Page 34 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 59 Spring 2026

New Initiatives and

Key Redevelopment

Opportunities

The Town of Wallingford continues to position itself for long- Boathouse property at 320 Washington Street to determine
term economic success, with the Economic Development the site’s capacity for the development of affordable senior
Commission (EDC) advancing several key initiatives aimed housing units and represents a strategic opportunity to
at strengthening the local business climate, supporting advance local housing goals.
workforce development, and guiding future growth.
Looking ahead, the Commission is prioritizing initiatives
Working in collaboration with the Town’s Economic that align economic growth with community needs. This
Development Department, the EDC plays an important role includes encouraging redevelopment of underutilized
in fostering partnerships between businesses, community properties, supporting mixed-use development, and
organizations, and municipal leadership. Its mission remains advancing workforce and housing strategies that ensure
focused on enhancing quality of life while attracting and businesses have access to talent.
retaining businesses through strategic, sustainable efforts.
Expanding the grand list in a balanced way remains a central
One of the most significant efforts currently underway is the focus, helping to reduce pressure on residential taxpayers
development of Wallingford’s next Plan of Conservation and while preserving the character of the community. The town
Development, a 10-year roadmap that will shape land use, is well-positioned to build on its momentum and continue
housing, and economic priorities through 2036. Community attracting investment that benefits residents and businesses
input gathered in recent months has emphasized the alike.
importance of balanced growth—highlighting needs such
as infrastructure improvements, diverse housing options,
and amenities that appeal to both residents and employers.

In parallel, the EDC has continued to support business
attraction and retention through targeted outreach and
collaboration. Recent activity in the local market reflects
ongoing investor confidence, including the sale of the
Wallingford Fair shopping center for $21.4 million, a major
retail asset that underscores continued demand for well-
located commercial properties.

Adding to this momentum is the recent sale of the Campus
at Greenhill, a significant property that represents one of
the most promising redevelopment opportunities in town.
Early conversations between local officials and the new
ownership group have been positive and forward-looking,
with a shared interest in exploring uses that will bring new
economic activity, job creation, and long-term value to the
site. While plans are still in the early stages, the property’s
scale and location position it as a key catalyst for future
growth.

The Town Planner, Kevin Pagini and the Economic
Development Specialist, Don Crouch helped secure a
$125,000 Community Investment Act (CIA) Technical
Assistance Planning Grant from the Connecticut Department
of Housing. David Baker Architects, out of San Francisco/
Birmingham will be leading the efforts.
The funding will support a feasibility analysis of the former

34 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - SPRING 2026