Terence Elton, Town of Branford
Examples of this ongoing "discovery" include a Mt. Sinai-based R&D group recently occupying lab and office space just off I-95 at Exit 55. More than 20 companies currently make up Branford's biotech community, which is expected to continue to grow.
At the same end of town, the U.S. Army is in the early stages of constructing its new training facility on East Main St., in the same neighborhood as the new state-of-the-art Soundview YMCA and where American Polyfilm's new plant and headquarters are going up.
And while the biotechs are working on their fit-outs and the Army is clearing its land, across town pilings are being driven and a foundation is being readied along the Branford River for Stony Creek Brewery's new 30,000 s/f operation. In addition to its riverfront location, SCB's new facility will be a transit-oriented workplace, situated directly across from Branford's train station and bus line, and a short walk to the town green for its Main St. shops and restaurants.
With plans to include EV charging stations and bike racks, SCB will be ready to accommodate all modes of transit. Like the trend with bio and high tech companies moving in, it is one of three craft breweries that have located in town within the past two years, help to create the town's very own "beer trail" for folks to tour the brewing facilities, learn about the process, and sample some product.
At the same time, plans are being prepared to redevelop the nearby Atlantic Wire property. Another transit oriented location, this six acre site also enjoys a riverfront location and close proximity to the town green. With preliminary plans for mixed use, it will surely meet the needs of 21st Century enterprises seeking a state-of-the-art worksite in a stimulating environment and with a high quality of life.
Meanwhile, the "Green View Commons" residential complex is finished, putting nearly 120 new market-rate apartments online for active adults who want to enjoy all that Branford's town center has to offer.
These are only a few examples of the diverse, new development taking place around town. These companies and others have discovered that Branford:
* Is a highly competitive full service town with low taxes and a coveted triple-A bond rating;
* Is strategically located - only 10 miles to New Haven and Yale University, 40 miles to Hartford, 50 miles to Stamford, 75 miles to Providence, 90 miles to Manhattan, and under 140 miles to Boston;
* Has multiple transit outlets - direct access to I-95 and only minutes to I-91 - daily rail service to New Haven and connections to Metro North service to Stamford/NYC and Amtrak service to Providence and Boston - numerous air carriers from Tweed-New Haven, Bradley International [Hartford], TF Green [Providence], and LaGuardia and JFK [New York];
* Has a highly educated and skilled workforce with nearly half of its residents having a bachelor's degree or higher;
* Is minutes away from a dynamic academic cluster of world class universities led by Yale, Quinnipiac University, and the University of New Haven;
* Enjoys strong banking and financial services, with at least a half dozen financial and lending institutions, some with multiple offices in town;
* Has access to world class healthcare and medical services through Yale-New Haven Hospital, the Smilow Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare, and Quinnipiac's new Netter School of Medicine;
* Enjoys an enviable life-style with boating, fishing, hiking & biking and birding throughout town and along the shoreline;
* Has endless cultural opportunities with classical, folk, pop and jazz concerts scheduled throughout the year, and award-winning stage productions at nearby Long Wharf Theatre, Schubert and Yale Rep; and
* Maintains the charm and comfort of the small New England town it is.
Terence Elton is special projects manager for the Town of Branford, Conn. and serves on the board of directors for CEDAS, the CT Economic Development Association.