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Economic development update: Research Parkway trail, incoming manufacturer and small downtown openings
Summary
Meriden economic development staff reported construction of the Research Parkway trail with a planned food‑truck area, a ribbon cutting Oct. 2 for AM Food manufacturing at 999 Research Parkway, a 12‑unit East Road residential project currently set for rental use, and a new coffee/sober‑bar 'Grace's Place' opening at 1237 East Main Street.
Joe Fess, director of economic development, told the committee the Research Parkway trail is under construction and will include an area at the Wallingford line set aside for food trucks. He said the trail should be completed quickly and will benefit nearby businesses and residents.
Fess reported that AM Food manufacturing and distribution will hold a ribbon cutting on Oct. 2 at 999 Research Parkway; the company is a USDA‑approved, natural product operation that will distribute locally. He described the site as a long‑vacant building now returning to productive use.
On housing, staff described a 220 East Road project with 12 one‑bedroom units (three stories, four units per floor) and 20 parking spaces; market rents were estimated in staff comments at about $1,800 to $2,300 per unit. Staff said the units are being delivered as apartments now with the option to convert to condos later, and that there are decks but no gym or other amenities due to the tight site.
Staff also noted a new downtown business, Grace's Place (coffee, sober bar and live music) at 1237 East Main Street, and said they will continue monitoring downtown projects including 24 Colony Street and 1 West Main Street, as requested by the mayor.
When asked about the Fox Osteria property in South Meriden, staff said there is a potential buyer online but no closed sale yet and that they will provide updates as the situation develops.
The committee asked for regular downtown development updates and further details on tenant activity at the Meriden Mall; staff agreed to include ongoing status reports.
The economic development presentation ended and the committee moved to other business.
