Central/southeastern conn.

Gateway to the Last Green Valley; birthplace of Nathan Hale; historic, rural ambiance with modern conveniences; an emerging outer ring marketplace, all describe our community. Conveniently located 20 minutes east of Hartford and just west of the home of the UCONN Huskies in Storrs, the town of Coventry is the place to grow your business. Don't let the economic downturn let you miss the opportunity to plan your future. Coventry continues to grow and has approved commercial space ready to be built and larger parcels suitable for your future plans. Coventry occupies 38 sq. mi. with an estimated population of 12,500 in 4,468 households and over 200,000 persons within a 10 mile radius. Our median household income is $78,492, $12,553 above state average. 65% of the population is in the key demographic age group of 18-65, with 26% children, and 9% seniors. We average growth of 50 new homes per year, and the population is increasing at a steady 1.0% per year. Our Regional Farmer's Market at the Hale Homestead draws over 30,000 visitors per year and is considered the premier market in the state. With only 2% of the town's Grand List comprised up of commercial/industrial property, we are the perfect opportunity for retail, services, and commercial development. Over the past several years Coventry's land use boards all worked together to envision the town's future and adopted the following mission statement on economic development: "A vibrant community needs a balance of residential and commercial activities. The town of Coventry welcomes business development that compliments and enhances the town's rural and historic character and is appropriate for the neighborhood. Town boards and staff stand ready to assist in bringing this to fruition." The town is committed to additional commercial growth to re-balance the community from being so residential. A policy to allow phased in assessments was adopted to help offset start-up expenses. We are participating in a Regional Economic Development study with the Windham Council of Governments, and a Rte. 6 Corridor study with four neighboring towns. Both reports should be complete within the year. The town's Economic Development Commission, working with other town boards and commissions, is creating a positive business climate by making the zoning regulations both reasonable and predictable. Public visioning sessions are giving guidance to the P&Z Commission as they complete the update of the Plan of Conservation and Development. Design guidelines are available to assist making the project compatible with citizens' desires. A community survey indicated only 29% were satisfied with current shopping opportunities, 45% felt that retail growth was too slow, and 81% felt that job growth was too slow. The entire survey is available on the town's web site. The town has several target areas of opportunity. The Rte. 44 corridor, with convenient access to Rte. 384, connects the Manchester/Vernon marketplace with the UCONN area. With almost 20,000 cars per day, 18,900 s/f of commercial space is approved for retail/office space next to a new CVS and Dunkin' Doughnuts. Groundbreaking for a Walgreen's across the street is expected soon. Several other key prospects have also been identified for development or adaptive re-use including an 8-acre commercial property near the Bolton town line. Rte. 31 connects north to the I-84 corridor with prime commercial and industrial land available including a 60-acre commercial property with a former air strip across from an 18-hole golf course. The Rte. 6 corridor offers a 100-acre commercial property suitable for a corporate headquarters or campus style development. The historic Coventry Village is a beehive of activity. An old mill site is being converted into 46 condo units. The town is working with the state on a major traffic calming project on Main St. (Rte. 31) slated for completion by 2012 which will include sidewalks and streetscapes to facilitate and grow our antique businesses, specialty stores, and consumer service providers. Several old mill sites are available for adaptive re-use. Many properties are eligible for historic tax credits. New zoning rules allow mixed uses and less stringent site requirements. Town staff stands ready to assist you. Please contact me at Jelsesser@Coventryct.org. For further information and to view videos about the town please visit www.Coventryct.org. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of historic Coventry's future.