Mayor Gronbach Asks New Milford Chamber to Put 'Grudges' and Politics Aside for the Good of the Town

NEW MILFORD, CT — In an open letter to citizens on Tuesday, New Milford Mayor Mark Gronbach asked the Chamber of Commerce to put politics aside for the good of the town.

Written by New Milford Mayor, David Gronbach

Railroad Station and Chamber

August 16, 2016

"Our Economic Development Director had been in discussions with the Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the move of Gallery 25, the Town sponsored Art Gallery and Tourist Information Center, into the Railroad Building. The Chamber had been occupying an office in the Railroad Building and renting out the remainder of the space, for a fee, to various organizations and individuals. However, the majority of the time, the Building sits empty in one of the most highly trafficked locations in our Downtown. The Arts Commission requested that the Gallery and Tourist Information Center be located there and I agreed. The location would drive foot traffic to the Gallery, showcase our local artists, and provide tourists with information about our Town.

The Chamber, if it wants, would be moved to the Parks and Rec building around the corner, which would also provide a meeting space for organizations downtown, in addition to the Maxx, Town Hall, the Senior Center, and the Library. In addition, we are working on the creation of a Community Center at Pettibone School that would provide additional space for meetings. This plan was part of my campaign platform and discussed in the Spectrum after I was elected. Although organizations are currently charged a fee to use the Railroad Station, I propose that no fee be charged for simply holding a meeting in any Town building.

The Chamber’s response to these discussions was to request something in writing from our Eco Director and scared these groups with the misrepresentation that they were being kicked out of their meeting space. The conduct has been disappointing. Space will be provided at any one of these locations for anyone who wants it.
I know there are members who truly put the Town first and are willing to work with whoever sits in my chair, Democrat or Republican. Sacrificing the good of the Town to satisfy some partisan grudge is a disservice to the Community. Let’s practice the civility that our Town and its people deserve."

— Mayor David R. Gronbach