Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- April 25, 2011
provided via Michiel Wackers of the MPCD Dept.
APRIL 2011 SEMI-ANNUAL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE SURVEY
Middletown’s recovery from the recession is well underway. For the first time since this survey was begun, more than 50% of firms are seeing increased revenues. A third of firms are now expecting to take on new employees over the next six months. All this activity has raised the confidence score by three-tenths to a new high of 6.5.
44% firms have significantly increased their online marketing efforts, up from 32%.
The slow recovery nationwide is still the biggest factor preventing business growth, followed by regulation and tax concerns with lending/financing issues coming in third. 30% of businesses expect government to keep taxes low to encourage new economic activity. 16% have concerns about parking and public infrastructure improvements, specifically with the new parking pricing and Melilli lot improvements.
The full report can be downloaded at:
MIDDLETOWN STATISTICS REPORT- APRIL 2011
↑ Local Economy-.Unemployment dropped by 0.4% to 8.8%. Hiring is up 13% since March and 188% since April 2010. Middletown Confidence Survey is up again, with 82% of firms seeing same or increasing revenues and 94% of firms hiring or maintaining staffing levels. Available commercial properties decreased by 8.4%. Business starts are up.
↔ Housing- Building permits are up versus a year ago for January and February. Days on the market for single-family and condos are decreasing. Price have edged down slightly, likely to winter lull. Foreclosures are down 51% versus a year ago.
↓ Web Presence- All indicators are down. Likely a cause of staying out of the national news.
The full report can be downloaded at:
MIDDLETOWN SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS- APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The City of Middletown has a new grant programs to help start-ups or expanding small business.
This program offers up to $1,500 to small businesses for a wide range of operating cost on a reimbursement basis after qualification using program guidelines. An additional $500 grant is available after successfully taking advantage of Middletown's free small business development center.
The program provides funding on a first-come-first-serve basis and is funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program.
For an application or more information please contact either Michiel Wackers or Rick Kearney at
We can also be reached by email at:
For a one-page summary of both programs go to: http://www.middletownplanning.com/documents/CDBG_ED_Program.pdf
MEETINGS OF THE WEEK
Conservation Commission
Monday, April 25, 2011, 7:00 PM, Room 208
- Officers and Committee Reports
- Annual Report
- Review of By-Laws
- Trail Guide
- Commission Vacancies
- Roadside Vegetation management
- Open Space Referendum
- Wesleyan GIS Projects
- Public Relations
Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 5:00 PM, Room 208
- Brownfields Redevelopment Public Presentation
Design Review and Preservation Board
Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 5:30 PM, Room 208
- Main Street Extension - CVS New Structure Review - Robert Medeiros
- 241 Middle Street - Galleria LED Billboard - Jerry Martorelli
- 633 Washington Street - Walgreens Façade Renovation Review - Robert Medeiros
- 545 Washington Street - Sears Auto Center Signage- Michiel Wackers
Planning and Zoning Commission
Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 7:00 PM, Council Chambers
- 465 Middlefield Street - Request for Location Approval for general repairer - Rides by Ryan
- Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to modify Section 32.01 Uses in the B-1 zone - P&Z Comm.
- east side of Coleman Road - six (6) lot resubdivision - Philip A. Reynolds, Trustee/Frank C. Magnotta, PE
- Riverfront Planning workshop
RECENT COMMISSION ACTIONS (Unofficial results)
Citizens' Advisory Committee
Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 5:00 PM, Room 208
- 2011 CDBG Grant Allocations
RECOMMENDED 2011 ALLOCATION
---Salvation Army/Teen Center-$10,000
---Russell Library/Job and Career Services-$10,000
---St. Vincent DePaul/Amazing Grace Food Pantry-$5,000
---Middlesex Business & Industry Foundation/Worker Preparation Program-$5,000
---Kuhn Employment Opportunities/Mobile Work Crew-$5,000
---Connecticut Legal Services/Housing Legal Aid-$5,000
---City of Middletown/Senior Center-$87,250.95
---City of Middletown/Bin de Soleil-$20,000
---Middletown United Fathers/Community Garden-$5,588.42
---North End Action Team/North End Parks-$12,650
---Community Health Center/Handicapped Lift-$15,345
---Middletown Public Schools/Hall House Building Improvements-$30,000
---Gilead Community Services/Improvements to Affordable Housing-$14,000
---City of Middletown/Remington Rand Incubator-$100,000
---City of Middletown/After-School Scholarship Program-$20,000
---City of Middletown/Micro-grant/loan program for Seniors-$10,000
---City of Middletown/Small Business Creation/Expansion Incentive-$50,000
---City of Middletown/Program Administration-$80,000
You can find agendas, minutes and legal notices at www.middletownplanning.com
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1 comment:
Regarding "Web Presence- All indicators are down. Likely a cause of staying out of the national news."
It is more likely a 'result' of staying out of the national news.
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