger discussion at a recent Town Council meeting over the dearth of housing for young people in South Windsor. The issue figures to crop up again along with discussion of economic development.

5. Evergreen Walk Hotel - South Windsor’s lifestyle shopping center is finally getting its hotel; construction started this month.

6. The budget - Every year is a tough budget year. How will the annual wrangling over the tax dollars go with the newly formed Democratic majority on the Town Council? Will the school district, under the leadership of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kate Carter, continue its string of budgets being passed without alteration for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year?

7. Emergency Operations Center - It’s been several years since the town acquired the old post office on Sullivan Avenue. The most recent discussions have centered on turning the building into an emergency operations center/business incubator/town hall annex. The town has already secured a $500,000 STEAP grant from the state, and it is seeking $500,000 more this year. If successful, the town might have enough to start work on the project. But...

8. What About the Fields? In October, the Town Council passed a plan to have a $900,000 fields project at Nevers Road. To fund the project, $500,000 would have to be secured through a $500,000 STEAP grant. The town has effectively pitted one project (the EOC) against another (the fields), because one STEAP grant is provided to a town in any given year - if a town receives one at all.

9. Eastern Connecticut Health Network Building - ECHN has a medical office campus in South Windsor that opened recently. It is expected to add a new building to that campus in 2014.

10. What Superstorm is Going to Hit Us? I write this only slightly tongue in cheek. In the last three years, the area has been socked by an October nor’easter that knocked out power for more than a week, Hurricane Sandy, Tropical Storm Irene and a storm that dumped 3’ feet of snow. So, what’s coming this year? I’m only looking for suggestions. Please, no wagering.