Panel Reviews Three Potential Redevelopment Zones

Other Committee 2026-10-08 Part 2 · Meeting of October 8, 2026

Newington's Economic Development Commission reviewed three POCD-designated redevelopment areas and welcomed new Town Planner Brittany at its October 8 meeting. Staff member Eric briefed commissioners on Newington Junction, Francis Avenue's Opportunity Site 1 and the North Mountain Road industrial zone, and reported Blade and Bloom is reopening in the old Newington Meat Market and a new florist is moving downtown. Commissioners discussed turning a corporate-wide Health Tracks closure into an opening for another gym, noting the club's parking is leased from an adjoining owner, Callahan.

Eric said a pre-application for the long-vacant former Boston Market site is set for the next Town Plan and Zoning Commission meeting. The panel also agreed to run its Newington Passport promotion over three weekends from November 20 to December 6, and tabled bylaw changes, including adding "working group" language, for a vote next month. "As the chairperson, I will do a little bit better," Chairman Rennie said of tracking alternate seating.

Minutes from September were approved with one abstention.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,484 words

Source: the Other Committee 2026-10-08 Part 2 meeting of October 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

The Full Article

Call to Order and Minutes

Chairman Rennie called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. A commission member identified as Noreen conducted roll call for commissioners Dillon, LaPierre, Lindsey, Lucas, Mankey, Rennie, Rieu, Semmy, Wilshire, Fortunlini, Andrews and Morgenthau; LaPierre, Mankey and Chairman Rennie confirmed their presence on the recording, and Lucas and Mankey later spoke during deliberation, confirming attendance. The commission approved the September meeting minutes by voice vote, with a commissioner identified only as Jim providing the second and a commissioner identified only as Tim abstaining because he had not attended the prior meeting. No members of the public participated when the floor opened for comment.

Chamber of Commerce and Center Business Collective Reports

Background and stakes: These are standing monthly reports the commission receives from two outside business organizations as part of its regular agenda.

The question before the body: To receive informational updates; no action was required.

Substantive content: In the absence of Jennifer, the Chamber of Commerce's regular liaison, a commission member reported that the chamber's golf tournament drew 45 golfers and that the chamber's Waterfall Festival, though postponed once for weather, drew strong community turnout on a rescheduled date. The report noted five new chamber members this month and the chamber's highest annual member-retention rate in years, and said the chamber is seeking a new office intern from the high school this fall, working with a staff member named Kevin.

A commission member identified as Deanna delivered the Newington Center Business Collective report, describing the "Soar into Newington" fall decorating push, in which downtown businesses were encouraged to decorate for fall and Halloween, with a planned transition to snowman and reindeer decorations between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Deanna said the collective wants to invite outside groups, citing the Boy Scouts as an example, to participate in future decorating efforts and plans to meet in January to set a 2027 events calendar earlier than in past years.

Deliberation: Both reports were received without debate. The chairman thanked each presenter directly.

Procedural steps and outcome: No motion was required; both reports were accepted as informational.

Implications: Both organizations plan continued downtown promotional activity through the holiday season, feeding into the Newington Passport discussion later in the meeting.

Old Business: Bylaw Revisions

Background and stakes: The commission has been reviewing a full update to its governing bylaws. Eric, a town staff member who has been drafting the update, told commissioners that a fellow commissioner, whose name was not clearly captured on the recording, had submitted written comments ahead of the meeting flagging two issues: a correction to the meeting day, time and address listed in the bylaws, and a question about whether the bylaws should define the term "working group" separately from "committee."

The question before the body: Whether to adopt the suggested definitional change and other corrections, or table the matter.

Substantive content: The bylaw language in question, item 11, currently reads that "the commission may from time to time appoint such standing, special and ad hoc committees" without separately defining a "working group." Eric explained that the town clerk had told the commission that committees meeting with a quorum, five members under the commission's rules, must comply with open-meeting and public-participation requirements, while informal working groups of fewer than five members would not. Item 13 of the bylaws, covering executive sessions, limits closed-door sessions to personnel matters, litigation and property-purchase discussions; Eric said the commission has "never" used that provision. Item 17c requires that when an alternate is seated to replace an absent member, the chair must substitute a member of the same political party and track the rotation.

Deliberation: Commissioner Lucas asked directly whether a working group would avoid the public-meeting requirement that applies to a formal committee. "A working group would not require a public meeting because it's more informal, while a committee would require every time the committee meets for there to be a formal hearing, whether over Zoom or in person, that the public can participate in," Lucas said, seeking confirmation from Eric, who affirmed the clerk's guidance. Commissioner Mankey argued the distinction was worth capturing in writing rather than leaving as an unwritten norm; commissioners agreed with Mankey's suggestion to simply add "working group" alongside "committee" in the appointment language rather than draft a more detailed definition. On the executive-session item, Eric told commissioners the provision exists as "a catch-all" the commission has never had occasion to use. On alternate seating, Chairman Rennie took personal responsibility for recent lapses in tracking which alternate had been seated for which absent member, saying, "As the chairperson, I will do a little bit better," while asking fellow commissioners to help flag seating changes going forward.

Procedural steps and outcome: No vote was taken. Eric agreed to prepare a full redlined draft of the bylaws, marking all proposed changes in red text, for the commission to review and vote on at its November meeting.

Implications: The bylaws will not take effect in revised form until commissioners vote on Eric's draft next month; until then, the current bylaw language, including its undefined reference to "committees," remains in force.

New Business: Plan of Conservation and Development Opportunity Areas

Background and stakes: The item responded to a list of properties commissioners had received in advance, tied to areas the town's Plan of Conservation and Development identifies as ripe for future economic development attention.

The question before the body: To review, at a general level, three designated areas and raise any questions or concerns; no formal action was proposed.

Substantive content: Eric described three areas. The first, Newington Junction, also designated Area D in the POCD, spans a mix of residential, business and planned-development zoning and includes the Housing Authority property, Kelleher, the town firehouse, a restaurant called Rock and Chicken, and a gas station already approved for a future Dunkin' Donuts. Eric said most businesses and residential properties in the area remain active and viable, and noted the area's long-standing association with potential future commuter-rail station development. The second, Opportunity Site 1, covers the Francis Avenue and Day Street area, one of Newington's oldest commercial corridors, where some buildings retain unused rail spurs from an earlier industrial era. The third, Opportunity Site 2, is an industrial zone along North Mountain Road that includes companies such as Data Mail, a vacant roughly half-acre parcel owned by North Mountain Road LLC that previously had an approved but unbuilt site plan, and several buildings now subdivided among multiple tenants rather than single occupants.

Deliberation: Discussion was limited. The chairman noted that commissioners Todd and Peter had expressed particular interest in the item in advance, though neither raised questions on the recording; Eric said he would follow up with them separately, describing their informal coordination as "a small working group." No commissioner raised objections to any of the three designated areas.

Procedural steps and outcome: No motion or vote occurred; the item was informational, with Eric available to answer parcel-specific questions outside the meeting.

Implications: The three areas remain under staff and commissioner review as the town considers future redevelopment and economic-development strategy; any zoning or development action on these parcels would require separate future votes, likely involving the Town Plan and Zoning Commission.

New Business: Newington Passport Program

Background and stakes: The commission has run a "Newington Passport" promotion for the past two years, encouraging residents to patronize local businesses over three weekends in the lead-up to the holidays, with businesses from across town eligible to participate free of charge.

The question before the body: Whether to run the program again this year and, if so, on what dates.

Substantive content: Commissioners agreed to run the program over three consecutive weekends beginning Friday, November 20, and concluding Sunday, December 6, timed to overlap with the town's Christmas tree lighting on Friday, December 4, which commissioners noted would run concurrently without conflict. The chairman said the program is already funded in the commission's existing budget and that she would seek printing quotes from Pronto Printer, the vendor used in past years.

Deliberation: Commissioners volunteered to canvass different sections of town for business sign-ups: a commissioner identified as Matt, who noted he is not a commission member but has assisted in past years, offered to cover the Yanni's Corner cluster of businesses, including King Donut and Italian Gourmet; a commissioner identified as Paul offered to cover the north end of the Berlin Turnpike; a commissioner identified as Lindsay or Lindsey offered to help with the north turnpike as well; and the chairman asked a commissioner identified as Hunter to canvass the New Britain Avenue and Elm Hill business corridor near his home. The chairman said she would personally cover the town center area.

Procedural steps and outcome: No formal vote was recorded; commissioners expressed unanimous informal support ("no objection to doing it again") for repeating the program, with the chairman taking responsibility for producing a flyer and distributing volunteer assignments.

Implications: The commission plans to revisit the passport program under old business at its November meeting to review final sign-up numbers and coverage before the promotion launches November 20.

Town Planning Update and Business Climate Report

Background and stakes: This recurring agenda item lets town planning staff update the commission on development activity, vacancies and new business openings townwide.

The question before the body: Informational; no vote required.

Substantive content: Eric introduced Brittany, the town's newly hired town planner, who started the day before the meeting. Eric reported that Blade and Bloom, a prepared-food and cash-and-carry business, is expected to close on taking over the former Newington Meat Market later this month, and that a florist the commission had heard rumors about is moving into a center storefront formerly occupied by a candle shop, near Casey Collectibles. He also discussed a new Taco John's location opened by a Newington High School graduate whose company, the Reliance Group, owns multiple Popeye's and Taco John's franchises from Connecticut to Maine; the commission plans a ribbon-cutting and social-media promotion involving the high school football team.

On vacancies, Eric said he has had one discussion regarding the Arby's site and received an inquiry from a real estate broker regarding the former Bob's Discount Furniture building, which he said sold quickly to a buyer whose plans remain unclear after an initial prospective tenant fell through. He said the long-vacant former Boston Market building's access problem, limited to southbound turnpike traffic, has likely discouraged reuse, but that a pre-application for the site is scheduled for the next Town Plan and Zoning Commission meeting. He also noted that fencing between the former Price Chopper and Dick's Sporting Goods buildings has preserved roadway access between Pasco Place and Lewis Street, keeping Supercuts and Chili's operating, though he reported no active interest in redeveloping that site.

Deliberation: A commissioner identified as Gail asked specifically about the Health Tracks fitness club's future, noting the business has operated for decades. Eric said the location's parking is largely leased from an adjoining property owner, Callahan, which he said "could make it difficult" to repurpose the building for uses requiring heavy vehicle traffic, and said his understanding is the building itself is now for sale. A commissioner identified as Matt followed up, saying he understood Health Tracks' closures reflect a corporate-wide restructuring affecting other locations as well, not just Newington's, and that the company's recent communications have directed members to the still-open Glastonbury club.

Procedural steps and outcome: No formal action was taken on any item in this update.

Implications: Several storefront transitions, Blade and Bloom's reopening, a new florist, and the Taco John's opening, are expected to proceed in the near term, while the Arby's, Bob's Discount and Boston Market sites remain unresolved pending future applications, including the upcoming Town Plan and Zoning Commission pre-application hearing. The Health Tracks building's future is tied in part to a separate parking-lease arrangement with Callahan that commissioners did not resolve.

Adjournment

Hearing no further commissioner comments and no public participation, the commission voted unanimously by voice vote to adjourn.

Chairman Rennie, presiding, confirmed present at roll call. Commissioner LaPierre, confirmed present at roll call. Commissioner Mankey, confirmed present at roll call and active in bylaw deliberation. Commissioner Lucas, confirmed present through active participation in bylaw deliberation. Commissioners Dillon, Lindsey, Rieu, Semmy, Wilshire, Fortunlini, Andrews and Morgenthau were named at roll call; individual confirmations of their attendance were not clearly captured in the recording. A commissioner identified only as Jim, who seconded the minutes motion. A commissioner identified only as Tim, who abstained from the minutes vote. A commissioner identified only as Gail, who asked about the Health Tracks closure. A commissioner identified as Matt, who stated he is not a commission member but assists with commission activities. A commissioner identified as Deanna, who delivered the Center Business Collective report and discussed downtown businesses. A commissioner identified as Paul, who volunteered for Newington Passport canvassing. A commissioner identified as Lindsay or Lindsey, who volunteered for Newington Passport canvassing. A commissioner identified as Hunter, asked by the chair to canvass a specific business corridor. A commissioner identified as Brian, mentioned briefly during the passport discussion. Commissioners Todd and Peter, noted as interested in the POCD opportunity-area item. Eric, a town staff member who presented the bylaw draft, POCD areas and town planning and business update; title not stated in the transcript. Brittany, the town's newly hired town planner, introduced at this meeting; attended but did not speak extensively on the recording. Noreen, who conducted roll call; role not otherwise specified. Public participation: none; no members of the public spoke during either public-comment period.

Newington Chamber of Commerce — reported on its golf tournament and Waterfall Festival in Jennifer's absence; regular commission liaison organization. Newington Center Business Collective — reported on downtown fall decorating efforts and 2027 planning timeline. Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) — cited throughout the opportunity-areas discussion as the source document designating Newington Junction (Area D), Opportunity Site 1 and Opportunity Site 2 for potential redevelopment. Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) — a pre-application for the long-vacant Boston Market site is scheduled for its next meeting. Reliance Group — the legal company name of the Newington High School graduate's business, which owns the new Taco John's location and multiple Popeye's franchises. Callahan — the adjoining property owner from which Health Tracks leases most of its parking, a factor Eric said could complicate future reuse of the site. Pronto Printer — the vendor the chairman said has produced past Newington Passport materials and would be asked for new quotes. September 2026 meeting minutes — approved by voice vote, with one abstention, at the start of this meeting. Commission bylaws — under active revision; a full redlined draft is due for a vote at the November meeting.