Ready to Kick Some Asphalt?

Those who have lived in and around Wallingford for any length of time have probably heard of Willy D’s Photo T’s & NASCAR Collectibles, a racing themed apparel and collectible shop located at 106 South Colony Road in Wallingford. Owners Bill and Barb Doucette are going into their 18th successful year with the store and have recently decided to take their love of NASCAR one step further: to the track!

Having already run a successful indoor go kart track for several years, Bill and Barb began research into the possibility of bringing outdoor performance karting to Wallingford. They were unable to locate any other tracks of that type in Connecticut, so they set out to make plans to open the first one in the state. They secured a location, designed an outdoor track that includes a road course as well as a traditional oval course, and submitted plans for the operation -  to be called CT Motorsport Park – to Wallingford’s Planning & Zoning Board for approval.

One of the criteria for approval was a sound test to ensure that the noise levels from the karts were within acceptable levels. This test was done in early June and passed with flying colors (see a short video of the test here). The P&Z Board then reviewed the proposal in its entirety and about a week or so ago, the proposal got the P&Z stamp of approval.

Situated on nearly 2.5 acres in Wallingford’s Silversmith Park, the track layout will accommodate 4 different courses, including a 1/4 mile oval and a 1/2 mile road course. Bill plans to operate with about 10-15 carts that can negotiate the track in about 50-55 seconds, covering about 4.5 miles in their 9-lap race. There are just some final details to work out, and then the track will be ready to open to the public. More info about CT Motorsport Park can be found at their website, or you can contact Bill Doucette by email at doitoutdoors@ctmotorsportpark.com, or by phone at (203) 269-6802.

Watch for more info about the opening, pre-opening specials and more, and get ready to kick some asphalt!

Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Ready to Kick Some Asphalt?

Wallingford’s Sonic Drive-In Open For Business

Mickey D’s arches are sagging a bit. BK’s crown has lost a little of its luster. And Wendy’s? Well, they may be lost in Never Never Land.

After months of negotiation, debate, meetings, planning, studies and construction, Wallingford’s newest eatery opened today with style, fanfare and fantastic food. While I could not be there in person, I did follow some of the festivities on Facebook. After the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 AM, the drive-in began serving customers in earnest at 10:30 AM. Sonic staff did well to take lots of pictures of the tidal wave of customers who descended on the place to get their first taste of the delectable menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries, tater tots, salads, desserts, and the over 169,000 possible combinations of drinks available.

Traffic Woes

As anticipated by Operations Manager Robert Mesite the traffic volume was considerable, apparently high enough to get people turned away at the entrance as early as 1:30 PM according to some disappointed patrons who posted comments on Sonic of CT’s Facebook page. One person said that they had driven about two hours to attend the grand opening, only to be told that no one else was being admitted. The traffic problem, though unfortunate, should not have come as a surprise to anyone who has been following Sonic’s progress. It was a main sticking point in the approval process, and has been emphasized repeatedly by Robert Mesite on the Sonic web site. Plus, anyone who’s been in Connecticut for any length of time remembers the Krispy Kreme opening on the Berlin Turnpike a few years back. Just remembering how that turned out should have been enough to prepare everyone for today’s heavy attendance, and it will probably continue for several more days at least.

Play Nice in the Sandbox

One last thing I’d like to address before I close is all the Sonic bashers/haters/trolls that have been clogging up Sonic’s Facebook page today. These people were making rude remarks about Sonic, the pictures that were being posted, the poor quality of the food, etc. All I have to say is this: if you disapprove of Sonic, their food or how they conduct business, there are ways to make your feelings known without showing the world how much of a butthead you are by acting like one online. Remember, what happens online, stays online…forever. Sonic is proud of what they’ve accomplished, and well they should be. In a time of rising unemployment and dismal economic forecasts, Sonic has brought 130 new jobs to Wallingford and who knows how much revenue will be generated. Bottom line is, Sonic will be nothing but a boon to the Wallingford economy for years to come.

The last official word I heard is that for the first two weeks they’re open, the hours of operation will be 10 AM to 10 PM; beginning August 1st, the hours will change to 6 AM to 11 PM. These hours may change, and of course if they do I’ll post something here as I receive it. In case you don’t know, the new Sonic is located at 1033 North Colony Road on the site of the former Yankee Silversmith Inn. If you haven’t yet done so, you can sign up to be a TIFOS (The Incredible Friends of Sonic) on the Sonic web site, and there are also four videos by Robert Mesite further explaining the grand opening, the honeymoon period, traffic issues and other important information.

WELCOME TO WALLINGFORD, SONIC!!

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Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Wallingford’s Sonic Drive-in Open For Business

Connecticut Fireworks Displays for 2010

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, here is a list of some of the local fireworks displays planned. For a complete list of fireworks events throughout the state, please visit NBC Connecticut’s web site.

Beacon Falls

Family Day at Pent Road will be held on Saturday, July 10. Events begin at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at dusk. Buses will run from the firehouse and Woodland High starting at 6 p.m.

Bristol

Lake Compounce will host fireworks on July 2, 3 and 4.

Cromwell

Fireworks happen on Saturday, Aug. 28, during Riverport Festival in historic downtown Cromwell. . They begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Hamden

The Hamden Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Display is scheduled for July 2, from 6 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. at 2761 Dixwell Ave., according to the New Haven Register.

Hartford

Fireworks happen on Saturday, July 10 during Riverfest at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Great River Park and Founders Plaza. Fireworks happen at 9 p.m.

Madison

The fireworks display will be on July 2, 9:30 p.m. They are shot off of a barge located off of West Wharf Beach. Rain date is July 9. /

Manchester

The annual James Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration will happen on Saturday, July 3 at 4 p.m. at Manchester Community College. Rain date is July 5.

Meriden

Meriden’s fireworks display will take place at Westfield Mall on Friday, July 2. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and continue to 10 p.m.

Milford

Milford’s Firework Extravaganza will take place on Saturday July 3, the Black Bear Saloon. For $25, guests will have VIP seating for the fireworks, live entertainment, and an all you can eat buffet.

Fireworks display will take place at Westfield Mall on Friday, July 2. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and continue to 10 p.m.

New Britain

Great American Boom happens at Stanley Quarter Park on July 4, 2159 Stanley St. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

New Haven

The July 4th celebration will include fireworks at East Rock Park. Display begins at 9:15 a.m. Public viewing locations will be available from 9:15 to 9:45 p.m. at Blake Field off State Street, Wilbur Cross High School on Mitchell Drive, College Wood on Mitchell Drive and Rice Field off View Street. Parking will be available at Wilbur Cross High School and Blake Rink

Newington

The 29th annual Extravaganza is an all-day event on Saturday, July 17 at Mill Pond Park that begins at 9 a.m. and ends with a fireworks display.

North Branford

Fireworks happen during the Potato and Corn Festival on Aug. 7. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. Free parking is offered at North Branford Intermediate School and Stanley T. Williams School and a shuttle will take you to the festival.

Wallingford

The town fireworks display will happen near the grounds of the Mark T. Sheehan High School on Saturday, July 3 shortly after 9 p.m. There is no rain date, but the event could be cancelled for inclement weather. Public parking will be available at Moran Middle School, Sheehan High.

Waterbury

The Fourth of July Holiday Fireworks will be at Municipal Stadium on Sunday night, July 4. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Prior to the fireworks a concert featuring Dave Gardino and Swingshift will perform.Gates at the Stadium will open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Rain date is Monday, July 5.

West Haven

West Haven’s fireworks will take place at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 at Bradley Point on the West Haven Beach.

Harriman Real Estate wishes all of our readers, customers, clients, friends and family a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend!

Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Connecticut Fireworks Displays For 2010

Housing Trends Newsletter for June 2010

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends Newsletter, courtesy of Harriman Real Estate. This newsletter is specially designed for our customers and clients, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends Newsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

Please click here to view the JUNE – 2010 Newsletter Housing Trends Newsletter.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.

For more detailed information about a specific market area, call Harriman Real Estate at (203) 672-4499 today!

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Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Housing Trends Newsletter for June 2010

Connecticut Wineries Throw Out the Welcome Mat

I don’t mind telling you that we are what you might call “wine aficionados”. We both lived in Germany for quite some time and fell in love with German Rieslings, but any good glass of wine with a meal is always a pleasure.

Recently, we took an afternoon and went to Wallingford’s local winery, Gouveia Vineyards to relax, enjoy the view and a bottle of their Stone House White. While there, we became aware of a great program that people  can take part in to become familiar with Connecticut’s wineries. It’s called the Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries sponsored by the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council.

The way the program works is you pick up one of the passports (pictured at right) at one of the 30 participating wineries, and then each time you visit one of them you get a stamp in the passport. Once you’ve acquired 16 stamps you can drop the passport off at any winery and you’ll be entered into a drawing for some great prizes:

First Prize – January 30-February 12, 2011. 13-night stay (one room, double occupancy) at the Benalmadena Palace, Benalmadena Costa, Spain. A four star property with amazing views of the Mediteranean Sea. Roundtrip airfare for two (2) included. Transportation to and from the airport not included.

Second Prize – February 13-26, 2011. 13-night stay (one room, double occupancy) at the Benalmadena Palace, Benalmadena Costa, Spain. A four star property with amazing views of the Mediteranean Sea. Roundtrip airfare for two (2) included. Transportation to and from the airport not included.

Additional Prizes – 15 Weekend Get-Aways A weekend get-away, two nights, one room double occupancy, at the Courtyard by Marriott Norwich, Norwich, CT. One passport will be selected for each of the 15 weekends.

The drawing will be held on December 9, 2010. The winner does not have to be present, they will be notified via phone or email. First and second place trips MUST be taken on the listed dates; all remaining trips are based on availability, have no cash value nor are they transferable, and are valid for one year after the award date.

We’ve managed to visit three of the wineries on the list: Gouveia Vineyards, Bishop’s Orchards Winery, and Priam Vineyards, and all have been well worth the trip. We’re planning on doing a post about each winery we visit to pass along our impressions and opinions.

So, if you’re a wine lover and looking for something to do on a lazy weekend afternoon, drop by one of Connecticut’s farm wineries, pick up your passport and prepare to taste some seriously good wine! You just might see us there, too!

Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Connecticut Wineries Throw Out the Welcome Mat

CT Magazine Rates the State’s Small Towns (Part 3)

This is the third entry in our three part series highlighting the rating of Connecticut’s small towns by Connecticut Magazine. In our first post, we focused on the largest towns in our state, those with populations between 6,500 and 10,000; in our second post, we highlighted towns between 3,500 and 6,500 residents. To recap, the publication set the following criteria for the rankings:

They first sorted the localities into three groups based on population:

• 6,500 – 10,000
• 3,500 – 6,500
• less than 3,500

Then, information was collected in the quality-of-life criteria that are most important to residents:

• Schools
• Crime Rate
• Cost of Living
• Local Economy
• Leisure/Cultural Outlets

Then the numbers were crunched and rankings were awarded based on how the towns scored in those criteria, with a “1” being the best score possible. In this third part of the series, we’ll be taking a look at the next population segment, towns with less than 3,500 residents, and specifically those in our market area, if any:

3,500 and Under:

Unfortunately, there were no towns in our market area included in this segment, but there are several excellent representatives dotted throughout New London, Litchfield and Windham counties. Lyme, with a population of about 2,000, is one of Connecticut’s smallest towns, but it’s also one of the most beautiful.  Much of the town is fronted by the Connecticut River, and there are also many salt marshes in the area. A good school system, low crime rate and stab;e economy add to its attractiveness. Norfolk, at number 2, has the distinction of being the only town with above average scores in every category. And number 6 Eastford remains the jewel of Windham County by virtue of its low crime rate, good SAT test scores, and the lowest median home prices of any town in the top ten.

Here are the full set of results for this population segment:

Remember, these rankings are not to be considered the last word in what the quality of life is in a particular city/town; however, they are a starting point and can be used as a point of comparison when making a decision about where to live in the state. There are many reasons for liking – or not liking – a specific city or town that transcend any statistical ranking or report, and only you can decide if a place is right for you and your family.

That wraps up the Connecticut Magazine rankings of Connecticut’s small towns.  To see these results in their entirety, head on over to the Connecticut Magazine web site.

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Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Connecticut Magazine Rates the State’s Small Towns (Part 3)

CT Magazine Rates the State’s Small Towns (Part 2)

This is the second in a three part series highlighting the rating of  Connecticut’s small towns by Connecticut Magazine. In our first post, we focused on the towns with a population between 6,500 and 10,000. To recap, the publication set the following criteria for the rankings:

They first sorted the localities into three groups based on population:

• 6,500 – 10,000
• 3,500 – 6,500
• less than 3,500

Then, information was collected in the quality-of-life criteria that are most important to residents:

• Schools
• Crime Rate
• Cost of Living
• Local Economy
• Leisure/Cultural Outlets

Then the numbers were crunched and rankings were awarded based on how the towns scored in those criteria, with a “1” being the best score possible. In this second part of the series, we’ll be taking a look at the next population segment, between 3,500 and 6,500 residents, and specifically those in our market area, if any:

3,500 – 6,500: Middlefield Hangs In There

Of the 25 towns in this population group, Middlefield is the only town in our market that did well, placing 18th on the strength of its leisure activities, including Peckham Park, Lake Beseck, Lyman Orchards, and 2 local golf courses, as well as a good school system.

Here’s the full set of rankings for this population segment:

Remember, these rankings are not to be considered the last word in what the quality of life is in a particular city/town; however, they are a starting point and can be used as a point of comparison when making a decision about where to live in the state. There are many reasons for liking –or not liking – a specific city or town that transcend any statistical ranking or report, and only you can decide if a place is right for you and your family.

In Part Three of this series, we’ll take a look at the next population size, towns with less than 3,500 residents. To see these results in their entirety, head over to the Connecticut Magazine web site.

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Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Connecticut Magazine Rates the State’s Small Towns (Part 2)

CT Magazine Rates the State’s Small Towns

Last Winter, we profiled the state’s larger cities and towns as ranked by Connecticut Magazine in their November 2009 issue. The Trumbull-based publication has recently done the same for the state’s smaller towns in its March 2010 issue, the first such ranking since 2007.

As with the previous rankings, several criteria were used and the towns were sorted into three groups based on population:

• 6,500 – 10,000
• 3,500 – 6,500
• less than 3,500

Then, information was collected in the quality-of-life criteria that are most important to residents:

• Schools
• Crime Rate
• Cost of Living
• Local Economy
• Leisure/Cultural Outlets

The numbers were then crunched and rankings were awarded based on how the towns scored in those criteria, with a “1” being the best score possible. In this three part series of posts, we’re going to highlight how some towns in our market area fared, as well as the rest of the rankings. So, without an further ado, here’s Part One:

6,500 – 10,000 : Durham, Woodbridge Represent!

Out of the 23 towns in this segment, Durham and Woodbridge did very well, placing 9th and 10th respectively. Durham fared well in most all of the criteria, especially Education, Leisure and Housing Costs, with a median home price of $269,000. Woodbridge also did extremely well in Education, plus posted high scores in Leisure and Economy. It’s median home price was on the high end, however, at $406,000 it was the third highest price in the top ten. Here’s the chart of results:

Towns                                Schools         Crime        Economy        Cost                  Leisure           Total

Remember, these rankings are not to be considered the last word in what the quality of life is in a particular city/town; however, they are a starting point and can be used as a point of comparison when making a decision about where to live in the state. There are many reasons for liking –or not liking – a specific city or town that transcend any statistical ranking or report, and only you can decide if a place is right for you and your family.

In Part Two of this series, we’ll take a look at the next population size, towns between 3,500 and 6,500 residents. To see these results in their entirety, head over to Connecticut Magazine’s web site.

Related Posts:

• Connecticut Magazine Rates State Cities and Towns (Part 1)
• Connecticut Magazine Rates State Cities and Towns (Part 2)
• Connecticut Magazine Rates State Cities and Towns (Part 3)
• Connecticut Magazine Rates State Cities and Towns (Part 4)
  

Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Connecticut Magazine Rates the State’s Small Towns (Part 1)

Sonic of CT Breaks Ground for New Wallingford Drive-In

Well, whatever speculation there might have been about the coming of Sonic to Wallingford is officially over. At 3PM Monday afternoon, dignitaries from Sonic, the Mesite family and local government gathered together for a ground breaking ceremony to herald the coming of the long-awaited eatery.

Robert Mesite, his brother Ralph, sister Gina and mother Rosalie were all on hand, as well as his wife and children, several Sonic officials, Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson, Senator Len Fasano and Representative Mary Fritz. Gina made some opening remarks, followed by Robert and Ralph. Then the mike was turned over to the politicos who offered congratulations and well wishes.

The family then took the ceremonial spades and dug into the pile of earth in front of them, tossing it on the pile and  marking the construction site officially open as cameras from the major news channels recorded the event. As you all know, this is the first Sonic drive-in for the state, but it won’t be the last. Robert Mesite stated that there are plans to open an additional seven restaurants in Connecticut, with the next one scheduled for Manchester. He said that Sonic moves “at the speed of sound”, and plans to prove it: the Wallingford drive-in is scheduled to open during the first week of July, a scant seven weeks away.

We know we can’t wait for it to open, and there are scores more who feel the same way. We took some pictures of the ceremony, some of which are included in this post. If you’d like to see the entire set of photos, please head over to my Facebook page. We also took some video, which I have included here. I shot it with my Flip camera, so try to look past the slight shakiness!

All in all, it was a fitting launch to Wallingford’s chapter of the Sonic experience, and I hope to see you all at the Grand Opening in July! Keep checking back here regularly, as I’ll be posting more info regarding the opening as it becomes available.

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Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Sonic of CT Breaks Ground for New Wallingford Drive-In

UPDATE: Wallingford PZC Approves Sonic Application

So, my wife and I just got back from attending the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at the Wallingford Town Hall. After an hour of sitting in some rather uncomfortable auditorium chairs, we got the news we had been waiting for:

The Zoning Board of Appeals has passed the variance request we told you about here, and the march to opening Connecticut’s first Sonic Drive-In now moves on to the next Planning & Zoning Committee hearing next month.

We heard opening comments from the ZBA, then Attorney Dennis Ceneviva presented the request for the variance to the board, accompanied by Robert Mesite, managing partner of Sonic of CT, and a gentleman from the engineering firm (whose name I did not get) who will work on the project. There was some initial concern from the board chairman which was quickly allayed, and just one question about the proposed hours of operation from another board member. Then, a Wallingford resident, Ken (sorry Ken, didn’t get your last name!), addressed the board in support of passing the variance request. With little further comment or discussion, the board voted unanimously to allow the variance.

This is great news for all Sonic lovers in Connecticut, and hopefully this was the last big hurdle to overcome before construction can begin. Actually, I think there’s going to be a traffic study done to see if the traffic on Route 5 will be adversely affected by Sonic’s opening, but I don’t think that will be a problem. Most new places that open have initial surges in traffic until the novelty wears off, then it pretty much goes back to normal; it shouldn’t be any different with Sonic.

Kudos to Attorney Ceneviva and Robert and Ralph Mesite for keeping the Wallingford Sonic project on course, and to our new friend Ken for his staunch support of their efforts. Thanks to them, it’s looking more and more like a Cherry Limeade and Sonic burger are in my future plans!

The next meeting on the Sonic project is scheduled for February 8th at 7 P.M. at the Wallingford Town Hall. At this point the meeting is most likely a formality since the P&Z committee did not vote against the Sonic development at the first meeting, they simply wanted more input. Since tonight’s meeting gave them that input, it should be smooth sailing from here on!

VIVA LA SONIQUE!!

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Post from: Wallingford Wired©2009 by Pat & Wayne Harriman

Wallingford Sonic Appeal Passes ZBA