Economy plays a big role in Danbury State of the City address
There was also a lot on progress in the city and future planning in Mayor Mark Boughton's speech Friday.
The Main Street Renaissance Task Force is out with a report on how to guide future decisions regarding Main Street. One of the items in the report is to hire a full time economic development director.
Boughton is proposing that in exchange for the City accepting the responsibility of sidewalk repairs in City Center, property owners and the businesses along Main Street clean in front their business on a daily basis. He will ask the City Council to amend an ordinance to address litter and debris removal.
The report also calls for a new Downtown Revitalization Zone. The Zoning Commission will take that up in the coming year. Boughton is proposing that for new projects, the deferral of assessment increases be expanded to include office uses, retail uses, information technology, and other uses allowed by zoning regulations. He also wants to reduce the sewer and water connection fee and permit fees for projects located in CityCenter as well as to expedite permit applications in the new zone.
Part of his address was about the newly released strategic plan for revamping and consolidating the Fire Department. The plan, among other things,calls for combining 3 of the volunteer fire companies into one building into order to reduce expenses and increase efficiency.
Boughton says there is no question that the state budget crisis will have a negative impact on the City's ability to deliver services--and on the local budget. He adds that with a state budget deficit of close to $4 billion, there are no easy answers for the incoming administration.
Boughton says over the years, the city has benefitted from a strong retail sector. He adds that he is looking into different events to help market the city as a pro-business environment, including bringing back the Danbury Fair and holding an air show at the Danbury Airport.
