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605A Orange Center Road Orange CT 06477 email: info@orangetchamber.com |
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Orange First Selectman James Zeoli
Orange Economic Development Corp Executive Director Paul Grimmer
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Vacancy rate for businesses shrinks in Orange New Have Register, January 31 The town weathered the economic storm in 2009 as more businesses were gained than lost, and the vacancy rate along the Boston Post Road decreased over the past six months. Orange Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Paul Grimmer said the town attracted 28 businesses in 2009, while it lost 12. On the negative side, the industrial vacancy rate increased by 3 percent because Finlay Industries closed. The business employed 60, while occupying a 7,500 square foot building on Edison Road. Grimmer said the largest new business is Savers thrift store, which occupies the former Circuit City building on the Post Road. "We're still struggling, but looking toward the future, we may be doing better," First Selectman James Zeoli. said, "A lot of our empty spaces are filling up." Zeoli said Orange is doing well in part because he worked to secure United Illuminating Co.'s relocation here. The move will bring 1300 jobs, and 1.5 million in tax revenue to the town. UI is redeveloping the former Showcase Cinema cite on Marsh Hill Road, and plans to fully occupy the space in 2012.
Grimmer predicted that once UI is fully operational, it will help attract other businesses as there will be an additional 1,300 people potentially to shop and do business in town. "In the long run. that is tremendous in solidifying the Marsh Hill Road corridor," said Zeoli. "it's the best fit in that zone we could ever ask for." Grimmer said Yale University's development of the former Bayer Health Care campus, which straddles the West Haven Line, is moving along slowly, but once fully built will have a tremendous impact on the local economy. He said other positive aspects include to gradual development of Spring Brook Commons at 240 Indian River Road, for mixed use, including office and retail. He said the occupancy rate is 80 percent. The town has also benefited from a number of other businesses expanding, including Racebrook Wine & Liquor World, and the development of the Firelight Shopping Center at Route 1 and Old Tavern and Racebrook roads.
Bruegger's Bagel Bakery has opened a franchise in town, and Chase Bank redeveloped the former Pasta Fair Restaurant on Route 1. Grimmer said one of the biggest surprises was the closing of Nine West, which left a 5000-square-foot vacancy at 507 Boston Post Road. However, Zeoli said having the former La-Z-Boy and Drexel Heritage filled with new upscale furniture retailers is a boon. Zeoli also noted the future look bright as there are other businesses interested in opening on the Post Road. He said his priorities this year are getting the former Comp-USA and OfficeMax buildings redeveloped. Zeoli also said the town needs to get a Metro-North railroad station built.
Grimmer said he'd also like to see some new developments and development of "some of our tired properties. We still have a large number of properties that can be combined and redeveloped." Regarding plans for a Stew Leonard's dairy store, he said he hopes that if the economy rebounds, that Leonard will refile for his planned store on Marsh Hill Road. Leonard has the property listed for sale. He has failed to get the store constructed in 14 years. Zeoli said the Stew Leonard's site is perfect for a Hotel-conference center, or for science research and development.
Contact the Chamber Phone: (203) 795-3328 Fax: (203) 795-5926 email: info@orangetchamber.com
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