President's Perspective, Winter 2006
This has been a year of whirlwind events in our downtown Historic Waterfront District - the buzz is getting louder every day that New London has arrived!
The many celebrations and events have helped merchants and retail businesses bring the city into regional focus. This is evidenced by the retail and residential downtown spaces that are being gobbled up for renovation and occupation. Many returning and new residents to downtown have been extolling the virtues of this magnificent gem of a city with its rich history and the excitement of the arts.
The addition of Kim Bartlett as our Promotion Coordinator may have improved the "quality of life" for our CEO Penny Parsekian, but she also has proven herself to be invaluable in organizing events. This has allowed us to further showcase the potential of the city through additional events and improved participation by various other organizations promoting the downtown. As always our volunteer forces have continued to put out their best efforts, which were reflected in our many recent events from Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails to the Fall Food Stroll.
The Parade Plaza Redesign project awaits the larger decisions for a regional transportation center and the future of Union Station, as also safety measures for railroad track crossing must be considered. We are encouraged by the participation of the Chamber of Commerce.
We look forward to the holiday season as the Celebration of Lights & Song by the Sea approaches - this year with the living history play as an added treat - to continue to reinforce the district as the premiere center for arts and culture in the region.
We continue to seek volunteers for our committees and explore participation by all downtown groups in celebration of New London's diversity. I salute all the volunteers for their invaluable contributions of time, money and creativity to formulate and execute events. I wish all of you a glorious holiday season full of Peace, Prosperity and Good Health.
