Hartford Avenue sewer dispute, recent sales highlighted as challenges to commercial reinvestment

Commissioners discussed how uncertainty over Hartford Avenue sewer policy has stalled reinvestment and contributed to commercial vacancy in parts of town. The chair said property owners had resisted investing in septic systems because they would have to abandon them if sewers come, which in turn has limited reinvestment on Hartford Avenue.

"Hartford Avenue is a stalemate at this point over this whole sewers or no sewers," the chair said, noting he was unsure how a DEEP mandate and the town vote against sewers would resolve. Commissioners flagged the need to focus on existing commercial zones and to use the database and business visitations to determine whether property owners are intentionally holding property vacant.

The commission also discussed recent sales: one historic restaurant building (former Ainsley's) was identified as being bought by Epic Real Estate; another property was reported as purchased for $325,000 with the purchase date mentioned in conversation as "January or July 28, 2026." Commissioners said they will reach out to new owners to welcome them and learn plans for the properties.