Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • October 29, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 5 uses, restaurants, brewpubs, distilleries and collaborative workspaces for entrepreneurial companies. Immediate plans are aimed at stabilizing the market's current tenant base, addressing operational and security issues, creating a marketing plan and plotting a five- to 10-year plan to address capital improvements and other recurring investments. Berlin's Hartford line station bows The CTrail Hartford Line has a new full- service stop in the heart of Connecticut. State and local officials unveiled on Oct. 23 the new station at 51 Depot Road in Berlin during a grand opening event. The once decrepit rail station had been under construction since Dec. 2014, and was partially open to passengers when the commuter rail launched June 16. Berlin's station, located just off the town's downtown strip on Farmington Avenue, will connect to the rail line's New Haven-to-Springfield train service and Amtrak trains. It includes a new 235-space parking lot with two electric vehicle charging stations. The rail line also includes stops in Windsor Locks, Windsor, Hartford, Meriden and Wallingford. Other stations are under development in West Hartford, Newington, Enfield and North Haven, state officials said. In Berlin, a mixed-used development housing commercial and 16 residential units opened across the street from the station about four years ago. The town has also scored a portion of state funds for pedestrian improvements near the station and is plotting a transit-oriented development for future projects there. Newington PZC nixes affordable housing complex Newington's Planning and Zoning Commission voted against a $32 million- plus affordable-housing development proposed near one of Newington's CTfastrak busway stations. Town Planner Craig Minor said the zoning commission voted 4-2 against the development at 550 Cedar St. amid safety concerns. A key part of the denial, Minor said, had to do with the need for a sidewalk to connect the three-building, 108-unit apartment complex on land owned by Stop & Shop Supermarket to the CTfastrak bus station. Massachusetts developer-landlord Dakota Partners Inc. offered to fund the sidewalk installation and pledged to work with the state Department of Transportation to mitigate safety concerns. The sidewalk plan, however, was not feasible based on the steep topography of the land, Minor said. The town planner said there is a lack of shoulder room to fit a sidewalk, making it "difficult if not impossible" to create enough space from traffic. Minor said the sidewalk would have also not complied with requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Dakota Partners can appeal the decision. Stotts to resign as Hartford Stage managing director Hartford Stage Managing Director Mike Stotts announced he is stepping down from his post next year after 12 years. Stotts said he will resign Jan. 25, 2019 and become the managing director at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse. Hartford Stage said it will launch a national search for his replacement. Since 2006, Stotts has managed the Hartford Stage's finances, development, marketing and operations. He also managed its campaigns to expand and renovate its theatre venue. Stotts, the company's seventh managing director in 55 years, helped the venue produce several critically acclaimed performances, co-leading its operations with several artistic directors, Hartford Stage said. HR Hotline A free service for members. Manufacturing Advocate Promoting Connecticut's manufacturing industry and, with our affiliate, CONNSTEP, providing solutions to make companies more competitive and more successful. Energy Purchasing Advisor Helping you maintain budget certainty in an often-volatile marketplace without gimmicks or hidden costs. News Resource Business leaders turn to CBIA for expert analysis of topics ranging from workforce issues to economic competitiveness. Discount Destination Members receive discounts on business-critical products and services. Training & Networking Source Valuable business and economic conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities. Workforce Development Partner Closing the gap between skills and business hiring needs. Employee Benefits Solution The most highly valued, comprehensive employee benefits program for Connecticut small businesses! YOUR... Voice at the Capitol CBIA is the most powerful, most effective business advocacy organization in Connecticut. We Help Small Businesses Succeed and Grow. Learn more: cbia.com/about | 860.244.1900 C B I A W O R K S F O R Y O U R S M A L L B U S I N E S S The new Berlin train station connects to the Hartford rail line. PHOTO | FILE PHOTO

• Cover