HERE’S THE SCOOP…
GLASTONBURY VET HOSPITAL HAS NEW OWNERS AND THEY ARE AWESOME!
Veterinarian, Dr. Jason Haviar is the kind of guy you want to hang with at a backyard BBQ. Truly the best. Recently, he and his wife, Griffin, purchased Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital on Pratt Street. Dr. Jay has a true lifetime of experience in the veterinarian field beginning as a kid. His dad is a vet and the family clinic was attached to Jay's childhood home in Rocky Hill. At 10, he started cleaning kennels. Jay began working for the family business out of college, launching an emergency clinic there where he worked for years. Fast forward to today, his recent purchase of the Keish family practice is a lifelong dream of his and you can feel his passion and excitement when he talks. They offer general wellness appointments, sick visits, same day appointments, dentistry with dental surgery, general surgery, and emergencies for clients during the day only. Outside work, Jay is a dad of two, coaches basketball, loves deep sea fishing, is obsessed with Nike Air Jordan's, and is a huge animal lover and owns a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Bodhi who is a big love. And, oh, he makes a mean Bloody Mary (YES PLEASE!). If you are looking for a vet, you will love Dr. Jay, Griffin, and the whole staff. Find them HERE or call to schedule an appointment 860.633.3588.
POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR MAIN STREET
We recently received renderings for a potential new development on Main Street across from the fountain. The plans include a mix of residential, retail, and restaurants. The developers took into consideration feedback from residents about their initial design. They then had their team of designers work tirelessly with the ASDRC (Architectural and Site Design Review Committee) to address concerns. They used an old black and white photograph of downtown Glastonbury (seen below) as their inspiration for the architecture on the brick building (it's nearly exact). They have also reworked their plans to restore and renovate the building with Brides to Be and The Best Wine Shop in Town. There is a small, old house behind that building that will also be saved and renovated (it's ADORBS but needs an upgrade). Keep in mind, these are PRELIMINARY PLANS and still need to go through the town approval process including multiple public hearings.
5 THINGS WE LOVE:
5. The street level retail and restaurants (NEEDED!).
4. The rooftop restaurant in the brick building overlooking the fountain and town center intersection (UMMM YES PLEASE!).
3. The GORG courtyard with plantings, seating, and a bocce ball court.
2. The open air spiral staircase in the clock tower.
1. Rumored restaurants are Zohara and DORO Marketplace out of West Hartford (I mean!!!).
If they get past a few initial hurdles, landscape architect, Ryan Deane, who led the team on this project, will be developing a QR code that they plan to put in the center. You will be able to scan it and take a VIRTUAL TOUR of the development. That way, you will be able to get a sense of what it will feel like to walk down Main Street.
We understand change is hard. But we must know and understand the potential alternatives (i.e. affordable housing/low budget chain stores). These are private owners. They WILL develop this regardless. Glastonbury hasn't been a "small" or "quaint" town for decades...DECADES! This plan might not be ideal in every way, but it replaces old, rundown buildings, saves a few in the process, and brings in some pretty awesome new businesses to our downtown.
NEW SPORTS BAR COMING TO MAIN STREET
Clubhouse on Main is going into the old Pier One space in the Bertucci's plaza. The sports bar will feature lots of fun things to do including: ax throwing, golf simulators, pool tables, LIVE music, pub food, and more! They recently passed a major hurdle with the town for parking and will start renovations soon. They hope to open before the end of this year! Follow them on Insta for updates and stay tuned.
ICYMI: 2023 LOBSTERFEST BEST MOMENTS
This year, the Glastonbury Rotary Club's Lobsterfest 2023 was a huge success raising tens of thousands for the local community. Follow the club on Facebook and Instagram for info about where these funds will be distributed throughout the next year. In case you missed it (ICYMI), here are some pictures from the night (Don't worry...they're all PG!) Enjoy!
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS NEEDED FOR YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
We don't normally post stuff like this, but there is a true need for two clinicians at Glastonbury's Youth & Family Services. This organization is overflowing with kids in need. They currently have a waitlist for their therapy services. They have been actively recruiting for these two open positions with no luck. Please forward to someone you think might be interested. Posting a screenshot of the job description but click HERE for a direct link.
ODDS & ENDS...
*Sponsored by Post Law - Divorce & Family
*Beem Light Sauna is coming to the old Sartorius Sports space in the Whole Foods plaza. It's a goodie! Stay tuned for more details.
*There is a new sweets and old-fashioned soda shop coming to Trumbull Street in Hartford this August. Emrey's Specialty Sweets & Sodas will be located on the corner of Pratt Street in downtown Hartford. Follow them on Insta for their adorbs branding and details about their opening.