| December 5, 2023
HADDAM SELECTED TO JOIN MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR PROGRAM TO SUPPORT VILLAGE CENTERS
Haddam was one of six communities across Connecticut chosen for the Connecticut Main Street Center’s Main Street Accelerator program, where participants will join a six-month program to learn and practice the Four Point Main Street Approach. Town leaders will join to find new ways to improve signage, mapping and visual appeal between Haddam’s two village centers.
The Four Point Main Street Approach examines economic vitality, design, organization and promotion, focusing on community transformation. It focuses on building an economic base with new investment and appeal toward entrepreneurs; designing accessible public spaces with inviting, inclusive atmospheres; building leadership and fostering community engagement; and promoting defining aspects, benefitting local businesses and drawing new visitors.
The six-month program from the Connecticut Main Street Center is designed for teams to learn how to utilize those four points to meet a challenge their communities are facing. Haddam has two village centers, Higganum Center and Haddam Center, and better visually connecting them will provide benefits in intertwining them and supporting businesses in the area.
“Our community centers are lifebloods of local economy and culture, drawing folks from around the region to enjoy their beauty,” said State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex). “Any and all work to improve Haddam’s village centers and especially their interconnectivity will play a valuable role in further benefitting and bolstering their success and support for the town as a whole.”
“This program has been in the works for nearly two years, so we’re excited for it to come to life and make an impact in downtowns and village centers like Haddam’s. The Accelerator program provides an opportunity for CMSC to guide communities to take action on challenges or projects in a group setting, and with Haddam’s team of dedicated local stakeholders, I’m excited to see what comes out of the first cohort,” said Kristen Lopez, CMSC Education & Training Director.
“With transformations underway on projects like the Higganum Cove, Scovil Hoe, and the Swing Bridge renovation with an added pedestrian sidewalk, now is the perfect time to embark on this program with CT Main Street. We are excited to develop a plan that will highlight Haddam’s unique characteristics and attractions,” said Kate Anderson, Haddam Selectwoman.
The Connecticut Main Street Center has an ongoing mission to assess, educate, convene and advocate to develop and grow Connecticut’s downtowns, village centers and mixed-use neighborhoods, supporting Main Streets everywhere.
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