A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses. 

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By Ronni Newton

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those who celebrate! I don’t have any Irish genes (that I know of) but I’ve always enjoyed this fun holiday – and I’ll probably keep wearing green all week!

I’ll also pull out my Shamrock socks later this week as March Madness really begins. I’ve worn them for every UConn NCAA tournament game the past two seasons, and I am sure Danny Hurley, who is even more superstitious than I am, would appreciate my continuing the tradition. Other than the UConn men’s loss on Friday, my other favorite basketball teams (Duke men and UConn and Duke women) all won conference championships!

For the second Thursday in a row I attended a funeral at 11 a.m. This week’s service was for Dr. Robert Erichson, the father of the person who first became my best friend when we were seventh graders at Cloonan Middle School in Stamford and was my maid of honor. Her dad (always Dr. Erichson to me) and the rest of her family was always like family to me, and Lauri (she actually spells her name with an “e” except for with my family, because both my sister and I don’t have an “e” at the ends of our names and she became one of us) and I spent countless hours at each others’ houses during middle school, high school, college breaks, and beyond. Dr. Erichson was a renowned hematologist and oncologist, one of the founders of the Bennett Cancer Center in Stamford – and while I will never forget him being my mother’s doctor when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 1989, after it had already metastasized to her bones, and how in April 1990 he gently broke the news of the gravity of her condition, just a few days before she passed away – most of my memories of him were as my best friend’s really smart but also very funny dad. He retired years ago, and died last weekend at age 89, and while it is of course very sad the ceremony was beautiful. I really loved hearing about the other parts of his life, and his relationships with his immediate and extended family (everyone referred to them as the “least dysfunctional family ever”) over the years – and as mentioned in the eulogies, how he left the world a better place for having been part of it. I also saw several high school friends and while we all mentioned we wish the setting could have been different, it was nice to catch up.

Segueing into what many consider another depressing topic, this week the town manager presented his budget for FY2026, which begins on July 1, 2025. There are, not surprisingly, myriad extremely negative social media posts – understandable since the proposed tax increase is a staggering 7.35%. I think this is my 15th year writing about West Hartford’s budget, and I have a degree in economics and political science (Ted thinks it’s strange that “State and Urban Finance” was on of my favorite courses), and I am going to take a soapbox moment and provide just a few of my own thoughts here:

• Members of the Town Council (including the mayor) and Board of Education are all unpaid volunteers.
• All Town Council and Board of Education members are residents, and all personally have to pay taxes, too (as do I).
• While the development of Blue Back Square may not have “lowered” taxes as residents may have been led to believe (I was a features writer for a lifestyle magazine at the time, so I did not report on the process), it certainly has added significant value to the Grand List and helped mitigate tax increases. Currently, Blue Back Square is the second highest taxpayer in West Hartford, valued at more than $53 million and accounting for 0.64% of the town’s tax base. Would vacant car dealerships have done more for the town?
• The Grand List as of Oct. 1, 2024 is the basis for property taxes in FY2026. There is a lot of development underway that did not make much of an impact by that point.
• It’s hard to compare West Hartford to other towns where the mill rates may be lower but there are fewer services provided, and every town has a unique Grand List on which that mill rate is based. West Hartford is much more diverse – culturally and economically – than many of the other nearby suburbs. West Hartford is an inner-ring suburb that greatly values its excellent schools, libraries, parks, etc.
• In my previous career, before I moved to West Hartford, I was a risk management consultant leading our company’s government group, and at one point I attended a conference through the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) that included a team-building exercise where we played the video game SimCity, where the object is to “make smart choices to keep your citizens happy and your skyline growing.” As I learned to play the game it always stuck with me that along with schools and public safety, what may be considered the “little things” – like flowers in the median strip, or streetscape that’s lined with trees to be more welcoming – and intangibles all make a significant difference in how a town is perceived and its success. While the word “vibrant” is admittedly overused, West Hartford has something wonderful and special that other towns don’t have.
• There are no easy solutions to fixing this budget. The town manager, town council, superintendent, and board of education are all holding multiple workshops and hearings and absolutely welcome constructive ideas. Comments regarding the general fund budget can be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. Comments specifically regarding the West Hartford Public Schools budget can be sent to [email protected].
• Please read the town’s “Budget in Brief” for a good summary of the proposed budget. I’ve written a fairly thorough summary as well that includes the details of upcoming hearings and community conversations.
• Please think about the above before you become a keyboard warrior. None of us are happy about paying more taxes.

On a positive note, Happy Birthday to my daughter, Katie, who turned 30 (yikes!) last week. We celebrated on Friday with our annual very yummy lunch at bartaco (joined this year by her baby girl).

Chips and guacamole and salsa at bartaco. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

A variety of tacos at bartaco. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

A few other West Hartford dining experiences included delicious Thai food at Sweet Chilli with John and Jessica Lyons before an excellent and very entertaining performance of “The Irish … and How They Got That Way” at Playhouse on Park, and fabulous takeout from Soul Bowls on Saturday night that we enjoyed while watching the ACC Championship. I made egg sandwiches on Sunday morning, and Ted insisted his was so beautiful that it deserved to be in this column!

Summer rolls at Sweet Chilli. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sweet Chilli. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sweet Chilli. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sweet Chilli. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sweet Chilli. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Soul Bowls. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Egg sandwich. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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If you have information to share about local businesses, please provide details in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Construction fencing has been erected and Garden Homes’ contractor has cleared the site for the development of the Residences at Heritage Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Yes, I chose a tree as the feature photo for today’s column, but it’s not just any old tree. It’s the Champion White Oak, that is absolutely being preserved as four buildings, with a total of 322 apartment units will be constructed in the development to be known as the Residences at Heritage Park. There have been several social media posts expressing concern because the area where the apartments will be built is now fenced off, and the trees and other vegetation that have been approved for removal have been cleared. The Champion White Oak is clearly marked, and is outside of the fenced off area (you can see it at the far right of one of the photos below) and there is a plan to ensure it’s maintained during the construction and beyond. As for the development timeline, and while there are improvements being made to stormwater treatment, there is no remediation needed on the site that will delay the process. I’m not aware of a date set for groundbreaking, but have been advised to expect actual construction will get underway fairly soon. Just a bit of history … It’s been 11 months since the Town Council approved the rezoning and a special development district for the parcel on the east side of Asylum Avenue that for decades has been a roughly 1,100-space asphalt parking lot that served the UConn West Hartford campus. The securing of a wetlands permit by the developer, which was a necessary first step before any official discussion of the change in zoning required to built apartments, was the subject of roughly 15 hours of public hearing split into three meetings (the Champion White Oak was part of that discussion), and received unanimous approval from the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) in their capacity as the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency (IWWA) on Jan. 17, 2024. In August 2024, Garden Homes, which had been a member of the original development team, purchased the 14.86 acres where the apartments will be developed from West Hartford 1 LLC for $22.7 million – and the property where the Residences at Heritage Park will be located has a new address of 1360 Trout Brook Drive. The ballfields, which were donated to the town by West Hartford 1 LLC, maintain the 1700 Asylum Avenue address. Town residents have expressed some concern about the inaccessibility of the area for people to walk through right now, but it will be an active construction site that can’t be used as a cut-through to the ballfields. A sidewalk that runs from Lawler Road to Asylum Avenue will be constructed by the developer as part of the project, Town Manager Rick Ledwith told me.

Construction fencing has been erected and Garden Homes’ contractor has cleared the site for the development of the Residences at Heritage Park. See Champion White Oak at far right. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Construction fencing has been erected and Garden Homes’ contractor has cleared the site for the development of the Residences at Heritage Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Construction fencing has been erected and Garden Homes’ contractor has cleared the site for the development of the Residences at Heritage Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Construction fencing has been erected and Garden Homes’ contractor has cleared the site for the development of the Residences at Heritage Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• While we are on the subject of trees, there are 36 trees on LaSalle Road that have yellow signs on them indicating that they are going to be cut down. I mentioned this in last week’s column as well, but just wanted to confirm that legally there must be a hearing, which will be led by Public Works Director John Phillips, who is the tree warden, and is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, at 4 p.m., in Room 400 at Town Hall. The trees are all dying or dead, Town Manager Rick Ledwith said, and are being replaced as part of the Town Center Infrastructure Master Plan. “If they were healthy and thriving as planted, they wouldn’t have to be cut down,” Ledwith said. Construction of the first phase (on LaSalle Road) will begin later this month with the precise timeline to be confirmed with the town and the construction manager, Ledwith told me. There will be 52 new trees will be planted – several different varieties, all native species – and they will be planted utilizing an innovative urban tree planting method that allow for ample soil so the trees can grow properly without the roots pushing up through the sidewalks. Details about the planned work can be found here.

Street trees will be cut down on LaSalle Road and are being replaced as part of the Town Center Infrastructure Master Plan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Street trees will be cut down on LaSalle Road and are being replaced as part of the Town Center Infrastructure Master Plan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Screenshot from April 8, 2024 West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan Public Information Meeting. Courtesy Town of West Hartford (we-ha.com file photo)

• The property at 39 Highland Street, formerly an independent senior living facility called The Holiday, has been been sold for $2,144,000. Realtor Lyle Rotondo, the listing agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, shared with me that property, which was originally listed for $2.5 million, was actively on the market for just 19 days. The listed buyer is CTo1 Corp., which is owned by New York-based real estate investment firm Bluevale Capital. The 30,420-square-foot concrete building is three stories, was constructed in 1967, and is on land measuring 0.75 acres directly across from Bristow Middle School. The existing building includes 42 resident rooms with bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, large common areas, and an elevator. In addition, the building already has a secondary power source on an independent grid that will ensure uninterrupted power. The property is in an RI (residential institutional) zone and Rotondo said the new owner has not indicated their plan for the future use of the property. There have not been any plans submitted to the town at this point, but according to town code, the RI “district is established in recognition of the areas where residential and institutional uses may coexist. The purpose of this district is to provide a transitional area of relative quiet and light traffic which would be advantageous to institutions, such as convalescent homes, homes for the aged and public, private or parochial schools or colleges.” The 39 Highland Street property is also directly north of 29 Highland Street, which is currently under consideration for rezoning and creation of a Special Development District in accordance with an application filed by Vessel Technologies. The hearing on that application should be concluded with a Town Council vote scheduled this Thursday, March 20.

Property at 39 Highland Street, formerly The Holiday, has been sold. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Property at 39 Highland Street, formerly The Holiday, has been sold. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• It was announced earlier this week that two top Connecticut firms, Intersect Public Solutions and McDowell Communications Group, are merging” to create the state’s premier public affairs and strategic communications consultancy.” Intersect Public Solutions, which will be the name of the combined firm, was founded in 2019 by
  Brian Durand, who is a West Hartford resident and former chief of staff to former Gov. Dannel Malloy, and Michael Mandell. McDowell Communications Group was established by former political reporter Duby McDowell, who will remain involved with the merged firm, which will be headquartered in Hartford. West Hartford residents Becca Brockway and Abe Silk will be among the seven full-time employees.

From left: Brian Durand, Michael Mandell, Duby McDowell. Courtesy photo

• “Hopefully before Easter” is the plan for the opening of ChoccoDiva at 282 Park Road (former Edible Arrangements building) the owner said in a message. While having a brick and mortar location will be new, ChoccoDiva has been has been creating “confections for all occasions” for quite some time. Follow them on Instagram (@choccodiva) for updates and to see photos of those confections!

ChoccoDiva hopes to open before Easter at 282 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• “West Hartford Coworking has partnered with fellow West Hartfordite Colleen Brunetti of Bannon River Books to launch the Indie Book Club. This monthly gathering – available with flexible afternoon or evening meetings – will feature business and self development reads but we’ll focus on supporting small shops with the ways to purchase and read or listen along,” said West Hartford Coworking owner Annisa Teich. West Hartford Coworking is located at 430 New Park Avenue, Suite 102, and the first gathering will be March 26 (noon to 2 p.m.). More details can be found in the images below, and though this link which also contains registration information. “These events are free to participate, but, as a non-profit space we offer a ‘Pay What You Can’ donation option to help support the purchase of goodies. For each publication featured, we’ll provide a link where you can best purchase the printed book or audio book in a way that will also benefit indie booksellers!” the West Hartford Coworking website states.

Courtesy image

Courtesy image

Courtesy image

• In the minutes from the most recent Elmwood Business Association it was reported that GreenDrop is finally moving ahead with the opening of a facility at 176 Newington Road in Elmwood Plaza (where Stop & Shop and Crazy Bruce’s is located) for collection of unwanted clothing and household items that was approved by the Town Plan & Zoning Commission in January 2024. According to their application, “GreenDrop is a for-profit company and registered professional fundraiser that accepts donations on behalf of the American Red Cross through its network of mobile donation centers. Each GreenDrop mobile office accepts donations of gently used clothing, shoes, and household goods which are brought to one of TVI Inc.’s secondhand retail stores to sell. GreenDrop has 60 existing locations around the United States through partnerships with numerous landlords and shopping center developers.” There are currently donation bins at that location, but the existing bins will be removed and in that space (taking up five parking spaces) GreenDrop will open a mobile office location (43 feet by 8 feet). The application stated that the site will be staffed by two employees at all times and open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, 363 days per year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Donors, who will drive up to the mobile office, don’t even need to get out of their vehicles because GreenDrop employees will take care of the unloading, and once a week a 16-foot box truck will collect the donations and transport them to another site where they will be sorted for distribution to Savers where they will be resold. Nothing will ever be left outside, and if someone does drop something off, there will be six security cameras onsite and GreenDrop (which is owned by Savers) will immediately be notified to take care of it. Donors will be emailed receipts for their personal tax return, according to GreenDrop. West Hartford and Wethersfield (where a permit was just granted) are the first Connecticut location for GreenDrop, which is headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. GreenDrop weighs the donations they received and based on volume collect last year donated more than $5 million to the American Red Cross. Clothing represents the majority of donations, according to GreenDrop, but they will accept essentially any household goods, including appliances, subject to a weight limit of 50 pounds. I’ll find out more, and confirm that the plan is the same as what was stated on the original application!

Existing donations bins at Elmwood Plaza that will be removed and replaced with a GreenDrop mobile office collection facility. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• I have continued to drive by the Starbucks (with drive-through) at Corporate Center West (433 South Main Street) to find out if it’s open. As of Sunday afternoon it still had not opened for business, but I peeked through the windows and the furniture and merchandise appeared to be all set up inside and the menu was lit up over the counter. The patio is all set up as well, and I would be surprised if it didn’t open this week.

The new Starbucks with drive-through at Corporate Center West appears ready to open. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The new Starbucks with drive-through at Corporate Center West appears ready to open. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The new Starbucks with drive-through at Corporate Center West appears ready to open. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The new Starbucks with drive-through at Corporate Center West appears ready to open. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Focus Partners Wealth welcomes West Hartford resident Brett Esterson, CFA, as a Wealth Advisor. Esterson brings almost 25 years of experience in the financial services sector to his new role. Focus Partners Wealth, formerly GYL Financial Synergies, is located in the Lexicon Building at 75 Isham Road in Blue Back Square. Focus Partners is an organization of wealth, asset, and business management resources that brings strength, innovation, and partnership to client relationships. Through a comprehensive range of services, Focus Partners works with clients at every stage, helping them control their financial future — whether that’s planning for retirement, preparing the next generation, or growing their business. Esterson is joining a team of advisors that works collectively to deliver personalized wealth planning strategies across local communities, striving to place their clients’ values, goals, motivations, and priorities at the heart of everything they do. Services are offered through Focus Partners Wealth, LLC (“Focus Partners”), an SEC registered investment adviser with offices throughout the country.  Numerous representatives of Focus Partners may provide investment philosophies, strategies, or market opinions that vary. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Brett Esterson. Courtesy photo

• Click here to listen to the latest installment of the “On the Scene” podcast, where On The Scene hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr talk discuss the upcoming Bench Art installation around West Hartford and the history of the art installations. Podcasts can also be found at the bottom of the home page on the revamped We-Ha.com website!

On the Scene podcast logo

• ICYMI, if you see some new bylines on this site, you’re likely reading the work by one of the new We-Ha.com interns – students at Conard and Hall who are interested in journalism and are participating in a Work-Based Learning program. Read about the program and meet the interns here.
• The Town Council plans to complete the public hearing and vote on the Vessel Technologies application for multifamily housing at 29 Highland Street on Thursday. Complete details can be found here.

Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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