Looking Towards the Future in Georgetown

Two restaurants in Georgetown closed their doors recently, one quietly, the other perhaps marking the end of an era.

But while and aren't open for business anymore, Natalie Ketcham recently told Patch the future of Georgetown remains optimistic and exciting, as a decade of planning to enhance what she calls Redding's "primary business/commercial district" is finally coming to fruition.

"While the Saloon has closed, other restaurants are opening up," Ketcham said. "Luca Wine Bar will be opening shortly in the former Pearl Restaurant location, and the Black Cat Grille is in the process at the end of Main Street."

Ketcham also spoke about other business, such as , expanding. The deli "now has a smoker BBQ and and anticipates (or has) a beer and wine license." 

Construction

Ketcham said construction work at the intersections of Georgetown Road (Route 57) and Redding Road (Route 107) and Main Street and Redding Road is expected to be completed by early August. 

"The improvements will include stop lights, pedestrian and handicapped accessible crosswalks and sidewalks," she said. "In addition, the Georgetown Special Taxing District has a project underway to realign the intersection at Portland Avenue by the headquarters building and the Vet Clinic. That also should be done by August."

Looking forward

Ketcham said the town's  has "added decorative street lighting, sidewalks, crosswalks, street trees and landscaping" to the area, which "has served its purpose of attracting business interest in Georgetown."

"It is now an attractive pedestrian-friendly village center, which has attracted many calls from interested new businesses to our zoning office," she said. "We welcome them."

Janeen Leppert, director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, of which some businesses in Georgetown are a member, said she expects Georgetown to attract more business as the economic climate changes for the better.

"As the economy improves, the commercial climate should become more vibrant," Leppert told Patch. "The Chamber is certainly ready and willing to do whatever we can to help the Georgetown Village Restoration Group, the Georgetown Community Association, the G&B Arts & Cultural Center at the Gilbert & Bennett School, as well as the local businesses. The more business owners who are involved with the Chamber, the more we can work together to improve conditions for everyone.”

While there appears now to be some vacancies for office, retail and restaurant space in the area, the future remains promising.