Beginning on July 14, 2025, the Thomaston Town Hall will offer extended hours Monday through Thursday and be closed on Fridays. New Hours: Effective July 14, 2025:
We’ve had lots of progress over the past month. Here are a few highlights of our progress.
Demographic Study
As a key part of the Feasibility, we hired a demographer (CropperGIS) to build a population model to forecast what our school population will be over the coming 10 years. The complete report can by found here. The most important findings are as follows.
The resident total fertility rate for Thomaston Public Schools over the life of the forecasts is below the replacement level. (1.18 vs. the replacement level of 2.1). This is a key finding that support our declining population of school aged children.
Most in-migration to the district will occur in the 0-4- and 22-39-year-old age groups.
The local 18-22-year-old population continues to leave the district, moving out to college. Another migration outflow is in the 75+ age groups, as empty-nester housing turnover continues to be a driver of migration flow.
The primary factor causing the district’s enrollment to decrease over the next 10 years is the low fertility not sufficiently supplanted by in-migration.
Changes in year-to-year enrollment over the next ten years will primarily be due to varying size of cohorts entering, moving through, and leaving the school system.
The median age of the district’s population will increase from 45.1 in 2020 to 45.7 in 2035.
The rate, magnitude, and price of existing homes will continue to be the major factor affecting the amount of population and enrollment change.
Total district enrollment is forecasted to decrease by 88 students, or -10.8%, between 2024-25 and 2029-30. Total enrollment is forecasted to then decrease by 52 students further, or -7.2%, from 2029-30 to 2034-35.
A more comprehensive synopsis of the analysis completed my DRA (our vendor guiding the overall study) can be found here.
Town Surveys
The project team created four surveys to gather feedback on the suitability of the current school infrastructure. The surveys were anonymous; answers cannot be traced back to the respondent. The survey was hosted by a third-party, not be the Town or Thomaston Public Schools. There was one survey for each type of stakeholder. They are as follows.
Teacher & Staff
Parent & Guardian
Students
Residents & Business
A comprehensive synopsis of the analysis completed my DRA is as follows.
Online surveys were conducted concurrently and engaged four different constituent groups. Surveys were geared towards Parents & Guardians, Teachers & Staff, Residents & Businesses, and Students in grades 3 through 12. Surveys were anonymous and restricted to one answer per URL. The open period for participating was September 12 to October 20, 2025; students could respond through October 22nd.
Response rates were very good, with 72 from teachers & staff, 129 from residents & businesses, 65 from parents & guardians, and 143 from students.
The respondents to the survey for parents showed 71% of the respondents have lived in Town for 11 or more years, with 35% having been in Town for more than 20 years.
For residents the result was 77% stating they have lived in Town for 11 or more years, with fully 70% having been in Town for more than 20 years.
This level of longevity indicates that responses will be based on knowledge and experience of the town over a considerable period of time.
Parents & Guardians reported having children in all grades except the transitional program. Distribution amongst grades ranged from 3% in Grade 3 to 10% in Grade 11.
Given the range of grades in Thomaston High School it is not surprising to see that 51% of parents and guardians report their student(s) attends the high school. Blackrock Elementary had 24% while Thomaston Center School at 22%, 1% responded as ‘Out of District’.
This distribution across the entire grade range provides insight into all aspects of the District’s facilities and programs.
Those attending out of District schools responded with Waterbury Arts Magnet (2), Lakeview High School (1), District 15 (2), and Oliver Wolcott Technical High School (2).
The Waterbury Arts, Wolcott Technical High School, and Lakeview High School each offer focused curriculums not offered in Thomaston as well as facilities oriented strongly toward teaching that particular subject matter.
Familiarity with the Thomaston Public Schools was 8.25 out of 10 for residents/businesses. This level of familiarity helps to bolster the validity of the other responses within the surveys.
Familiarity with the District’s facilities ranged from 7.4 to 8.17 out of 10 for parents/guardians and residents/businesses, respectively.
That said, the residents/businesses respondents feel the Thomaston Public School System ranks only at 5.08 out of 10 as an attraction for families or businesses to move into town. This is actually slightly higher than the response to how the District is perceived by residents and non-residents, which totaled 4.82 out of 10; this same question returned a 5.58 out of 10 when answered by parents/guardians.
The overall conclusion derived from the results is that the majority of respondents feel they know the buildings and grounds well and that the facilities do not reflect well on the Town or District.
Most teachers responded that the spaces in which they work support their efforts.
Students responded with less support for the condition of the facilities.
Looking to the future the direction should be to anticipate a shift in teaching modalities to one more computer based, to a curriculum that embraces evolving work paradigms, and to enhance the perception of the facilities and programs to those who live in town as well as prospective residents.
Community Workshop
We held our first community workshop on October 23rd. We had a great turnout. We greatly appreciate everyone that attended and took part in our workshop sessions. We have recap of the workshop herealong with the following key areas of interest.
REDUCE – Members of the three breakout sessions identified this as an area for additional discussion. (Noted in all three breakout sessions).
SHARE – Meeting participants asked for further exploration of shared services as a means to develop a more efficient District. (Noted in 2 of 3 breakout sessions).
REGIONALIZE – Members of the three breakout sessions identified regionalization as something that may have a great impact on the District. Some clarified that this impact may be both highly positive, as well as highly negative. (Noted in all three breakout sessions).
These areas of interest will be focused on as the team continues the study effort and prepares for Community Meeting 2 | Options and Alternatives.
During the workshop we review the Facilities Assessment & Master Plan that was completed in July of 2024. This report details all of the repairs that are required over the coming 20 years. This report is what prompted the need for the Feasibility Study. Several of the workshop attendees asked to review the Facilities Assessment & Master Plan. This document can be found at the link below.
I am pleased to welcome our residents, longstanding business owners, visitors, as well as new and future businesses to the Town of Thomaston’s new and improved website. We hope that this user-friendly webpage will enable everyone to easily see what we have long known – Thomaston is a Town for All Time.
The story of our town is closely tied to a man named Seth Thomas, who in 1813 came to what was then known as Plymouth Hollow to manufacture clocks. By 1856, he was labeling his clocks with “Thomas Town.” Seth Thomas and his clocks helped create the route of the Naugatuck Railroad through the area, linking us with the brass mills of Waterbury. On July 6, 1875, Thomas Town became Thomaston in memory of Seth Thomas.
From these beginnings a thriving New England mill town developed. The manufacturing tradition continues in Thomaston, as we are proudly home to businesses in such diverse industries as metalworking, electronics, defense contracting, and cosmetics packaging. We are also happy to be home to a diverse range of tradespeople and craftspeople.
Thomaston offers a wide variety of historical and recreational opportunities. Landmark Community Theatre at the historic Thomaston Opera House is home to numerous productions every year. The Railroad Museum of New England operates year-round with train tours and holiday events. St. Thomas Church here in Thomaston was the final parish of Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Northfield Brook Lake and Thomaston Dam offer excellent opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and even trail biking! Black Rock State Park is just next door with swimming and camping opportunities. Nystrom’s Pond is Thomaston’s main recreation facility, with a track, swimming area, ball fields, and picnicking.
Seasonal events include opening the winter holiday season with Light Up Thomaston. In the summer months, we offer a weekly concert series at Seth Thomas Park and our Annual Firemen’s Parade and Carnival. The fall season brings our Annual Car Show held in our town center and the Diane Burr Memorial 5K Flag Run/Walk that is held on Veterans Day.
After a busy day enjoying these events, visitors can dine at one of Thomaston’s many excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine including sandwiches, pizza, fine Italian, Chinese, Thai, sushi, and seafood. Thomaston even has its own brew pub.
Thomaston residents pride themselves on their civic engagement as well as caring for their fellow residents. We have numerous volunteers staffing our emergency services and serving their community on boards and commissions. Our residents collaborate to keep the local food pantry well-stocked and are quick to lend a hand to members of our town family who may be in need.
As rich as Thomaston’s history is, we are also looking forward to our future. The Town of Thomaston has recently achieved Sustainable CT Bronze-level certification. Thomaston is actively designing and preparing to build sections of the Naugatuck River Greenway. Seth Thomas Park in our historic town center will be renovated this summer, bringing exciting improvements to augment our arts and culture offerings. Members of our community are actively planning a year-long celebration of the town’s 150th anniversary to begin at Light Up Thomaston 2024.
Thomaston is proud of its history, its people, and its culture. We look forward to sharing all that we have to offer with newcomers and visitors to our town.
Construction continues on the High Street Extension culvert replacement project. Crews will be working throughout the night (24 hours) with the road down to one lane only. Police officers will be on duty so please proceed with caution.
Thanks for your continued patience. First Selectman's Office Thomaston Police Department
The electors and those persons eligible to vote in town meetings of the Town of Thomaston, Connecticut, are hereby WARNED AND NOTIFIED that a Special Town Meeting will be held in the Town Hall, in the Lena Morton Gallery, 158 Main Street, Thomaston, Connecticut, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. for the following purposes:
ITEM 1. As recommended by the Boards of Finance and Selectmen, to consider and act on an appropriation not to exceed $196,850.00: $48,000.00 from the Town Emergency Medical Services fund and $148,850.00 from Undesignated Fund Balance, to purchase a Medix ambulance for use by the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and to authorize the First Selectman to take actions and execute documents necessary or convenient for that purpose.
ITEM 2. As recommended by the Boards of Finance and Selectmen, to consider and act on an appropriation not to exceed $65,000.00 from the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance to purchase a Chevrolet Tahoe “fly car” for use by the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and to authorize the First Selectman to take actions and execute documents necessary or convenient for that purpose.
ITEM 3. As recommended by the Board of Selectmen, to consider and act on a three-year tax abatement agreement, for the October 1, 2024; October 1, 2025; and October 1, 2026, grand lists for 34 Main Street (Pichekar Properties, LLC): a 75% abatement of taxes on improvements for year one; a 40% abatement of taxes on improvements for year two; and a 25% abatement of taxes on improvements for year three; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to update the agreement for the lists of October 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026 to account for revaluation.
Copies of the full text of the Resolutions are on file and available for inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk.
Dated at Thomaston, Connecticut this 3rd day of December, 2024.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
______________________________ Edmond V. Mone, First Selectman
______________________________ Michael Burr, Selectman
The activity consists of 10 short statements. You simply add words to complete the thought, similar to the game Mad Libs!
The paper versions of the activity are available at the locations listed on the flyer, or you can complete them online by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the link below to access the activity through January 31, 2025.
Thomaston Restaurant Week is almost here and it’s your opportunity to try as many restaurants as your schedule allows for one incredibly low fixed price.
Ever wonder about that restaurant you’ve heard about or driven by all those times? Thomaston Restaurant Week 2025 is your chance to give it a try at a reduced cost and be entered to win prizes!
This inaugural event is proudly organized by the 150th Anniversary Committee in partnership with Litchfield.co.
NVCOG Seeks Public Input on Transit Equity and Inclusion
Waterbury, CT – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), the regional planning agency representing 19 towns in the Naugatuck Valley, is inviting the community to help shape the future of public engagement in the region. As part of an update to its Title VI Plan and Public Participation Plan, NVCOG is seeking feedback to ensure that its planning processes are inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all residents.
The Title VI Plan ensures that all programs, activities, and services comply with federal civil rights laws guaranteeing non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The Public Participation Plan outlines strategies to engage the public in the planning process, ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented.
The NVCOG has scheduled two public meetings to gather input directly from residents, organizations, and stakeholders. Public meetings will take place on the following dates:
January 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM Waterbury City Hall, Veterans Memorial Hall, 2nd Floor 235 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT 06702
These meetings will be interactive, including a brief overview of proposed updates and activities to gather attendees’ thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Refreshments will be provided. Please email dblanchard@nvcogct.gov to RSVP if you plan to attend.
Meeting locations are ADA accessible. Language assistance is available, and requests can be made at least five business days prior to the meeting by contacting Desira Blanchard, Civil Rights Officer, at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov or 203-757-0535.
About NVCOG NVCOG is a regional planning organization that serves 19 cities and towns in the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region. By helping municipalities work together, NVCOG tackles shared challenges such as transportation improvements, environmental issues, and community planning, creating a stronger and more connected region.
The Town of Thomaston is excited to partner with Permit Link to offer online building permits beginning Monday, February 3, 2025!
Fee adjustment: Effective February 3, 2025 The building permit fee schedule has been adjusted for online permitting. The fee for building permits will increase by $11, to cover the electronic processing fee, as adopted by the Board of Selectman on December 3, 2024. BOS Minutes 12/3/24
BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS
For a list of common projects that require building permits, please check our FAQ section: "How do I know if my project requires a building permit?"
All Permits require PDF copied attachments of:
Contractor's License
Worker's Compensation Insurance Certificate
Letter of Authorization: required if the contractor is giving the permission of the homeowner or agent to take out a permit under their license number.
Owner can do their own work and take out their own permits, but state building code states that the home must be owned and inhabited by the owner to allow doing their own work. Flips and rental homes/units require licensed mechanical and structural contractors to apply for permitting.
In addition to the above mentioned permitting, more detailed reviews, permitting, and submissions may be required. If you are constructing, erecting, enlarging, and altering the current footprint &/OR moving, removing, or changing the use of a current building it will require reviews by multiple departments. It will most definitely need the following extra submissions:
Plot plan with the proposed structure and work/activity depicted to scale
Drawings/Plans showing how the structure or space is to be built and if changing or adding onto existing space, an existing plan with designations of spaces used and a proposed plan of designated spaces (both new and existing)
In some cases, this may even require a bit more information to allow for a full and thorough review. You may be asked to provide:
Additional supporting evidence by outside sources
Property Taxes and Sewer:
Per Thomaston Code, Article III, § 128-7: Pursuant to C.G.S § 7-148(c)(2)(B), as amended, no building permit shall be issued for improvements to any property on which the property taxes, sewer rates, charges or assessments imposed by the Town of Thomaston Water Pollution Control Authority are delinquent.
If a property is flagged as Delinquent the review process will be delayed.
Online Permitting System Guidelines
For your convenience, the Town has adopted new online permitting for the submittal of applications for residential building permits, electrical permits, plumbing and gas permits, mechanical permits, Demolition and Fire Protection permits.
Paper permit applications will no longer be accepted. If you do not own a computer or if you need assistance using a computer, both are available at Town Hall. A computer station terminal is located at the Town Hall. Assistance can be obtained in the office or by contacting the Building Department office during normal business hours.
You will have the option to pay online after the application has been submitted. Applicants can mail a check payable to the Town of Thomaston. You may also visit us with payment during our normal business hours. Any payments sent in without a copy of the necessary documents will not be accepted.
Before applying for a permit, you should review the Building Department information above to see what documentation is required. Please scan and attach supporting documentation with your completed application. If you do not have the ability to scan and upload, please send by mail or in person with a copy of your application. Provide as much information as you can on the form as incomplete applications may be rejected.
Filling Out a Permit Application (after you have logged onto the online permitting website).
Select the appropriate permit application from the menu on the left.
Select the location for the permit by entering any characters of column text in the white boxes under House # and/or Street to narrow your search.
Choose the address by highlighting its row.
Click the Next button above the Property List.
Fill out the application fields to completion.
Once you have filled out all text fields click Submit.
This will prompt you to add attachments. Click ok if you want to add attachments.
Once done adding your Attachments you will be prompted to make a payment.
Adding Attachments to Your Permit Application After Submit:
If you need to add attachments after closing a submitted application or want to check your status, go to My Documents at the top center of the Main Page. Select the Permit and click buttons to the left.
The Town Hall offices will be closing at 4:00 p.m. today due to inclement weather and possible worsening conditions. We will reopen tomorrow, Friday, February 7th with normal business hours (until noon).
The electors and those persons eligible to vote in town meetings of the Town of Thomaston, Connecticut, are hereby warned and notified that a Special Town Meeting will be held in the Lena Morton Art Gallery, Town Hall, 158 Main Street, Thomaston, Connecticut, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. for the following purpose:
ITEM 1. As recommended by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance, to consider and act on a Resolution:
(a) To appropriate $846,000 for the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the existing parking area adjacent to Reeves Field, including the repaving and lining of parking spaces, the installation of a stormwater management feature, the installation of energy efficient lighting, the construction of a pedestrian walkway, landscaping, and the construction of a pickleball court;
(b) To finance said appropriation by issuing the Town’s bonds, notes or temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $169,200;
(c) To authorize the First Selectman and Treasurer to issue the bonds, notes or temporary notes;
(d) To take actions under applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations to allow the Town to issue the bonds, notes or temporary notes on a tax-exempt basis; and
(e) To authorize the First Selectman to execute agreements for the project; and to authorize other Town boards and officials to take all other actions necessary to complete the project and issue the bonds, notes or temporary notes to finance the appropriation.
A copy of the full text of the Resolution is on file and available for inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk.
Dated at Thomaston, Connecticut this 12th day of February, 2025.
Town Hall Offices will be closed Friday, February 14 and Monday, February 17 in observance of the President's Day holiday. Offices will resume during normal business hours on Tuesday.
You’re Invited: Gearing Up for the Future: A Branding Conversation
What: Community Presentation When: February 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Where: Thomaston Town Hall, Meeting Room 1 Who: The Entire Thomaston Community
Light refreshments provided.
The TIMES* Accelerator group invites you to an informational gathering to learn how our branding project will support a shared vision and cohesive appearance for our town.
We have invited local leaders, town committees, business owners, and the local community to update you on the work we are doing utilizing the grant award from Connecticut Main Street Center.
We were awarded this grant due to our participation in the inaugural Accelerator training offered by Connecticut Main Street Center. Why This Matters: Our town is full of hardworking businesses, dedicated manufacturers, and a vibrant community.
In today’s world, a strong, unified identity is essential to attract new businesses, visitors, and investors. Imagine the power we could have if we worked together under a single, recognizable brand that showcases everything our town has to offer. Why You Should Be Part of This Conversation?
This initiative isn’t just for our businesses and visitors – it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a small business owner, a manufacturer, a local leader, or a lifelong resident, you have a stake in how our town moves forward.
By working together, we can build a brand that reflects our shared strengths, and vision for the future.
What’s Next? We’ll discuss how branding can benefit our town and how you can play a role in shaping our shared identity. Your voice matters, and together, we can create a stronger and more unified community.
We look forward to seeing you on February 19th! Let’s gear up for the future — together!
Contact us at: Thomaston EDC, 158 Main Street, Thomaston CT 06787 or email GearingUpThomaston@gmail.com *TIMES: Thomaston Improving& Maintaining Economic Support
Please note that recent changes to the ACA reporting guidelines include not distributing the annual 1095C forms to employees. Employees; however, can request a copy of your statement by contacting Vinni Carey at
860-283-9678 vcarey@thomastonct.org 158 Main Street, Thomaston CT 06787
The 150th Anniversary Committee is excited to partner with Clocktown Brewing Company for a Special Edition Bingo Night to celebrate Thomaston's 150th Birthday!
Please join us on Thursday March 6, 2025 from 7-9 pm!
You’re Invited: Gearing Up for the Future: The Unveiling of the Decorative Banner Enhancer!
What: Community Presentation When: April 16,2025 at 5:15 p.m. Where: Thomaston Town Hall, Meeting Room 1 Who: The Entire Thomaston Community
Light refreshments provided. The Thomaston TIMES* Coalition is excited to present the decorative banner enhancer to the community. All businesses, local leaders, civic groups, and residents are welcome to attend!
You have a stake in how our town moves forward. By working together, we can build a stronger and more unified community that benefits everyone and reflects our vision for the future.
We look forward to seeing you on April 16th! Let’s gear up for the future — together!
Contact us at: Thomaston EDC, 158 Main Street, Thomaston CT 06787 or email GearingUpThomaston@gmail.com *TIMES: Thomaston Improving& Maintaining Economic Support
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing the installation and revision of traffic control signals at various intersections in towns across western Connecticut. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 21, 2025, and is expected to be completed by Tuesday, August 4, 2026. For details on all roads involved in this work, please click on link below.
Town Hall offices will be closed on Friday, April 18th in observance of Good Friday. Offices will reopen for normal business on Monday. Have a Blessed Holiday
Please click on the link on the right side of the page to see the Warning of Annual Budget Meeting and Referendum, the Budget Presentation (REVISED) and the 2025-2026 Budget Information.
DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE WILL BE NO SENIOR MINIBUS SERVICE DURING THE WEEK OF MAY 12TH. BUS SERVICE WILL RESUME AS NORMAL WEEK OF MAY 19TH. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
There will be NO trash/recycling pickup on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Trash/Recycling pickup will be one day off all week (i.e. Monday's collection will now be Tuesday and so on). Pickup will be Tuesday - Saturday.
The first installment for the GLY 2024 Tax Bills are due July 1, 2025 and are available for payment through our website.
Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Thomaston that the first installment for Real Estate, Personal Property and Motor Vehicle tax bills on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, are due and payable Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Click here to pay tax(es.)
The last day to pay these taxes to avoid penalty interest is Friday, August 1, 2025. Per State Statute 12-145, interest of 1.5% per month payable from the due date, with a minimum charge of $2.00, will be applied to all delinquent bills. The interest rate applies per month or fraction of each month until paid.
The Town of Thomaston is conducting a statistical revaluation for the 2025 Grand List. Tyler Technologies will be reviewing building permits and driving around town looking at properties. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Assessor’s office at (860) 283-0305.
UPDATE: August 20, 2025: The Town Hall Clay Street entrance is now open.
Until further notice, the Town Hall Clay Street Entrance is closed for repairs.
The Town Hall Offices are open during regular business hours and can be accessed from either the Main Street entrance or the back parking lot entrance.
Tyler Technologies Revaluation will be driving around town after 5:00pm during the week and on Saturdays and Sundays looking at properties.
The vehicles are a Blue Toyota Camry CT 1AJ-DV8 or a Red Chevy Equinox CT- BG-13148. Both vehicles have a sign on the car door Tyler Technologies/Assessor’s Office.
The Registrar's office will be open on Friday, August 22 from 2:30PM until 4:30PM for in-person registration of voters to be eligible to vote in the September 9 Republican Primary. This is also the cut-off date for mail-in registration by noon. Active Republican voters are eligible to vote early or on Primary Day. Early Voting as well as the Republican Primary will be held in the Senior Center on the first floor of Town Hall.
Early Voting Days and times are as follows:
Tuesday, 9/2 8AM until 8PM
Wednesday, 9/3 10AM until 6PM
Thursday , 9/4 8AM until 8PM
Friday, 9/5 10AM until 6PM
Saturday, 9/6 10AM until 6PM
Sunday, 9/7 10AM until 6PM
Republican Primary Day is Tuesday, September 9 6AM until 8PM
You can use the links below to open the Elm Street presentation and the two alternative plans that were presented at the recent informational meeting back on August 14th.
Waterbury, CT – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) invites residents to participate in a series of public meetings on September 9, 10, and 11 to review designs for nine culvert and drainage projects across the region. NVCOG has been working with local governments in Ansonia, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Thomaston, Waterbury, and Wolcott to design upgrades for failing culverts & drainage systems that cause flooding. These hybrid meetings will offer participation options for community members to attend in-person or virtually on Zoom. NVCOG will share the preliminary designs that have been developed based on site visits, hydrologic studies, and public input from meetings in December 2024.
These projects are part of the NVCOG’s efforts under the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Climate Resilience Fund, which seeks to create a pipeline of shovel-ready projects eligible for federal implementation grants. Working with member municipalities, the NVCOG prioritized sites at risk of flooding as identified in the Multijurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The nine project sites include culverts and drainage areas across the region. NVCOG has worked with Luchs, a local engineering firm, to study these areas, design preliminary solutions, and identify federal funding sources for implementation. Additionally, NVCOG partnered with the environmental nonprofit Save the Sound to conduct aquatic organism passage assessments, ensuring that the improved road-stream crossings work for wildlife as well as people.
The town is holding a series of summer events to celebrate their 150th anniversary, they recently worked with NVCOG to update their Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), they completed their 3rd annual CMSC Main Street Management Assessment, AND they implemented their Main Street Accelerator project resulting from their 2024 Cohort team work.
Our next Spotlight on Main will include networking time, presentations from local officials and a guided walking tour. The event kicks off with networking at Clocktown Brewery, located in a section of the former Seth Thomas Clock Factory.
Thomaston Economic Development Commission will lead a presentation that provides insights on volunteer engagement, discuss what’s driving the positive change in downtown and some of the challenges they are up against.
Event Schedule
This event is rain or shine.
3:00 Networking & Check-In
3:30 Presentation from Thomaston EDC
4:00 Walking Tour of Downtown
5:00 Networking Reception
During our walking tour, we’ll see the branded elements that are helping to shape Thomaston’s unique sense of place. We’ll visit the Railroad Museum of New England and hear how partnering with regional businesses activated an underutilized rail line and created a destination. We’ll walk the future site of the Greenway connecting Watertown and Torrington and hear how the revitalized green space has brought together the community.
As always, our Spotlight is focused on highlighting best practices in downtown management. Join us on September 4th to hear how a dedicated EDC has leveraged CMSC resources to bring vibrancy to their downtown!
The Central CT Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business After Hours Event at Clocktown Brewing Company on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Chamber Members can reserve a spot at the event by registering here.
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