Seymour’s new Economic Development Director Fred A. Messore wants to buy land in downtown Seymour to create more parking and some “green space.”
He’s asking for a large budget increase to make it happen.
Messore was scheduled to present his 2012 – 2013 budget proposal to the Seymour Board of Finance for the first time Wednesday (Feb. 8). The finance board is reviewing department requests this week as it starts the months-long process of crafting a town budget.
Messore wants $300,000 next year to try to purchase the parcel at 17 Bank St. It currently houses a vacant former auto body shop and a roped-off parking lot on 0.14 acres.
The land is at the corner of First and Bank streets, about a block away from Town Hall. It is zoned for commercial use.
Messore’s plans call for demolishing the building and making room for more parking.
“It’s a centrally located parcel that I think is important for the town to control,” Messore said. “We could create off-street downtown parking, which I think is necessary… And we might be able to create some green spaces and a small stage or gazebo to be utilized for town functions going forward.”
Messore said he’s been talking to the owner, Dick Kastens, about the idea.
Kastens indicated he would be willing to sell the property to the town, Messore said.
So Messore put the estimated purchase amount — $300,000 — in his budget proposal for 2012 – 2013.
The property, and building, were appraised at $204,500, according to the latest property information available.
744 percent increase
The $300,000 within the budget request adds a huge chunk to a previously non-existent economic development budget.
Messore was hired in July 2011 to be the town’s new part-time economic development director. He makes $42,000 a year.
His office’s total budget in 2011 – 2012 was $47,713, which included his salary and some money for travel and communication expenses.
So Messore’s total 2012 – 2013 budget request of $402,713 represents a 744 percent increase over current spending.
In addition to the money to buy land, Messore is also asking for $25,000 for demolition costs for the 17 Bank St. property, and $30,000 to pay for three economic development studies in town.
The studies, Messore said, could help Seymour attract grant money for more development efforts.
“One of the areas I feel is a very important part of the process we’ve been lacking on is planning,” Messore said.
In order to get grants for projects, Messore said he needs to show that the town has finished some long-term plans for different issues, such as housing development or landscaping.
Support?
The request is happening in a town where residents have been rejecting any increase in local government spending.
In April 2011, Seymour voters rejected a budget proposal that would have increased the tax rate by only 1 mill.
The school budget has had more trouble passing. In 2011, it took three votes to pass a budget, which was finally approved with a $677,000 increase.
An e‑mail seeking comment was sent to First Selectman Kurt Miller Wednesday. A message was also left with Board of Finance chairman Trish Danka.
“Whenever you try to ask people in these tough times to allocate moneys for something they haven’t in the past, it’s very difficult for that message to get across,” Messore said.
But the town did approve adding Messore’s position last year, so Messore said he’s optimistic that the finance board will want to continue supporting economic development.
“Even if it’s not ruled upon favorably to allocate funds for this, I’m going to be there the following year (asking),” Messore said. “I will be there advocating economic development and programming funds. That’s what my job is.”
