Connecticut
Huge Middletown housing complex offers a 1st: Private money targeted toward minority contractors
With an official construction kickoff Tuesday in Middletown, Springside moved closer to becoming one of the largest new apartment complexes in central Connecticut: Plans call for 414 units.
But more than size sets this project apart, speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony said. Local officials believe this is the first time that a developer has pledged private money to hire minority contractors in Middletown.
“I want you to know you’re witnessing history,” Alan Marshall told a crowd of community leaders gathered under a tent at the 48-acre building site. “For the first time in the city’s history, a private developer has set aside a minimum of $1 million for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.”
Middletown negotiated two unusual provisions when it granted tax breaks to developers PB Development and Harbor Group International. The companies agreed to earmark $1 million of the construction budget for minority-owned contractors, and also pledged to provide $100,000 in local business gift cards to tenants in the 414 apartments.
“It took years to get this project to where we’re breaking ground. It’s our intention to surpass your expectations, to exceed some of the set-asides,” said Bob Dale, a principal in PB Development. “We expect to surpass them and we expect to deliver a piece of the community that’s vibrant, that fits in Middletown, and that’s going to have long-lasting value for you and your community.”
Marshall, a youth minister with the Shiloh Christian Church, was one of dozens of community members and town officials who spent years trying to coordinate a large-scale residential construction project on the property.
“I’m especially proud and grateful that the investment being made is going to support minority contractors and minority businesses in our community,” Mayor Ben Florsheim said. “It’s something the state of Connecticut has talked about for many, many years as a strategy to better invest in what it means to actually build sustainable economies here and not outsource labor or jobs.”
The developers recruited Marshall to run the set-aside program, and he said Tuesday that Springside is more than housing.
“We’re talking about a public-private partnership that’s completely cash-positive for the city,” Marshall said. “For the first time in the city’s history, Middletown will have a set-aside funded with private money and a Discover Middletown program aimed to incentivize small (local) businesses through the purchase of gift cards.”
The first phase of Springside should take 27 months to complete, and will produce 240 units, Dale said. The second phase will build another 174. Dale said he would like to begin construction on phase two sometime during phase one, but said that could be held off depending on market conditions.
The cost of the first phase has been estimated at $83 million. Dale on Tuesday said the cost of the entire project will be over $100 million, but cited construction inflation as one reason he wouldn’t give a more precise figure.
Springside will be entirely market-rate rentals with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and a mix of three-story garden-style apartments, a four-story building with an elevator, and single-level townhouse-style units.
There will be two large amenities buildings including a large fitness center, as well as a dog park, outdoor pool and more.
A 14-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital Friday night after police said they were hit by a car.
The teen was hit around 7:15 by the Municipal Stadium on Watertown Avenue around the time of kickoff for the Wilby High School game against Derby.
Police did not say if the teen was on their way to the game.
The driver and passenger, a 75-year-old man and 73-year-old woman, remained on scene and neither were injured.
The teen was taken to an area hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition, with life threatening injuries.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the acciden.
The land search for the Connecticut Renaissance Faire is still ongoing, but the faire is going on.
The CT Renaissance Faire announced in the spring it was looking for a new venue to call home. It has been at the Lebanon Lions’ Fairgrounds since 2017. With attendance as high as 50,000 for it’s seven weekends, the Faire wants its own property to call home. The 65 or more acres of land the Faire is looking for would provide plenty of parking, space for permanent structures, and the possibility of off-season events.
The Faire has a property it has set its sights on but is still considering other properties. Months into the search, The Faire is still getting suggestions and towns interested in working with them.
“It’s finding the right land in those towns that can be difficult,” Tetreault said.
However, it will stay in eastern Connecticut because “it’s where we’ve been most of the time we’ve existed,” Tetreault said.
“We really like it here,” he said.
While the new home is supposed to be for the 2025 season, it may take longer to get going. There is no set time to make a final decision, and the Faire may need permits that take up to 18 months to finalize.
“We will see how that goes,” Tetreault said.
How’s this season going?
This season has been well attended. While Tetreault didn’t have exact numbers, most days have seen a 30% attendance increase compared to last year. The Faire offering affordable tickets and food contributes to this increase, he said.
“It’s exciting to see the younger people responding so well to the Faire,” Tetreault said.
The first weekend in October is Time Travelers Weekend, where science fiction will be included in the fun. Oct. 5 includes a cosplay costume contest, and an adults-only, costume required Halloween party after hours. Oct. 6 is specifically Doctor Who themed, with a Dr. Who cosplay contest and photo ops with The TARDIS, the vehicle the Doctors use to travel space and time.
The following weekend is All Hallows Eve Weekend. Oct. 12 will feature an evil laugh and scary scream contest, safe trick-or-treating, and the all-ages Halloween Knights after party. Oct. 13 will feature a costume contest for kids 15 and under, and Oct. 14 will feature a costume contest where everyone dresses as Mrs. Roper from the sitcom Three’s Company.
Oct. 19 and 20 is the Grand Finale Weekend and will feature talent shows both days. A variety of performers will be there or some or all of these weekends, per the Faire’s website.
If you go:
Tickets: General admission is $16, with discounts for children 15 and under. Dogs with proof of vaccination are admitted for $5. Buy your tickets online to save time.
When is the Faire open? The Faire is open weekends until Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. It will also be open on Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 14.
What is there to eat? From savory pies to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the list of food and beverage vendors so you don’t miss anyone on your list.
What about entertainment? Here is the show schedule. In addition there are plenty of medieval activities to do and watch, from jousting, to knighting ceremonies, to sword swallowing (don’t try this at home, kids), to aerial acrobats (Oct. 5-20 only), and all are included with your admission.
What’s the address? 122 Mack Road, Lebanon
Route 6 in Plymouth is closed after a crash.
Police said the road will be closed until further notice and all drivers should avoid Route 6 and seek another route.
Drivers of all tractor-trailers should avoid Route 6 through the town of Plymouth.
The state Department of Transportation said the crash involved three vehicles.
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Welcome to Meta’s future, where everyone wears cameras
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