Promoting Economic Development in South Windsor

Promoting Economic Development in South Windsor

M Saud Anwar

South Windsor is both literally and figuratively at a crossroads. In order to maintain and enhance our infrastructure, public services and our quality of life, the town will require additional resources. However, adding to the residential tax burden is something none of us want to happen. So, how can we enhance income without raising taxes? One solution lies in attracting new businesses to South Windsor.

South Windsor is an ideal location for both large and small business. We are located a short drive from Hartford and close to Springfield. Interstate I-91 - known as the “Knowledge Corridor” - offers easy access and rapid access to town. It is likely that Bradley Airport will expand and commuter rail service - between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield- is projected to be up and running by 2016. In addition, South Windsor has parcels of real estate along Route 5 which could be used for industrial development. The sheer numbers of people in the area present a picture that is attractive to business. Within our region and along the Knowledge Corridor, there are 2,774,000 people. There are 64,000 business establishments. This is a densely populated area, averaging 700 people per square mile. There are 215,000 college and university students in the area, which is the second highest in the US, after Boston.

We must be cognizant of what is happening regionally and throughout the State. A transportation system that allows workers easy access to South Windsor is an integral part of any future plans for development. Public transportation, for example, has worked well in the suburbs of Washington DC and New York. The reemergence of Hartford as a vital State capitol will benefit the region. We need to work with our legislators in order to take advantage of grants and incentives for which South Windsor may be eligible. Locally, partnerships with banks can be a valuable asset for economic development.

Preparing a strategy for growth requires an understanding of the current situation. There are businesses which offer goods, service industries, manufacturing and high tech entrepreneurs.  Some of these mainly serve local customers, while others reach well beyond the borders of South Windsor. In order to attract additional business to town, we have to develop a plan and incentives which address the needs and potential of each of these groups. They are not necessarily the same. The intent is to bring a both a workforce and consumers to South Windsor. One way to attract consumers from other towns is by offering the kinds of goods and services which are not readily available elsewhere. Consumer friendly shopping locations, such as Evergreen Walk, will bring consumers to South Windsor. To attract business and industry, we should consider incentives, tax abatements and services for employees. Marketing our town as a business friendly community is an essential part of any comprehensive strategy. Another potential source of both consumers and revenue is additional housing. Plans are underway to build apartments at Evergreen Walk. Additional consumers will help to support local establishments, from restaurant to dry cleaners.

It is my hope that together we can lead South Windsor on a path to responsible prosperity, to identify its strengths and opportunities and to develop an action plan for consideration by the Town Council. This will require the participation from leaders representing a broad spectrum of the community's public and private sectors. To begin this process, I am planning to establish a South Windsor Economic Development Leadership Committee to be approved by our Town Council. This group will be asked to help recommend policies that will become a map - or should I say GPS - for growing the economic foot print in our town. We would also ask this group to serve as a catalyst to bring businesses to our town.  I also would like to involve the South Windsor Economic Development Commission in this process, as well.  Finally, I invite any resident who has ideas or is interested in participating in the planning process, to contact me. By working together, on short and long range plans, we can make South Windsor grow.