This spring I had a dream to bring a Farmer’s Market to Devon Center. It was a tremendous amount of work, but has been successful beyond my wildest imagination. In talking with my neighbors each Sunday, I found that they want to see small business thrive in their center. Some of the suggested businesses include; an ice cream shop, a book store, florist and gift shop, internet café just to name a few. However, without the cooperation of the business and property owners, façade improvements and a general vision, this could not be achieved.
With the Devon Revitalization Committee’s work coming to conclusion, we needed to do something to keep the revitalization efforts alive. As a former small business owner in Downtown Milford and founding member of the Downtown Milford Business Association, it occured to me that such an orgainzation should be formed in Devon. I worked with Mayor Blake, members of the Devon Revitalization Committee and Community Development Director Bob Gregory. We organized and held a meeting to introduce “The Village of Devon Business and Property Owner’s Association.”
The meeting was held at the Valley Yacht Club and was attended by more than 15 enthusiastic business and property owners. The first order of businesses was to present those property owners who have shown a significant investment in the Village of Devon with a beautification award. Those recipients were: Dulin Automotive, Bismark Construction, Bridgeport Flyer Diner, Inca’s Restaurant, Devon Duckpin Bowling Alley, Bridge House Restaurant, Bell Aire Auto,159 Bridgeport Ave, and Pete’s Deli. They also received a Proclamation from Mayor Blake and a State Citation from Sen. Gayle Slossberg and I.
An organizational business meeting followed the presentations and everyone was excited and ready to get to work on what’s needed to keep this effort moving in the right direction. Monthly meetings will be scheduled with guest speakers to include; SONO Marketing Director, NH Taxing District Director, Main St..Org, Commercial Real Estate Agent and various City and State Departments. The first official meeting will be organized by Bob Gregory, and any interested business, property owerns and residents may contact Bob for the meeting date, location and time.
My support and commitment to identify resources to help this project will go on as strong as ever with the new organization and with our local partners. I look forward to working with the business and property owners to help them reach their goals.
