December Meeting 12.21
Call to order
A meeting of The Park Rd Association was held at Playhouse on Park on 12.21 (with a gorgeous continental breakfast!)
Co-Presidents Welcome - Tracy Flater
Johnny Paindiris sends his regrets. He is attending his uncle Manny’s funeral. Many of you may remember Manny who worked part time at Effie’s (at the host stand, nights & weekends)
Going into the New Year, John & Tracy will become more aggressive in seeking volunteers to help rejuvenate both the Beautification Committee and Membership Committee.
The Parade committee will begin meeting in the new year. Monthly to begin, more frequently as the event nears. We welcome new volunteers/members at any time.
Town Reports:
Economic Development - Lauren Siegel (Rick Ledwith & Kristen Gorski send their regrets)
Sweet Spot passed final zoning inspection
Quick Bites- scoop and serve foods to go, opening in former Fuego Picante location
Iron Horse seeking special use permit, currently not meeting requirements. Adjusting plan and re-submitting.
Park Rd Association wants to show support for Iron Horse, will send out more info when acquired so informed letters of support can be drafted
Peach Body replaced Total Fit
Sign up for Economic Development Newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/xMwXH0z/WHEconomicDevelopment
Police - Chief Vernon Riddick
2022- approx 4k vehicle stops, 2023- approx 6k vehicle stops
Park Rd- juveniles breaking into cars, ages 14-17 (were apprehended)
New grant helping police force to keep our streets safe
Toy drive was a success
New Sergeant in charge of community relations, we should be seeing her at future meetings
Incident outside of Playhouse on Park, a car barreled through a crosswalk full of pedestrians. All okay, one injury from falling when dodging the vehicle. Vision Zero is addressing the existing crosswalk and adding two more on Park Road.
Ben Wenograd, Deputy Mayor
Letters are coming in with suggestions for vision zero
Always welcoming input for vision zero (or anything!)
Barry Walters, Town Council
Brand New Council Member (just elected). Welcomes input at any time.
A Park Road neighbor. Lives on Vera and loves his community.
Chamber of Commerce- Chris Conway
Holiday Stroll was very successful, seeking to add even more activities to it next year
Holiday Party featured an auction to benefit the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools
New Chamber website with great resources for starting your own business
12/22 (tomorrow) AM Connections (in person) at 7:30am; 11-2 mid-day networking event at Harry’s - 4th Friday Pizza
2024- 2 new big things coming to the chamber, more info to come
Sign up for the Chamber Newsletter:
https://www.whchamber.com/stay-informed/
Playhouse on Park, Tracy Flater:
Playhouse is losing their 22,000 sq ft storage space, it went from free to 6k a month :(
Any leads for new storage space encouraged!
Pin Up Girls closing 12/23!
More info: https://www.playhouseonpark.org/web2/Season15/mainstage_PinUpGirls.html
Arts Commission
12/28- WeHa Fit is hosting a comedy night. Buy tickets on Park Road or WHACC Facebook Pages
Looking to connect artists with spaces to showcase their work
Robin Claire- Senior Job Bank
Connects seniors with vast array of job opportunities
700 active job seekers, filled 500 jobs this year
Please reach out with any job openings suitable for seniors: https://seniorsjobbankct.org/contact/
Next Meeting: January 2024!
Never miss a meeting, sign up for our email list: https://www.parkroadct.com/newsletter-form
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:20am
CG