Terence Elton, Town of Branford, Conn.

Companies continue to discover that Branford offers what most businesses seek: a strategic location, a talented workforce and a low cost of doing business. 

Examples of this ongoing “discovery” include the new Mt. Sinai Genetic Testing facility, recently beginning its operation with a welcome visit by the governor. 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 Reserve Center is in the midst 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 Mt. Sinai begins its DNA sequencing work and the Army get ready to operate its training center, across town the Stony Creek Brewery is nearing completion of its new 30,000 s/f facility. When it begins its manufacturing operation later this winter, it be will be a transit-oriented workplace, situated directly across from Branford’s train station and bus line.  And when it opens to public in the spring, it will be another Branford destination just a short walk to the town green and its nearby 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 under review by the town’s land use agencies to transform the old Atlantic Wire property into Atlantic Wharf.  Another transit oriented location, this seven and a half acre site also enjoys a riverfront location with close proximity to the train station and town green.  Designed as a transit-oriented development project for residential and commercial mixed-use, it will meet the needs of 21^st 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 on line 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. The top 10 reasons these and other companies have “discovered” Branford include:

• Competitive cost of doing business – lowest taxes in a full service town on the Conn. shoreline, a triple-A bond rating reflecting the town’s sound management practices, town water and sewer available in all business zones, and welcoming, business-friendly approach by town offices and agencies;

• Strategically located in the northeast and eastern seaboard on I-95 corridor between Boston and Washington DC, only 40 miles to Hartford, 50 miles to Stamford, 75 miles to Providence, 90 miles to Manhattan, and 140 miles to Boston;

• Educated and skilled workforce accounts for a highly productive labor market: nearly 50% of Branford residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher;

• Multiple transit options on ground, air and rail: four interchanges on I-95, minutes to junction with I-91 to central and northern New England, upstate New York and Canada, daily commuter rail service to New Haven with connections to Metro North service south the Stamford and NYC, and to Amtrak to Providence and Boston; assorted air service from Tweed-New Haven, Bradley International [Windsor], TF Green [Providence], and LaGuardia and JFK [New York];

• Minutes away from a dynamic academic cluster of world class universities that include Yale University, Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, and others;

• Strong presence by major banking and financial services: Branford is home to six financial and lending institutions, some with multiple offices in town;

• Proximity to world class healthcare and medical services: minutes to Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Yale Shoreline Medical Center, its Smilow Cancer Center, the Yale Children’s Hospital and Yale School of Medicine, as well as Connecticut’s VA Healthcare Center, Middlesex Hospital’s Shoreline Medical Centers, and Quinnipiac’s new Netter School of Medicine;

• Desirable life-style: boating, fishing, hiking and biking and birding available throughout town and along Branford’s shoreline, along with several marinas, boating clubs, public docks and boat launches;

• Cultural opportunities: concerts offering classical, folk, pop and jazz music scheduled throughout the year; live theater found nearby at Long Wharf, Schubert and Yale Rep; and, 

• That unique New England comfort, surrounded by metropolitan energy.

Terence Elton is special projects manager for the Town of Branford, Conn.