ENFIELD — Looking at the year ahead, the town of Enfield has big plans in store for 2025.
Enfield is a border town between Hartford and Springfield which attracts many to do their dining and shopping in.
The town is looking at some significant growth in the new year between the redevelopment of the Enfield Square Mall, the Connecticut Riverfront and MassMutual.
“We have received several multi-million-dollar grants from the state for two of the projects helping move them forward in the right direction,” said Mayor Ken Nelson, Jr., referring to the Enfield Square Mall and the Connecticut Riverfront. “My plan would be to continue to help the developers with the approval process. They’re great companies and I’m looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with all of them.”
He went on to say, “These projects will be some of the first to work with our new development services division in town. Our goal is a one-stop permitting process. This was created by our Town Manager Chris Bromson who has been instrumental in Enfield’s potential growth this year.”
The town is also looking at continuing to invest in its infrastructure. Enfield has many sewer projects underway right now, miles of new or lined sewer pipes, 10 new pump stations all connected to a newer water pollution plant.
Enfield is in the beginning stages of a renovation to all the grammar schools throughout the town which is a joint partnership with the Board of Education. The high school and the junior high have already seen improvements, so the goal for the grammar schools is getting them on the ballot for November.
Nelson shared that Higgins Park is almost complete. Two summers ago, it was the test run for the new band shell with free live shows every Tuesday and the town is currently trying to purchase the gym that abuts the park to replace the neighborhood center that was demolished several years ago.
The Enfield Public Schools are going through a reorganization with its new Superintendent Steve Moccio, which Nelson said he “hit the ground running.”
The Enfield Housing Authority also received a large grant to redevelop Enfield Manor, an older affordable senior housing complex, and construction should begin shortly.
Currently, the town is trying to come up with a plan to save the Martha Parsons House which was donated to the historic society by Martha Parsons. They are open to all ideas on how to save this piece of history.
“We’re working to save our history,” said Nelson. “I was born and raised in Enfield. There’s nothing like being in your hometown, knowing pretty much everybody and knowing the rich history that Enfield has I think is critical when it comes to moving the town forward without destroying the history of the past.”
