SOMERS — The new year has rung, and the town of Somers is getting ready for some big plans which include new establishments, notable projects and major events.
Somers is a small, rural, tight-knit, family-oriented community with a Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting form of government, with one of the lowest tax rates in northern Connecticut.
Some of the unique town businesses include: Grower’s Direct, a wholesale plant and greenhouse growth and distribution Center; Lindy Farms, which breeds and sells world class horses for thoroughbred and harness racing; Pell Farms, a 100 year old family owned and operated for wholesale strawberries, nursery stock, Christmas trees and hedge shrubs; Old Mill English Tea Room in Somersville; Sunny’s Place, a premier family entertainment destination and the Four Town Fair grounds which hosts Connecticut’s oldest fall fair.
First Selectman Tim Keeney said, “Somers is a community where you know your neighbors with many community activities like Rotary, Scouts, sports teams, recreational opportunities, parks and cultural activities which define the town.”
He went on to say, “My plans are to expand the housing availability, attract small businesses, manage Town Hall personnel programs and services, improve communications with the public, prioritize health and safety, assist existing small businesses and farms, and revise the town charter.”
Significant projects for the town include hiring a full-time building inspector and an HVAC system for the elementary school will commence in April. They are also repaving 7.4 miles of local roads, complete planning and design for a major apartment complex in Somerville.
Proposed openings are The Roasted Beanery, a coffee shop, offering fresh goods; breakfast and lunch will open in January at Geisler’s Plaza; after three years of historic restoration of one of the most prominent landmarks in Somers, the Iron Fox Steakhouse will open for business, adding a most significant restaurant public opportunity and experience.
Worthington Winery, with its 100 acres open for recreation and relaxation, will promote acoustic music, a new Zen garden and boat rentals; the Blake Center at its Monticello replica will have a lecture series promoting national scholars and speakers; Sunny’s Place, a premier family entertainment destination is expanding its miniature, games arcade and bumper-boats operations and Connor’s Place playground will upgrade its playscapes for visiting youth.