Press Releases and News
Storrs Farmers Market Open on the Fourth of July
July 2, 2009
Storrs Farmers Market will be open Saturday, July 4 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm in the parking lot of Mansfield's Town Hall. The Market is open every Saturday from now through November 21, rain or shine!
Stop by the Market for all-natural beef burgers and nitrate-free hotdogs for your backyard celebrations. We have the fixings for great sides, too: Eggs, carrots, salad greens, collard greens, beets and beet greens, cabbage, and onions are all available. For dessert, try some fresh strawberries or any of a variety of pies, cookies, and brownies.
Support your community while you celebrate your country. By adding just a few local ingredients to your Fourth of July celebration, you are supporting local farms and local farm families. Ten dollars spent at a farmers market means ten dollars that stay in your community. Conversely, ten dollars spent at the closest supermarket chain is ten dollars divided between store owners, distributors, and others across the country and even across the world. Commit to adding one local item to your dinner table and help keep our farmers farming!
Everything at the Market is CT Grown, so the offerings change with the seasons. To get a sneak peak at what will be at the Market, sign up for weekly emails by contacting StorrsFarmersMarket@gmail.com.
Storrs Farmers Market is open from 3:00 - 6:00 pm every Saturday from now through November in the Mansfield Town Hall parking lot. Located within walking distance of the Mansfield Community Center, UConn, and a WRTD bus stop, Storrs Farmers Market is a convenient source of fresh, healthy, local foods.
www.storrsfarmers.org
Plastics Recycling Expansion
July 1, 2009
Effective immediately, Willimantic Waste Paper, the recycling processor who is contracted by the Town of Mansfield, will take all types of plastic containers with the cans and bottles grouping. Plastic containers are no longer limited to #1 and #2 types. Examples of acceptable plastic containers include buckets, take-out containers, yogurt containers and cups. Please remove all food and rinse out containers. These plastics can be grouped with metal cans, aluminum foil and trays, milk and juice cartons, drink boxes, glass bottles and jars. The plastics that are not included in this grouping are garden hoses, plastic bags and any kind of Styrofoam. Styrofoam peanuts are accepted for reuse at the Mansfield transfer station. Plastic bags are recycled at the transfer station, Big Y and Champlions store.
Storrs Center Announces Third Letter of Intent Agreement is Signed With Storrs Automotive
June 24, 2009
Established Storrs auto mechanical repair business is first "relocation" tenant.
Storrs Automotive, an automotive repair business now located at 4 Dog Lane in Mansfield, has signed a letter of intent agreement with Storrs Center to be a tenant in the first phase of the project. The business, which has a long-established presence in Storrs, is the first "relocation" tenant currently in an existing Storrs site to make a preliminary commitment to the new "Main Street" development. Plans call for Storrs Automotive to take space in Building DL2, which will be started in Phase 1A of the project.
Rene Schein, who has been owner/ operator of Storrs Automotive since 1975, sees Storrs Center as providing a positive opportunity for her business. Ms. Schein states, "We're thrilled to be a part of the new community. Our plans call for expanding the facility into three bays, which will be good for business. I'm honored by the community support in keeping me here. The Mansfield Downtown Partnership and LeylandAlliance worked hard to accommodate our operation into the plans for the first building. I'm particularly thankful to Macon Toledano and Cynthia van Zelm for their efforts in behalf of Storrs Automotive. We look forward to the challenge and pleasure of meeting and serving an even larger and more diverse community in the new Storrs Center." Ms. Schein attended the University of Connecticut.
Macon Toledano, Vice President of Planning and Development for master developer Leyland Alliance, states, "Since the earliest planning phases of Storrs Center, we've been hopeful of bringing Storrs Automotive into the community. They are a well-regarded Mansfield business and will be a welcome tenant in the first phase of the project."
Speaking for the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Executive Director Cynthia van Zelm states, "We've known Rene Schein and Storrs Automotive for many years, and we're very pleased and proud to have them on board as an initial tenant."
Volunteer Opportunities in Mansfield
June 23, 2009
Town of Mansfield Citizens looking for volunteer opportunities! The following are current openings on Mansfield committees and boards:
Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities ( 3)
Arts Advisory Committee (1)
Open Space Preservation Committee (5)
Parks Advisory Committee (1)
Personnel Appeals (1)
Recreation Advisory Committee (3)
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (3)
Transportation Committee (3)
Click on this link for the committee list and scroll down to find the committee in which you are interested to read a description of the committee. Then click on "volunteer for committee" at bottom of description to access the application. An application may also be picked up at the Town Clerks office. We encourage diverse committees with all political parties, economical and educational experiences represented.
Mansfield has many opportunities for people interested in volunteering to make this a better community! With over 25 active committees, residents can choose from a diverse range of activities that help to support a healthy, sustainable, growing community with a great quality of life for all ages. Committees work on access and safety issues for the elderly, encouraging participation in the arts, farmland preservation and open space, transportation issues, preservation of Mansfield's history, positive development of Mansfield youth, safety and security of the local corrections facility, UCONN town and gown, and enhancing communication between residents and town government. You can access a complete listing of town committees on this website!
Building Inspection Notice
June 22, 2009
Currently, the Town of Mansfield Building Department requires at least 24 hours notice for inspections. However, due to budgetary cuts and decreased inspector time, we ask that you call with as much notice as possible for your inspection.
As a reminder, the Town of Mansfield Building Department does not accept photos in lieu of inspections and inspections are granted to approved permits only.
For additional information, contact Michael E. Ninteau, Director of Building & Housing Inspection 860-429-3324.
State Traffic Commission Approves Permit for Storrs Road Improvements
June 16, 2009
Major pre-construction approval for Storrs Center is now in place.
Storrs, CT, The Connecticut State Traffic Commission today approved plans submitted for improvements to Storrs Road, signaling that the Storrs Center project has successfully proceeded through another major entitlement hurdle. This is a significant milestone for the project, as the Storrs Road improvements include providing critical infrastructure for Storrs Center.
Storrs Road improvements will include the realignment and partitioning of the pavement area to accommodate the addition of dedicated and clearly defined turning lanes. Modifications to the intersection at Storrs Road and South Eagleville Road and the intersection of Storrs Road and Bolton Road will improve traffic flow. The South Eagleville intersection will be modified to include dedicated turning lanes. Dog Lane will be re-aligned and the two lights at Dog Lane and Bolton Road will be replaced with one four way, lighted intersection at Bolton Road that will function as one of the main entryways to the Storrs Center Town Square.
In order to better accommodate pedestrian traffic, the plans provide for pedestrian collection points and crosswalk zones, installation or widening of sidewalks, addition of parallel parking zones, installation of medians, landscaping of street edges, definition of building entry areas and partial burial of overhead power lines. The addition of parallel parking zones, besides providing more parking capacity, will contribute to traffic "calming" and provide pedestrians with a better sense of security. Last month, the Town of Mansfield selected BL Companies to undertake engineering and design of Storrs Road.
Speaking for Master Developer LeylandAlliance, Macon Toledano states,
"The approval of the Storrs Road plan by the STC is a welcome and timely step for Storrs Center. The commission's careful review of the application is appreciated. We are achieving our original goal of creating a "Main Street" environment that will allow us to integrate Storrs Road into the fabric of the civic core of Mansfield in such a way that it meets DOT needs and functions as a main street."
Cynthia van Zelm, Executive Director of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership adds, "The improvements to Storrs Road will play a key role in the civic life of Mansfield and in the success of Storrs Center. We appreciate the careful scrutiny of the STC and are now eager to continue to advance the project towards commencement of construction."
Budget Referendum Results
June 16, 2009
The June 16, 2009 Budget Referendum for the Town of Mansfield passed with 897 voting in favor of the budget adopted at the Town Meeting on May 12, 2009 and 474 voting against the budget.
The results of the 2 additional questions are as follows:
If the budget is defeated, is the town budget portion too high (645 votes) or too low (496 votes)?
If the budget is defeated, is the school budget portion too high (434 votes)or too low (646 votes).
Storrs Center Signs Letter of Intent With Mexican Style Restaurant
June 5, 2009
Storrs Center has announced a new letter of intent agreement with a national restaurant chain to be a tenant in the first phase of the project. Moe's Southwest Grill, a Mexican fare franchise, will be the second restaurant to make a preliminary commitment to the development. Last month, Vanilla Bean Cafe signed a similar letter of intent for Storrs Center.
Moe's Southwest Grill is a well-priced, "quick serve" restaurant featuring burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and fajitas. The Moe's experience centers on "welcoming your hunger and then satisfying it." Every meal is customized specifically for the customer. Owned by Atlanta-based Focus Brands Company, the operation has franchises across the country. In Connecticut, restaurant locations include West Hartford, New Haven, South Windsor and Milford.
Macon Toledano, Vice President of Planning and Development for master developer LeylandAlliance, states, "We welcome the early commitment from Moe's Southwest Grill. They exactly match one of the restaurant 'profiles' targeted through our 'casting' process. Moe's will be a great addition to the commercial/retail tenant mix at the new Storrs Center Main Street."
Cynthia van Zelm, Executive Director of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership adds, "We expect Moe's to have a wide appeal to UConn students and faculty as well as local residents and visitors. Their reputation for relaxed dining at a reasonable price point should make them an ideal destination at Storrs Center."
Farmers Market Kitchen
June 4, 2009
Starting on June 27, Mansfield's Agriculture Committee and Parks and Recreation Department will co-sponsor the "Farmers Market Kitchen" with Rebecca Canfield. This series of five "farm to fork" cooking demonstrations and tastings will provide simple, delicious recipes made with fresh ingredients from local farms. Each hour-and-a-half program will be held on the last Saturday of the month from June through October just before the Storrs Farmers Market. Rebecca Canfield is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and a Food Services manager at UConn, where she promotes eating local food through the Local Routes program.
Residents and nonresidents can register for one or more programs at the Community Center or by visiting www.MansfieldCT.org. (Program # 510001 A-F). For questions or more information, contact Jennifer Kaufman.
Swimming Pools
May 21, 2009
With summer weather arriving any day now please be advised that any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that is capable of holding water 24" or more in depth is regulated by the Building Code and a permit is required prior to installation.
This regulation includes storable pools (typically blue vinyl) of a temporary nature. The code requirements for a safety barrier for these pools are the same as for permanent above ground or inground pools.
The cost of the barrier required often exceeds the cost of the pool. It might be wise to speak with the Building Department prior to purchase regarding the code requirements and permit process.
Please contact the Building Department at 429-3324 with any questions.
Mansfield Downtown Partnership Invites Local Artists to Participate in Juried Art Show
May 4, 2009
The Mansfield Downtown Partnership's Festival on the Green subcommittee is pleased to announce the fourth annual Juried Art Show as part of the upcoming Festival on the Green. The Festival will be Sunday, September 13, from noon to 5:00 pm in the parking lots of the Storrs Center commercial plazas. If it rains, the Festival will move inside E.O. Smith High School.
A Call to Artists and Prospectus is available for local artists who are interested in submitting works for consideration. Interested artists may contact the Partnership office at 860.429.2740 to request these items or to receive additional information about this wonderful community event.
Artists wishing to exhibit may submit up to four (4) pieces of creative works of original art for review. These pieces may be two- or three-dimensional and, because space is limited, they must be no more than 36 inches by 48 inches (the maximum single measurement for sculptures must be 48 inches). This measurement includes the frame. A selection committee will determine what pieces will be shown. Of the shown pieces, a jury will award the following prizes: Best in Show ($250), 1st ($125), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($75) during the Festival on the Green. There is a non-refundable $10 entry fee. The deadline to submit is July 24, 2009.
Participation in the Festival's Juried Art Show is a unique opportunity for local artists to showcase their work and to join in the celebration of Mansfield. Our community will have the opportunity to enjoy fine art created by neighbors and friends and to become more aware of the quality of artists in our region.
To learn more about the Juried Art Show or for more information about the Festival on the Green, please contact the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc., at 429.2740.
Fare Free Bus Program For 2008-2009
November 10, 2008
Worried about the cost of operating your car in the Storrs to Willimantic area? Don't have a car? Think reducing the number of car trips in the area is important? The Town of Mansfield and the University of CT are continuing to provide a transportation alternative in the greater Storrs area, at least in the North and South directions. The WRTD bus line that runs from the Holiday Mall in the northern part of Mansfield down Route 195 to Main and Valley streets in Willimantic is once again fare free for Town residents, UConn students and UConn faculty and staff. The fares for these riders (amounting to approximately $34,000 per year) are being paid in advance by the Town and University so that riding the bus is as simple as showing a resident pass or UConn ID.
The prepaid fares program began in 1993 through the efforts of the then Director of Transportation for the University, the University's graduate student government and the Eastern CT Transit Alliance, an ad-hoc transit advocate group. The Town of Mansfield joined the effort so that Town residents could also ride the bus for free. The program has been written about in the N.Y. Times, and has increased the ridership on the bus system over 50% when compared to years that the fares were not prepaid.
Ridership on the WRTD Storrs to Willimantic bus system has increased sharply in the past two years, with total passengers now exceeding 60,000 rides per year. The fare-free program is one of the programs the Town and University fund that is green in that it reduces carbon emissions (by reducing the number of single car trips made), provides access to UConn and other places along the route for persons without cars, eases the parking crunch at UConn and provides an alternative transportation mode for low-income and disabled students and residents.
The Town of Mansfield built two sets of secure bike lockers on the WRTD bus route. One set is at the Eastbrook Mall, the other is at the Mansfield Town Office building. Six lockers exist at each location and some empty slots are now available on a first-come, first-served basis. (The WRTD busses have external bike racks to facilitate bike transportation as well.) To reserve a bike locker, Mansfield residents may call 429-3331. There is a $10 refundable deposit for the key.
Resident bus passes are available at the Town Clerk's office in the Mansfield Town Hall. Some proof of residency is required.