Message from Steven N. Wawruck, Jr., First Selectman
 
 03/19/13 Update:

Over the past few years there have been many news articles in relation to the purchase/restoration of the Train Station and the relocation of the Train Platform back to the center of Town.  As a Town we have  advocated to  DOT and AMTRAK for the benefits of both projects as part of our Main Street revitalizaiton effort.

We recently received positive news on both fronts.  We received word that the AMTRAK President has signed an agreement to sell the Station to the Town for one dollar.  The documents for the transfer are being drawn up for Town to review and then approve at an upcoming Town Meeting before the transfer may occur.  The architectural firm hired by the Town has been given approval by AMTRAK to apply for  necessary permits to begin the engineering study of the building.

In a second new development, we have received the support of Governor Malloy and a commitment from the State DOT to allow the DOT to utilize State resources to conduct the necessary environmental assessment for the platform relocation to the center of Town and to seek FRA approval for the move to occur.

As many will recall, both of these projects were identified in a previous study of our Main Street corridor as catalysts to spur interest and future growth in our downtown business district.  The commitment from the State allows the Town to seek Transit Oriented Development grant opportunities as they become available.