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Simsbury Main Street Partnership details branding, economic development wins and downtown Wi‑Fi plans
Summary
Sarah Nielsen of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership reported on branding, federal Preserve America designation work, grants and downtown economic projects; she said downtown Wi‑Fi and a town‑managed ‘Find Your Space’ commercial property listing are priorities.
Sarah Nielsen, executive director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership, told the Board of Selectmen the organization’s three‑year MOU with the town is under way and summarized 2024 accomplishments including branding and federal Preserve America designation work, grant‑funded accessibility upgrades at Eno Memorial Hall, a new centralized commercial‑property listing (FindYourSpaceInSimsbury.com) and efforts to retain and recruit local businesses.
Nielsen said the Main Street partnership helped prevent a planned dollar‑store use at Andy’s Plaza, assisted local businesses displaced by a major fire at 730 Hot Meadow, and supported property rehabilitations such as Tower Ridge and the expansion of the skating center. She said a new town gift card program will support local merchants and that Main Street is pursuing downtown Wi‑Fi starting with a pilot at the performing arts center; she said some grant funding may be available for community Wi‑Fi through municipal programs.
Youth and workforce development were highlighted: Nielsen said Main Street worked with local high schools on trade‑focused events and is organizing a career fair for Simsbury High School on April 23. She said Main Street continues tourism, marketing and signature events such as Taste in Simsbury and helps coordinate downtown wayfinding and other infrastructure improvements in partnership with public works.
Nielsen asked the board for help identifying town parcels to prioritize for coordinated economic development and said Main Street has met the markers set out in the MOU during the first six months of the agreement.
