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Enfield council approves 20‑year TIF credit to fund Elm Street roadwork after committee objections
Summary
The Town Council voted 8–3 June 1 to waive the town's TIF policy and approve a 20‑year credit enhancement for Shops at Elm Street Square LLC to fund required state road improvements at the Palumbo Drive/Elm Street intersection. Some councilors objected that the TIF advisory committee lacked a quorum to weigh in.
Enfield — The Town Council on June 1 approved a waiver to the town's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy and authorized a credit‑enhancement agreement that could extend up to 20 years for the Shops at Elm Street Square LLC to fund state‑required off‑site road improvements at the Palumbo Drive/Elm Street intersection.
Councilors voted 8–3 to waive the policy and separately approved an amendment authorizing the credit enhancement to start in 2028 and run for a period not to exceed 20 years, subject to final Town Attorney review.
The council and staff framed the incentive as a way to finance about $2.4–$2.5 million in roadway work that the state will not perform, including the creation of dedicated left‑turn lanes that officials said will relieve congestion and improve safety at a troublesome Elm Street crossing. Town staff told the council that using the 20‑year credit enhancement instead of a split credit/abatement plan would net the town roughly $700,000 more over the life of the agreements.
Opponents argued the council was acting before the TIF Advisory Committee had voted. “I don’t feel comfortable voting on it tonight because there was two members of the committee there and three members of staff,” Councilor Prisoner said during debate and moved to table the matter until the full committee could meet. The motion to table received only three votes and failed; the subsequent final roll call approved the waiver and amendment.
Supporters said the project has been discussed for years, that the funds are dedicated to roadway improvements and that delays could leave the parcel vacant and unredeveloped. Several councilors said the developer indicated willingness to accept the 20‑year credit enhancement.
Council discussion also clarified that the credit‑enhancement funds are intended for the roadway work, not direct development costs, and that credit agreements can be assigned to a new owner with the town’s approval. The council directed that the finalized agreement be reviewed by the Town Attorney before execution.
Next steps: the town attorney will complete final review of the amendment and staff will return with the executed agreement terms and any start‑time or milestone conditions included in the contract.
