The town’s new Economic Development Director hopes to have a face-to-face talk with the owner of Tri-Town Plaza later this month.
Fred Messore started his part-time job for Seymour in June. He gave an update of what he’s been up to at this week’s Seymour Board of Selectmen meeting.
Click here to watch Messore’s discussion with elected officials. The Tri-Town discussion starts 28 minutes in.
Messore said he has spoken with Ron Spector, Tri-Town’s owner on the phone. Messore has also toured the retail center, a portion of which has sat vacant for years.
Messore said there’s a chance he’ll meet with the Nevada-based developer later this month.
The economic development director said he hopes to work with Spector to help market Tri-Town to potential tenants.
The shopping center used to be anchored by an Ames department store. That space is vacant.
However, the remaining businesses — including a movie theater, a Dunkin Donuts, a pizzeria, a karate school and hair salon — aren’t exactly struggling.
“It does make money currently,” Messore said. “It’s not as desperate or in dire straits, as a lot of people think.”
Messore said the town would like to see the plaza fully leased.
“Right now I think is it the status quo until we meet with the property owner and come together with a plan to market that property over and above what he is already doing,” Messore said.
In an e‑mail, Spector said he’s willing to work with Messore.
“I was supportive of and encouraged by the hiring of Mr. Messore,” Spector said. “I think he is the right man for the job. I had a nice conversation him and look forward to meeting with him when I am in town next month.”
Regarding any potential tenants, Sepctor said: “We have had some rental interest of late, but I know these retailers are also looking at other locations in the Valley. Hopefully we will be successful in our attempts to convince them of the superiority of our location and the economic benefits of operating in Seymour.”
