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New businesses, renovations and facade grants signal downtown momentum in New London
Summary
Committee members reported a mix of new businesses, renovations and facade grant awards in downtown New London, including a new grocery, a reopening under new ownership and ongoing renovations at Wolf River Pub; staff said the 2025 facade program has funded more improvements than recent years.
At the Aug. 20 Economic Development Committee meeting, committee members and staff reported several business openings, renovations and a higher-than-usual number of facade improvement grants for 2025.
April Kopitsky said a new grocery, FNS S Grocery, opened in July at 108 West North Water Street, and that the former Hillby's restaurant has reopened under new ownership as Harvey's Restaurant and Sports Bar. Kopitsky also announced a ribbon-cutting for Moonstone Salon on Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. and said the Wolf River Pub at 211 South Pearl Street is undergoing visible exterior renovation work.
City Administrator Chad Hearst presented a packet summary of the 2025 facade improvement grants and said it was the most the city has awarded in recent memory. Hearst showed photos of improvements to the old City Hall building and other downtown properties. He said some grants have been awarded to projects that had not yet started and noted that the facade program is renewed annually subject to available funds and council designation during the city audit.
Kopitsky also noted that one local child-care business closed and that the remaining day care has a two- to three-family waiting list. Staff reiterated that business listings and commercial properties are posted on the Chamber website and that staff can connect interested parties with realtors.
No formal action was taken; committee members encouraged continued support for downtown improvements and upcoming ribbon-cutting events.
