On Thursday (May 1) the Connecticut Main Street Center announced the recipients of their 2014 Awards of Excellence.
The Town of Seymour was the winner of this year’s “Renewed Commitment to Main Street Award” for its Downtown Action Strategy and Greenway Trail Plan.
Seymour has been dedicated to reviving its quaint downtown district for the past few years.
Along with Planimetrics, a Connecticut-based consulting firm, the Town of Seymour completed a Downtown Action Strategy in 2012.
Since its completion, Seymour has worked hard to implement its recommendations including establishing a Downtown Committee and working more closely with the Downtown Merchants’ Association, both of which have been instrumental in bringing the downtown back to life.
Of the award, First Selectman W. Kurt Miller said, “We’re very pleased that our efforts in downtown Seymour are being recognized and that the hard work of so many different groups is paying off. We are really making strides in changing perceptions of Seymour.”
Economic Development Director Fred A. Messore, along with the Economic Development Committee, have also worked hard to revitalize the downtown. Under Messore’s direction, the Town has begun planning a Greenway Trail with consulting engineers Milone & MacBroom. The plan is only in its initial stages but envisions a multiuse trail and linear park along the banks of the Naugatuck River in Downtown Seymour.
Messore, who applied for the award, said, “Downtown Seymour is a treasure that is only just beginning to gain recognition. We’re very grateful for this award and hope that people take notice of our dedication to realize our goals.”
The CEO of the Connecticut Main Street Center, John Simone, said “Our members continually inspire us with how creatively they respond to the needs of their community. They’re deeply committed to every aspect of their downtown – the businesses, public spaces, local institutions, and above all, creating a place that people really enjoy living in and visiting. We couldn’t be happier with how this year’s winners represent all we stand for in downtown revitalization,” said Mr. Simone.
The award will be presented at the 2014 Connecticut Main Street Awards Gala on June 9 at Roia Restaurant in downtown New Haven.
