Economic development, long slowed by the recession starting in 2008, is showing signs of renewed life in New Milford. The former CVS pharmacy site at 43 Main St, vacant since 2006, has an interested retail service business company speaking with Fulinello and the mayor. A potential buyer is also considering the building foundation at 72 Railroad St that has sat desolate since Steve Schappert's "green building" plans fizzled in 2008. Expansion is planned at Neeltran, a transformer manufacturer on Pickett District Road. Last week, Fulinello sat down with the president and a provost of Naugatuck Community College to discuss a possible presence in New Milford of satellite college programs.

Recently, renovations to the building began by stripping aluminum siding that had been the face of the former Slone Pharmacy at 2 Bank St. The only surprise during early stages of the work was a cinder block, then wood section amid the underlying brick exterior on the Bank Street side of the building. "The concrete block section is no problem," said Jim Stewart, manager for Bank Street Investments, a company owned by Gary Goldring of Sherman.

"From beavers and hawks to wildflowers and native vegetation, this project will enhance our exploration of the Wimisink Swamp with minimal disturbance to the natural landscape and wildlife," he said. Prior to the ribbon cutting, Naromi President Marge Josephson and land manager Hunter Brawley explained how they enlisted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and numerous town commissions in the years-long process of getting the grant and moving the project forward.

The restaurant will serve alcohol and meals will be "diner fair as well as upscale gourmet food," while pricing will be kept moderate, Serroukas said. In Albany, he owns The Standard Restaurant & Lounge where patrons are served in a "1940s-50s Hollywood-themed setting with American cuisine, with an upscale twist," according to the website. The Standard Restaurant & Lounge offers a menu similar to what Dinerluxe in New Milford will have, from Chinese shi zi appetizer to fresh pasta and steak, Serroukas said.

Nine commemorative ceremonies and parades are scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend in Greater New Milford. The parade in Sherman is scheduled for 1 p.m., starting at the intersection of Spring Lake Road and Route 39 North, traveling through the center of Sherman and ending at Veterans Field. The Kent Memorial parade will organize at the Kent Center School on Judd Avenue at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start.

Engineers for the project, HRP Associates Inc., have determined the 20-foot wide span of the bridge would be too narrow to handle one-way trafficwhich would have allowed for segmented work, said Mike Zarba, director of Public Works. "Detour signs directing drivers to alternate routes will be installed during periods of road closing," Zarba said. "Wingwalls and parapets with rails on each side of the bridge will be included," said Darin Lemier, senior project engineer with HRP Associates.

The local residents donated a 16" by 20" color photograph, "Kuma and Goofy Visit the Queen," number one in a limited edition of five prints, for an auction at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. When we realized how InMotion helps children by ensuring their mothers receive adequate legal help," she said, "we decided to donate a print ourselves to their highlyregarded photography auction.

The New Milford Lions Club is accepting unwanted items to be donated for a fundraiser sale to be held in conjunction with its annual lobster sale. Quality items from closets, attics, garages, etc. may be brought Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, to the Southworth property, 5 Danbury Road in New Milford. A charitable donation receipt will be given to donors. Proceeds from the tag sale will be used for the Lions' community services and donations. For more information, call Tammy Deak at 860-354-3645.

Bob Sharp was a six-time Sports Car Club of America national racing champion and IMSA GTU champion with 10 starts and 10 wins; past Nissan and Ferrari-Maserati car dealer; 50 years of selling cars and racing with Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Walter Payton and his son, Scott Sharp. Bob wants to help future, new and experienced drivers have fun but stay safe in a lifetime adventure in the craft of driving.

Some businesses allowed under our B-2 zone are not allowed under the aquifer regulations. "Because there is no existing business on the site, any new business coming in would have to be approved under the auspice of the aquifer regulation," he added. In 1998, New Milford spent $2.175 million for the Still Meadow parcel to block a major apartment or condominium complex being constructed on the site. [...] the town has had few offers for the property.