Call to order at 8:30am
A meeting of The Park Rd Association was held at Playhouse on Park on January 15, 2026.
Co-Presidents Welcome
Regarding Holiday Season feedback: Kristin will be organizing a multi-district meeting between business districts. Holiday décor was light in the Center due to aging decorations, and light in Elmwood. Nearly non-existent on Park Road.
Will also schedule a meeting in February for the Events committee interested in a porch fest – Old Wethersfield, Hartford West End and the Black Rock section of Bridgeport all hold successful annual events.
Town Reports:
Economic Development – Kristen Gorski
Town-wide survey regarding senior housing opened yesterday. Aging population in Town and State requires some new strategy. Single family homes are not turning over due to lack of suitable senior housing in which to downsize. Survey will be open 6-8 weeks.
Town discussing possible ordinance on short-term rentals, picked up in local news. Strip of Raymond Road with multifamily properties being offered as short-term rentals, which is currently against town ordinance. Property owner is suing the Town over the ordinance. Committee discussed the current situation, estimated 100-150 short-term rentals exist in town. Banning would require some grandfathered properties. Regulating would allow for permitting. Expected to return to sub-Committee of Town Council at January meeting. Some AirBNB/VRBO in the Park Road area.
Currently not much legislation in Connecticut on this topic.
West Hartford was named Top Livable Community in Connecticut by AARP.
Burger Squad still working on permitting challenges.
Ringold adjacent to One Park development has been on the market for several months. Econ Dev fielding questions regarding development of the parcel. Would require review by Wetlands committee.
Police Department – Officer Eden & Assistant Chief Riccobon
Highly successful toy drive $400/cash, several thousand in Target gift cards and several thousand toys donated. Leftovers went to the Interval House.
Two new DRE officers – Drug Recognition Experts – on the force.
Back in the schools for safety topics with Elementary students.
Feb 1 Polar Plunge in WHPD back lot to benefit Special Olympics.
Holiday “busy season” went smoothly, including several major events in the Center.
409 traffic stops YTD, up from 279 same period last year, due to Vision Zero.
281 cars fled from traffic stop. Very specific guidelines on how police deal with this, all in the interest of public safety.
Community Support Unit – felony arrests 57, 5 firearms, 17,000 bags of fentanyl, 3,000 grams raw fentanyl all removed from the streets by this small unit.
Chamber of Commerce – Chris Conway
Holiday Party fundraiser totaled $1500 for WHPS. Named grant to the foundation to be issued.
Economic Development Lunch at the Pond House on Tuesday, January 27. Nearly sold out.
FLOW Young Professionals night at UCONN Feb 26 tix available
Black History Month Breakfast at Noah Webster LIbarary. Panel discussion with two of the women on the mural on South Main Street. RISE UP will facilitate.
Panel on local outsourcing held last week. Recorded and available on the YouTube channel.
Town Council – Barry Walters
· MLK Day festivities 11am at Town Hall
· Black Business Expo on Feb 28 at 1pm at Town Hall
· Safe Streets grant of $3.9M to go toward quick build projects, speed cameras, etc.
Park Road Committees
Valero gas station vacancy is creating a dark spot on the street.
Effie’s just installed an EV Charging Station – the only restaurant in WH with a general charging station.
Request to have Health Department representation at future meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 9:31am
Next Meeting: February 19
Never miss a meeting, sign up for our email list: