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Small-business committee outlines 2040 plan priorities, beautification and tax‑abatement promotion
Summary
The Borough's small‑business and economic development committee prioritized large‑scale development, small‑business support and beautification in the draft 2040 comprehensive plan, discussed a late‑June business opening, and noted a seldom‑used tax abatement that expires at the end of 2027.
At the May 26 meeting a council member presented the small‑business and economic development committee’s May 18 summary. Committee participants said they intend to divide work on the 2040 comprehensive plan into three categories: large‑scale development projects, small‑business support and beautification efforts.
The committee reported attendees included Council Member Shank, President Aled, borough staff and representatives from the Bridgeport Business Association. Dr. Ray Abdalah of the business association told the committee the association plans a first‑responders luncheon in early fall and that a new business, Collectible Classics, is tentatively scheduled to open in late June.
Committee leaders said beautification plans could focus on parks and river trails, native plantings, birding amenities and a mural ordinance; they also said property‑maintenance code reviews would be required to ensure compliance. The committee noted an available tax abatement program is set to expire at the end of 2027 and has seen little use; members expressed interest in promoting it.
Committee members said they will meet with the county commerce department to explore assistance for small‑business projects and discussed preparing a short multi‑page flyer to attract new businesses.
