Downtown Visions
By Robin Vinci at October 2, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Print
Kiosks, Food Trucks in Central Park Future
When it comes to what residents want to see anchor downtown New Britain, each person has a different view. But, the dream is still to see it revitalized and bustling.
This week The New Britain City Journal Facebook group was asked, “What business or type or business would you like to see anchor downtown?” Well over 300 responses were given.
Here are some of them.
“Something like a sports bar with live entertainment on weekend nights. Not the same ole same old. A bowling alley attached would be awesome,” said Sue Fahey.
“A Dave and Busters. Something that is a destination,” said Mike Smith. “There is one in Manchester now, but having a place like that in the central CT area would be great.”
“We need multiple entertainment venues; a music venue, a sports bar, a nice restaurant. We don’t need places for people to shop during the day,” said Todd Davis Cheney. “We need places for people to socialize in the evenings.”
Jessica VanBever said, more cafe’s are always nice in downtown areas. I’m always looking for towns with inviting coffee shops with outdoor seating.”
“We need something for teens, somewhere for them to go, relax, hangout. Get them off the streets,” said Jennifer Martin.
Beth Clarke said, “How about an indoor flea market? I’ve been to Daytona Flea Market. It draws quite a crowd and is not only used and antique items but all sorts of vendors under one roof. Include a food market mimicking Chelsea Market in NYC.”
“Christmas Tree Shop, Dave and Busters,” suggested Judith Robinson.
Jeph Wolodkowicz said, “Mobile drive in movie theater, Walmart Building, Shaws building, flea markets.”
“Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings,” said Steven Wineglass.
Ann Salmonson Korab said, “I’d love a craft/art supplies/fabric store. More diverse than JoAnn’s; a Michaels would be fantastic!”
“An Internet cafe, a roller rink, an indoor fun place like Nomads to keep children busy and off the streets,” stated Elsa Santiago.
“Metaphysical store and coffee shop,” said Dee Dove.
Jae Douglas said, “A destination restaurant like Cheesecake Factory or Longhorn Steakhouse. People drive from far away to eat at those types of places.”
“I’d like to see a movie place or a roller staking place something for families and kids,to do,” suggested Cathy Derosier.
Susan Rohrbaugh DAlfonso said, “Like a Ground Round, casual food, bar, popcorn and movies for kids. I definitely agree with something for both kids and adults.”
Although the ideas were plentiful, the dreams may just not be unrealistic.
Mayor Erin Stewart said she recently sent over 50 solicitation letters to businesses, many of those suggested on Facebook, telling them about New Britain and asking them to take a look at moving here.
“It was a generic letter telling them that this is what New Britain has to offer and take a look at us if you are interested,” said Stewart. “A lot of it is based on what people say they want.”
Stewart said the City needs investors.
“I’m advocating for people to look at New Britain and investors to spend their money here,” Stewart said. “And people have expressed interest.”
The old Herald building just sold, said Stewart. More information about that will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
“As long as people know and see and feel the uptick, it generates interest,” said Stewart. “We have seen transfers of property and development recently like we haven’t seen before. It’s not all downtown, but it is New Britain.”
In March of 2015 the streetscape project will certainly play a role on business in Central Park. One side of the parking lot near the park will be parallel parking for food trucks and in the middle of Central Park will be kiosks for rent for arts and crafts, fresh food such as Urban Oaks or whatever people want to sell.
“It will bring more foot traffic and attention to the heart of downtown,” said Stewart. “A lot of changes are coming and when we make those changes people will come.”
Stewart said Bill Carroll, the City Economic Coordinator and the Chamber of Commerce are available to help new businesses or businesses having issues or are failing. New business owners are also welcome to call her office.
“I think it’s cool that people want to see things downtown. It wasn’t that long ago that people had given up hope on it,” said Stewart. “The fact that people feel these things can become a reality means the world to me.”
So what does the Mayor want to see downtown?
“I like all the ideas, but I really want a Chipotle’s within walking distance,” said Stewart. “That is my dream.”
