Award of Excellence

Managing a vibrant downtown is complex work, requiring consistent effort and tireless commitment. This award honors CMSC members – the people, communities and organizations – whose exceptional efforts are contributing to thriving downtowns across the state.

Thomaston’s Main Street is located in a charming walkable downtown.  Much of the original 19^th Century  architecture remains intact and is utilized as retail, restaurant and business enterprises.  Main Street is bookended by two picturesque parks that are inviting to sit, relax and enjoy your surroundings. With easy on and off Routes 8 and 6, Thomaston has slowly morphed into a tourism destination. Main Street has free parking, walkable streets and great attractions, and whether you’re visiting the Naugatuck Valley Railroad, the Thomaston Opera House, sightseeing, fishing, hiking or motocross riding, and you’re likely to complete your day with a visit to the many restaurants that Thomaston has to offer.  

How Thomaston is utilizing the Four Point Approach to improve their downtown:

The Thomaston EDC has engaged with CMSC to assist them with plans to transform their Main Street into a model Main Street participant.  Each year the EDC has a recognition event spotlighting  local businesses for their participation in improving the business climate in the town.  The EDC has recently formed two sub committees.  The first is the Thomaston Greenway committee that is actively planning and raising money to complete the Greenway project that follows the path of the Naugatuck River.  The second committee is the Thomaston 150^th Anniversary Celebration committee. They are making plans for a year-long celebration of the town and its history beginning in November 2024 and concluding the following November.

How CMSC has influenced Thomaston’s efforts:

Thomaston EDC took a tour of its downtown with a CMSC representative (Carl Rosa) to begin identifying some of the assets and many of its problems. A report of the tour was given to the EDC which has served as a reference when planning volunteer work activities.  Subsequent phone calls and emails have also assisted the actions of the EDC.  The commission has actively promoted the various workshops that CMSC offers to members.  Several of the commissioners have attended these workshops and reported back to the commission.