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Spotlight on Main Street: Middletown

Spotlight on Main Street: Middletown

  • CMSC: DT Middletown

  • CMSC: Middletown Main St

  • CMSC: Q Williams w guests

  • CMSC: Lt Gov Susan Bysiewicz

  • CMSC: DBD Coord Sandra Russo-Driska

  • CMSC: Middletown PD Chief Erik Costa

  • CMSC: Dominick DeMartino_DeMartino Development

  • CMSC: DeMartino Housing Rehab

  • CMSC: JR Hargraves Redev 1

  • CMSC: JR Hargraves Redev 2

  • CMSC: JR Hargraves_Hargraves Development

  • CMSC: JR Hargraves Redev Renderings

  • CMSC: KidCity 1

  • CMSC: KidCity 2

  • CMSC: Mayor Ben Florsheim

  • CMSC: Rep Quentin Williams

  • CMSC: Middletown DBD

Since 2013, CMSC and CEDAS have partnered on our Spotlight on Main Street networking events, where a hosting CMSC community shares how they have addressed local obstacles and achieved success in their downtown through collaboration, economic,  and community development.

In October 2022, CMSC & CEDAS members were treated to a behind-the-scenes view of the seven walkable blocks of Middletown’s Main Street, home to nearly 200 independent businesses from family-owned for generations to brand new, nestled along the Connecticut River. 

This event presented by

Highlights included:

  • A Welcome Reception on the Community Health Center Rooftop 
  • Guided walking tours of the downtown
  • A Closing reception hosted by the Inn at Middletown

With thanks to our host the Middletown Downtown Business District, a CMSC member community and speakers:

  • Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz
  • Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim
  • Jen Alexander, Chair, Downtown Business District
  • Sandra Russo-Driska, Downtown Business District Coordinator
  • Middletown Police Chief Erik Costa
  • Dominick DeMartino, DeMartino Development
  • JR Hargraves, Hargraves Development 
  • Larry McHugh, President, Middlesex County Chamber

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    Sandy Hook Village Market Study

    • Newtown Calls in Pros for Sandy Hook Economic Recovery

    Sandy Hook Village Market Study

    In June 2013, the Town of Newtown selected a team organized by Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) to coordinate an economic recovery consultancy for Sandy Hook Village. CMSC collaborated with Arnett Muldrow & Associates of Greenville, SC, and with NetMark Associates of Canton, CT to work closely with the Town and the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (S.H.O.P.) to examine the market for Sandy Hook Village for shopping, dining and gathering, to engage more people to come to Sandy Hook, and to craft a marketing and promotion toolkit for the Village to better share its assets with residents, visitors, and investors.

    The goal of this work was to assist Sandy Hook Village business and property owners with short-term steps to market the community alongside long-term initiatives to foster continued economic activity and investment in Sandy Hook Village. The branding and marketing strategy that resulted serves as a guide for helping the Village’s businesses market to their existing and expanded customer base, helping officials of the Town of Newtown and S.H.O.P. recruit additional investment to the community, and guiding decisions to continue to drive customer traffic to the village.

    A Compassionate, Community-led Approach

    The consultancy process began with a series of meetings in the community. CMSC worked with the consulting team and a steering committee comprised of Town Staff, Economic Development Commissioners, and S.H.O.P. representatives to discuss the scope of the project, directing the project from start to finish. The team also met with shopkeepers, stakeholders, School District and Town officials, and others to gather input and feedback. 

    Through community input and market analysis, Connecticut Main Street team presented Sandy Hook with a market report and corresponding marketing and branding campaign along with other steps to implement the new branding campaign.

    The resulting branding campaign is still in use by Sandy Hook Village. S.H.O.P. also joined the CMSC member network and remains an active member ten years later.

    Interested in learning how we can help your community discover its unique voice?

    Check out these helpful videos or learn more about becoming a CMSC member

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    © Connecticut Main Street Center 
    P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141 | 860.280.2337