Thursday, February 20, 2020
www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 51
Town officials pleased with grand list growth By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
A total of $44,876,744 in property was added to the town’s tax rolls, according to the most recent grand list. If the current 33.93 mill rate remains the same, the 1.92 percent growth in the grand list would provide an additional $1.5 million in revenue to the town. Town Assessor Joseph Ferraro attributed the growth to a comparatively low mill rate and a push for development from the local government. " … There's a good mix of commercial and residential here,” Ferraro said. “The school system is a good school system and when people move, they always look into the school system.” Much of the grand list growth was in personal property — largely made up of business assets — which grew by $31.8 mil-
lion or 1.6 percent. A significant portion is due to improvements to transformers and lines in Berlin and throughout the state by Eversource, Ferraro said. “Berlin is another example of the investments we’re making in the towns we serve across the state,” said Eversource spokesperson Mitch Gross. The value of motor vehicles registered in town went up by $4.3 million or 2 percent, while real estate held steady with a gain of 0.03 percent, which amounts to $8.7 million. “I think businesses are reinvesting in the business itself, newer equipment, technological based equipment, and making themselves stronger for the long term,” said Economic Development Director Chris Edge. When the town was draftSee Growth, A8
A look back in time at Kensington Village.
| Photo courtesy of the Fagan family
Remembering Kensington Downtown The Berlin Historical Society’s upcoming StoryShare, “Remembering Kensington Downtown,” will take a look at Kensington Village; how it began and stories from the past. This is an interactive program where longtime residents are asked to bring their memories of life in Berlin. For newer residents, it is an opportunity to learn
about Berlin’s history and ask questions about how we came to be. The StoryShare will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Berlin High School video amphitheater. Attendees will be treated to memories of Yankee Peddler Days, summer dances, Uncle Miltie, Pop Anderson, the Kilby House, a variety of lo-
cal businesses, and much more. Downtown was once a booming place and we are seeing its renewal taking place now. Registration is required for this free StoryShare program. Call Berlin Adult Education at 860-828-8135. -- Press Release
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