By Sheri Dursin
Spectrum Writing Service

On April 20, Greg Servodidio, the chairman of the Economic Development Commission, spoke to members of the Marlborough Business Association about the progress of the proposed Business Park. This project was conceived out of a desire to expand Marlborough’s commercial sector in order to take some tax burden off its residents.

Instead of waiting for outside developers to buy up available land, the town is making efforts to “control its own destiny” and create a vision for the future of Marlborough. In a referendum that was passed 2 to 1 by voters, Marlborough has acquired close to 70 acres of land behind the Commons. The plan for commercial development involves building a major road connecting Jones Hollow to Route 66. Servodidio showed MBA members a conceptual drawing of what the Park might look like. It included 220,000 square feet of commercial space connected by a few cul-de-sacs. The Business Park is envisioned as professional offices and light industrial. At this time, the emphasis is not on retail. The EDC hopes to fill the Business Park with small businesses committed to Marlborough, including home-based businesses looking to expand to office space.

Servodidio spoke about the “infinite flexibility” of the project. The Town can design the road on its own and get all the permits done in advance. He also indicated that what ends up in the Business Park will be consistent with the character of the town.

Servodidio ended his talk with an important note about how critical the sewers are to this project. “Without sewers, there is no Business Park.” First Selectman Dennis Hawrylko also spoke about how important the sewers are for the Lake, the Town Center, and the School.