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| Do You Have a “Need for Speed”? |
| QuickTracts Developed to Feature Shovel-Ready Sites in Connecticut |
| July 17, 2002 |
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When company executives make a decision to move, the enthusiasm for building their new corporate facility sometimes wears off as they journey through the permitting process that precedes construction, or stops altogether when they become bogged down with "red tape."
Firms looking to move quickly – to actually lift that first ceremonial shovel of dirt in less than six months – have that option in Connecticut through a new program called QuickTracts.
The new program was developed to benefit both developers and municipalities. In an effort to keep Connecticut competitive with other states, such as New York and Massachusetts, that have similar programs, The Connecticut Light & Power brought the idea of QuickTracts to CERC and The United Illuminating Company. The three companies reviewed what worked and did not work in other states. With that knowledge, QuickTracts was founded.
Designed to create an inventory of pre-approved, readily accessible sites, QuickTracts encourages decision-makers in Connecticut’s towns and cities to select and prepare sites for targeted development appropriate for their communities. This focus, in turn, makes the process easier and faster for companies, allowing them to avoid permitting obstacles and expedite construction.
Properties that qualify to be listed in QuickTracts must have existing infrastructure within 400 feet of the site. Developers and brokers can access listings of readily accessible industrial, office and retail sites in Connecticut through QuickTracts free of charge at www.QuickTracts.com and through the CERC SiteFinderTM database at www.CTSiteFinder.com. The QuickTracts listings are part of the SiteFinder database of more than 2,000 Connecticut properties that have been identified for development.
“This is another tool that Connecticut offers to stay at the forefront in attracting business expansions and relocations,” said John A. O'Toole, manager of Economic & Community Development for Northeast Utilities, parent company to The Connecticut Light & Power Company, which serves more than 1.1 million customers in 149 cities and towns. “QuickTracts will allow Connecticut to get the word out about its great properties and sets in motion expedited development policies.”
The goal of the QuickTracts program is to identify sites in Connecticut that are ready to break ground within 60 to 180 days and to promote those sites to companies and real estate professionals. Towns and cities receive national marketing free of charge, while the companies and real estate professionals know that when they are looking to move quickly, they have an easy-to-access database of shovel-ready properties at their fingertips. QuickTracts eliminates the guesswork and hidden costs developers incur when they are on tight deadlines.
“Companies are looking for ways to save time and money,” said Shelly Saczynski, director, Economic and Community Development, for The United Illuminating Company, a New Haven-based regional distribution utility. “Towns see the advantage of the program immediately and are eager to qualify certain key properties for inclusion in the database.”
Municipalities sign a nomination form outlining an annual commitment to the program, which requires the cooperation of local departments, boards and commissions. The community designates an official representative to assist any company who indicates interest in the town’s site and to keep property information up-to-date.
Sponsored by The Connecticut Light & Power Company and The United Illuminating Company, QuickTracts is marketed by CERC. Visit www.QuickTracts.com to learn more.
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