Guiding Appropriate Development
Click for additional information, denoted by a green dot where available.
These tables are best viewed on a computer.
Status: A- Not Yet Implemented
B- In Progress
C- Completed
L.1. Support Existing Businesses
L.1. Support Existing Businesses
Policy
1
Continue and enhance effort to support local businesses and encourage them to thrive.
EDC
Town CoC
A directory of local businesses, broken down by category, is available at www.portlandct.org/business.
While the Economic Development Coordinator position established in 2016 has been eliminated, the Planner assumes the role of business ombudsman as time permits.
In June 2021, the BOS and EDC funded the design and printing of foldable Z-card maps of the Portland Spur of the Air Line Trail Park. The maps feature a QR code that links to the Town website to promote restaurants, retail, and other parks and trails.
•In August 2021 The Development Planner working with the Town Technology Program created three promotional videos designed to highlight and promote existing businesses and attract new business development. The videos target our commercial, industrial, and recreational market segments.
During 2021, restaurants were supported through the winter "06480 To Go" gift certificate promotion, agricultural related businesses were supported by a "Farm Week" social and print media promotion, retail stores were featured during the holiday "Step Inside" promotion.
New business in person Grand Opening events resumed in 2021 after being halted due to the pandemic in 2020.
2
Establish and maintain relationships with local businesses and business organizations in order to understand issues and opportunities.
EDC
Town CoC
3
Identify a Town staff-person or agency to be the "ambassadors" if local businesses have issues to be considered.
EDC
Town CoC
4
Encourage residents to "buy local."
EDC
Town CoC
5
Continue to allow for appropriate home-based businesses.
PZC
LU | EDC
Action Item
6
Establish and maintain a directory of local businesses.
EDC
Town
7
Continue programs to highlight local businesses so that residents and other busi-nesses are familiar with them.
EDC
Town | CoC
L.2. Address Business Zones, Locations And Uses
L.2. Address Business Zones, Locations And Uses
Policy
1
Establish and maintain regulations which encourage or allow compatible development.
PZC
LU
2
Carefully evaluate the impacts of "big box" retail establishments since such uses may harm efforts to strengthen and enhance the Town Center and may contribute to the loss of Portland owned and operated businesses.
PZC
LU | EDC
Action Item
3
Review zoning designations and regulations for the land along Route 66.
PZC
LU | EDC
L.3. Attract New Economic Development
L.3. Attract New Economic Development
Policy
Portland has completed several development and redevelopment projects including Dairy Queen and Portland Dental Care.
Portland has three projects approved and awaiting construction, Brainerd Place, Absolute Air, and Central Connecticut Arms.
Portland has one new construction project, Airline Avenue Recycling, in the process of PZC approval.
The estimate of total investment to complete for the above identified projects in $50 million.
1
Promote new economic development that is compatible with the overall character of, and vision for, Portland.
EDC
PZC | DRB
2
Consider promoting other forms of economic development such as hospitality, lodging, age-related housing and tourism.
EDC
PZC | DRB
Action Item
3
Identify historic, recreational, and sporting attractions for the Town through signage and markers.
EDC
Town | PRC
B.1 Promote Appropriate Redevelopment of Elmcrest
B.1 Promote Appropriate Redevelopment of Elmcrest
Policy
The Land Use Administrator left in May 2020 and the BOS chose not to fund the position for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The duties of the Land Use Administrator were assigned to the Economic Development Coordinator /Planner.
In August 2020, the Technology Coordinator position was vacated and some of the duties, including managing remote meetings for all Land Use boards and commissions and updating specific areas of the website were shifted to the Economic Development Coordinator /Planner. The Technology Coordinator position was also left vacant. The result is that the Land Use/Economic Development department is understaffed for the 6 Commission, 4 Committees, and three Regional Planning Projects that must be managed to devote appropriate time to Economic Development.
1
Support economic development opportunities that arise.
EDC
Town
2
Maintain an Economic Development Commission to advocate on behalf of economic development opportunities.
Town
3
Maintain and consider expanding economic development staffing / functionality within the Town.
EDC
Town | BOS
4
Promote the availability of tax incentives for businesses that choose to build new buildings in Portland.
BOS
EDC
5
Simplify the land use approval process when and where possible.
PZC
LU | EDC
Action Item
6
Implement actions to support economic development efforts.
Town
Staff | EDC | BOS