Various projects across Branford's landscape have come to life recently, including both commercial development and infrastructure improvements.
Durata Pharmaceuticals, a New Jersey-based R&D operation that focuses on infectious diseases, is expected to open before the end of the year on East Main Street (Rte. 1) in the former CuraGen building at Exit 55 on I-95. The company is expected to generate up to 80 new jobs and is also the recipient of state support for new business development across the state.
At the same time, El Dorado, a Brazilian-based manufacturer has leasedspace at the same location for its new US offices.
Also along East Main Street the US Army has identified a 15 acre parcel as a site for a new 40,000 s/f training facility. The Army expects to have up to ten full time employees, with more than 130 reservists on site for communications and technology training during weekend deployments. It is the practice of the Army to use area vendors for its various service needs ranging from food service to vehicle repair and maintenance, creating another boost to our local economy.
In the center of town construction has begun on the Founders Village complex. When finished, the residential complex will offer 120 new one and two-bedroom apartments in heart of the town center. Within site the Branford green, the complex boasts one of the best locations in town as it will have a 7-acres town-owned open space on its north side, with a full array of restaurants, shops, and boutiques, as well Town Hall, the Blackstone Library, the Branford Post Office, and churches, a short walk to the south.
At the same time, new restaurants Home and Waterhouse Oyster Bar recently joined Branford's family of well-known restaurants that already boasts of Assagio's, Darbar India, Le Petite Café, Nellie Greens, Pasta Cosi, and Yooki Yama. These new additions further broaden the variety of excellent cuisine found in Branford. Branford's restaurant scene is rivaled only by its unique boutiques such as Coco's-on-the-Green, Possessions, and Swish along with active lifestyle and sports stores Trailblazer, Zane's Cycles and Action Sports, all drawing patrons and customers from across the state and northeast.
And the Town itself is contributing to the development activity. It dedicated its new 34,000 s/f fire headquarters in September, improving public safety services that were already first rate. The town is now firming up plans for a new public works facility. It will be another investment in ensuring that Branford's business community has a full range of municipal services that are strong and reliable.

With an enviable location just ten miles east of New Haven and only minutes from I-91, Branford boasts four exits from I-95 onto Rte. 1 and is only 45 miles south of Hartford and Bradley International Airport, an hour from Providence on I-95 and only two hours from the heart of New England - Boston. Without a doubt, ours is a Sound location.
Branford does double duty as both as a gateway to New England and a portal to New York. As such, Branford plays an integral part in a regional economy (www.rexdevelopment.org) that hosts six major universities, an extensive rail system with Shore Line East, MetroNorth and Amtrak, convenient flights from Tweed New Haven Airport [www.flytweed.com] and international service out of Bradley Airport.
Located on the Long Island Sound with more than 20 miles of shoreline, Branford combines low taxes and a triple-A bond rating with a quality of life and sense of community second to none for a "business friendly" environment. The result is a healthy business climate and a diverse local economy that ranges from bioscience and manufacturing to healthcare and boutique retail.
These businesses recognize that Branford offers what every company seeks: one of the lowest tax rates along the I-95 corridor, full municipal services (water, sewer, as well as full time fire and police), a skilled workforce, and convenient transit.
Branford has a building or site for most new or expanding business, particularly in the life science and high tech industries. To find one that meets your needs or to learn more about Branford, go to www.branford-ct.gov or e-mail us at info@branford-ct.gov.

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.