Stratford sees big gain in tax base
RICHARD WEIZEL rweizel@ctpost.com

STRATFORD — Town officials said commercial and residential development over the past year has produced good economic news for the town.
In releasing the 2007 grand list of all taxable properties in town last week, officials reported there was a $42 million increase, or growth of just under 1 percent, over the previous year.

The net taxable value of the list rose to $4.563 billion in 2007.

Mayor James R. Miron and Finance Director John Norko cited the construction of BJ's Wholesale Club, the Big Y supermarket, the 42-unit Maple Oak Reserve Condominiums on Warner Hill Road and several residential subdivisions as major factors that contributed to the increase, which comes just a year after the list suffered a decline of one-half percent.

Growth also was charted in motor vehicle holdings, with a 3.26 percent hike reflecting the addition of Pace Motor Lines that generated about $1.5 million in new taxes, officials said.

"This is all very good news and shows we are heading in the right direction," Miron said. "What is particularly encouraging is that we are seeing increases in all parts of the grand list — real estate, personal property and motor vehicles."

The mayor added, "Of course, any increase in the grand list is encouraging, but seeing this good an increase just a year after a slight decline is a particularly good sign."

Norko said the nearly 1 percent grand list boost is about average this year in other state municipalities, but demonstrates the town is on the upswing just a year after a slight dip in 2006.

"It's definitely an indicator that the local economy is improving," Norko said. "There's no reason to think that won't continue, especially when you consider future development of the Army engine plant site and other projects."

The net taxable value of real estate on the 2007 grand list rose to $4 billion, a nearly $28.7 million increase; net personal property taxes rose to $228.2 million, close to a $3.9 million rise; and motor vehicle taxes jumped to $301 million, a $9.5 million hike.

Tax Toppers
Following are the top taxpayers on Stratford's grand list of all taxable properties, ranked by their property value in 2007:

—Sikorsky Aircraft, $110.2 million

—The Dock shopping center, UB Dockside LLC, $20.1 million

—Stonybrook Gardens Cooperative, $19.1 million

—Southern Connecticut Gas Co., $16.77 million

—Home Depot, $16.75 million

—Wal-Mart, $16.73 million

—Karamont Operating Partnership, $16.5 million

—United Illuminating, $14.8 million

—Ashcroft Inc., $14.7 million

—Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut, $14.1 million.

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Article courtesy of the Connecticut Post

Town of Stratford