Stoneforge Chronicles

By John Mauer

The local economy is in the doldrums; job losses have hit Kent residents and tourism income is flagging. One good indicator is the amount of commercial space available. We have a plethora of retail and small business space.

Along Main Street, Strobles Bakery is closed; the space is available for another business. The Kent Market, while open, is looking for a buyer. The now vacant lot where Town and Country Chevrolet used to be has been for sale for two years, hung up by business killing DEP rules. And, finally, the commercial house just past the auto parts shop is for sale.

The Kent Town Center feels empty after the façade of up front businesses. In total, twelve units appear for sale with five available for sale or lease. One unit is lease only. And just behind this complex sits the empty building that was Cyberian Outpost, all 18,000 square feet of it. That’s a lot of empty business space.

The Kent Green has eight units available for lease, although one is being renovated for a new tenant. (Check out the unit by the Farmer’s Market.) Two spaces for lease exist near the library. The former Mooselauke Restaurant on Rt. 341 East is empty (see correction below) as are at least two spaces in the old medical building further on.. Three units on Bridge Street, just before Southworth Dodge, are for lease. And, of course, Southworth Dodge sits empty.

What we need to turn around this commercial decline is a good environment for business starts. And the Connecticut legislature could provide some incentive for new business starts which would mean new jobs. Remember that every productive job yields approximately four jobs throughout the community. Even productive jobs in New Milford help Kent.

However, the ever destructive legislators in Hartford have just passed a law instituting a 30% increase in corporate taxes. (It may be vetoed.) First, corporate taxes are actually sales taxes; increased prices for products and services follow the tax. Second, most small businesses are corporations too, and already pay taxes to Connecticut before any profits. So, once again, our legislature is doing its best to destroy business starts even in this economy. Will we ever have an intelligent state government? Small business anyone?

Correction: Julie Butler called to say that she is reopening The Kent Country Inn on July 10, 2009 where the Mooselauke Restaurant used to be. She will be renting three rooms upstairs while living downstairs.

Correction: This article previously stated that Belgique was for sale. That is inaccurate; it is doing well and thriving.