It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Noden-Reed Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Windsor Locks, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work and truly cares about the people she is in contact with. She is dedicated, diligent, and is devoted to her job assignment. She not only takes care of my Mom, but she goes above and beyond her call of duty. Bessie has a unique ability to connect with every person she meets. No day goes by that my Mom is not pampered. Bessie make sure she's always comfortable. She makes exceptional meals for her 3 times a day, cleans her clothes, gives her showers, washes her hair and makes her look amazing every single day. Bessie is so beneficial to our family we can't imagine our family without her. I myself and my family members could never do what she does for our Mom. She has been with my mom and our family for almost 1 year and we don't know what we would do without her, she truly is a gift from God. She not only takes care of my Mom daily, nightly and weekly, she also takes care of her personal life and whatever life throws at her. She is a devoted caretaker and should be recognized with the utmost respect. Her dedication to improving the health and well-being of my Mom is commendable. You can't find anyone as special as she. Her life commitment has touched our lives through her delivery of exceptional care in a compassionate, respectful, and safe manner on a daily basis. She has become a member of our family and she has shown us the meaning of adaptability. Her strong faith in God, Forgiveness, and Believing in each other makes her the great person that she is. On behalf of our family, we would like to thank you for the extraordinary care and services your company has provided to us. Thank you for all you do”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a few hours a week, they were very thorough in asking about my mother's condition, and what were the needs that were required. It's more like bathing, medication, and companionship. We used them for about a week.”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of Always Best Care for the outstanding service you have provided for our parents. ABC provided professional, first-class support that allowed our parents to remain in their home while relieving of us of concern for their care and is something we will never forget. You can be sure we will happily refer any family member or friend that is seeking care at home to Always Best Care.”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at home assisted by the caregivers from your company Always Best Care of Greater Bristol. This letter is a personal thank you from my father and the entire Ceuch family on how your caregivers treated and attended to my father during this time. The caregivers became part of our extended family who shared in countless family events resulting in beautiful lasting memories. Caregivers Frances Boateng, Jeremy Turner, and Yanice Hernandez were awesome in their care of my father. I want to especially acknowledge Francis as a person who went above and beyond his responsibility and became part of the Ceuch inner circle. It was not uncommon for Francis on his off days to stop by during a family picnic to say hello...he is truly loved by my father. Again, I want to thank you for the loving care your caregivers provided my father. I would highly recommend your company to anyone interested in having a caregiver attend to a loved one. Thanks again”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for my step father, Daryl. It's unbelievable how the progression of his illness happened so quickly, however, Always Best Care was always ready to provide the level of care he needed as it increased. Most importantly, I'd like to thank his aide, Sue Malasics. She was wonderful to Daryl and took great care of his needs. I knew I did not have to worry with Sue there with him. She was always cooking wonderful homemade meals and desserts and I was happy to see how happy she made Daryl. I think she is a wonderful asset to Always Best Care. Should I know of anyone needing help in the future, I would recommend Always Best Care and Sue Malasics.”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure. My mother was also very demanding about her care and who she would allow into her home. After several attempts with various in-home care agencies my mother really responded well to Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater Bristol and we cant thank them enough for the high level of compassionate care they were able to provide during my moms final months.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal care assistant until placement in a quality skilled nursing facility became available. We reached out to home health care agencies in her local area but, by this point, had already worked with several agencies for med reminders for Barbara (and 24/7 care for our Mom in another area of CT) and were a bit skeptical that that we’d find one that could provide consistent quality of care.When I spoke with Rick Downey of Always Best Care Senior Services in Bristol, he conveyed both confidence in his knowledge of health care and empathy in understanding the frustrations that families experience when seeking quality care for their loved ones. We were next contacted by their care coordinator,Heather Kozikowski, who came to our sister’s home to conduct an assessment and further explain the services offered by Always Best Care.A further testament to the exceptional quality of Always Best Care is the service and care we’ve received after Barbara is no longer a client; our thanks to Always Best Care for the excellent care of our sister, and the peace-of-mind it afforded our family knowing that she was in such kind and competent hands!”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary caregiver for my husbamd/ My husband suffers from dementia and is aphasic. On a Saturday morning in October of 2015, a sudden change in my health required an emergent hospitilization, which late resulted in an extensive rehabilitation stay. Upon my hospitalization, my son reached out to Always Best Care Senior Services of greater Bristol. The Always Best Care team assessed my husband, his needs, and had his care staffed within hours of my son's call. The care provided to my husband has been exceptional. The caregivers as well as the office staff have been attentive to our needs and have met all of our expectations. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to you and anyone who is in need of care for their loved one.”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company, Always Best Care, offered our family and especially the caring, loving attitude that Amber and Natalie displayed to Carol at all times. They were outstanding and you should be proud to place them in any situation with the full expectation they will represent your firm in a most professional manner. Thanks again for all your help.”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of care will be recommended to others. You went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Spring Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Izumi Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar or visit Windsor Locks Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Windsor Locks, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Windsor Locks, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Windsor Locks, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
It's easy to miss if you're not paying attention, but you certainly do not want to miss out on this small town delight.EAST WINDSOR, CT — If you speed up to avoid missing the green light on Route 140 at the Windsor Locks Bridge (from either direction), then you're likely to have overlooked one of the delightful little spots so definitive of small town America - this week's Hidden Gem, Mark's Tavern.Located at 16 Bridge Street in the Warehouse Point section of East Windsor, the tavern is the third-to-last building before...
EAST WINDSOR, CT — If you speed up to avoid missing the green light on Route 140 at the Windsor Locks Bridge (from either direction), then you're likely to have overlooked one of the delightful little spots so definitive of small town America - this week's Hidden Gem, Mark's Tavern.
Located at 16 Bridge Street in the Warehouse Point section of East Windsor, the tavern is the third-to-last building before the Connecticut River on the north side of Route 140. Since the exterior has not changed much over the years, many people think the former longtime "dive bar" which operated there is still around - but things could not be farther from the truth.
The site of the former JR's Cafe for several decades sat vacant for about three years until it was purchased by Mark Dion in early 2020. After nearly gutting the entire place, and dealing with opening an establishment with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the tavern officially opened its doors in Dec. 2020.
The charming and rustic pub provides a cozy dining experience, with decor reflecting the more than 100 years the building served as a local watering hole, including an old upright piano, old newspaper clippings and unopened soda bottles dating back nearly a hundred years, discovered during renovation.
Dion continues to tinker with the interior, recently raising the ceilings, remodeling a seating area beyond the bar and adding bits and pieces to the eclectic collection of artifacts. The back porch of the building has been transformed into a gathering place of its own, with patio umbrellas, a miniature golf hole and, upon request, cornhole boards.
In contrast to the often-overcrowded, loud atmosphere of many area bars, Mark's has a decidedly more reserved feel, where patrons can enjoy a Reuben sandwich or one of the frequently offered daily dining specials, as well as their beverage of choice, and engage in normal conversation without shouting from three feet away.
Entertainment has become a big part of the appeal of the tavern. JerryOke, at which a growing number of talented vocalists showcase their pipes, has become a Friday night staple from 7-11 p.m. On Wednesdays, an open microphone night hosted by the Oh Brother band runs from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Other special events take place periodically; manager Kim Grady keeps the community informed via regular postings on social media.
The Hidden Gems series, created in 2019 by Patch editors Chris Dehnel and Tim Jensen, features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties.
Do you have a favorite Hidden Gem in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to [email protected].
Other Hidden Gems in the series:
2025
2024
2023 and earlier
Your guide to 2025 fireworks displays close by for Windsor Locks and East Windsor residents.WINDSOR LOCKS-EAST WINDSOR, CT — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks displays within a close distance to Windsor Locks and East Windsor.There are plenty of fireworks displays on tap on and around July 4.To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July-related calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks displays in the surrounding areas....
WINDSOR LOCKS-EAST WINDSOR, CT — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks displays within a close distance to Windsor Locks and East Windsor.
There are plenty of fireworks displays on tap on and around July 4.
To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July-related calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks displays in the surrounding areas.
Enfield
Enfield's 40th annual Fourth of July Town Celebration is slated for the evenings of July 11, 12 and 13 on the town green. The fireworks display, scheduled around 9:30 p.m. on July 13, will be filled with all the color and fanfare America's Independence Day deserves, choreographed by the "World Famous Zambelli's Family."
Stafford
The MSD Firecracker 30 and Fireworks event is scheduled for June 30 at the racetrack. Qualifying begins at 6 p.m. with feature races beginning at 7. Fireworks will follow the races.
Vernon
The annual July in the Sky fireworks celebration will be staged at both Henry Park and Downtown Rockville on July 9 with a rain date of July 10. Festivities that include food and kids activities begin at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin after dark. The annual Push, Pedal and Pull Patriotic parade is staged at the Downtown Rockville portion of the event.
Manchester
Manchester's annual Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration is hitting year 40 in 2025. This year, it is slated for July 5 with a rain date of July 6. The event is highlighted by live music, kids activities, market place offerings, food, family, friends and fireworks. It all starts at 4 p.m. and continues until the last rocket lights up the sky at 9:55 p.m. The event is at CT State Community College Manchester.
Hartford
The Hartford Bonanza is being staged on July 5 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Bushnell Park.
WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A $4 million grant has been earmarked for the town through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.The grant will be used for abatement, demolition, and remediation activit...
WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A $4 million grant has been earmarked for the town through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.
The grant will be used for abatement, demolition, and remediation activities at 255 Main Street, adjacent to the proposed location of a new train station. The commercial strip known as Windsor Locks Commons, built in 1987 on 3.2 acres of land, was formerly thriving with tenants such as Pizza Parlor and J.J.'s News & Variety, but the property had become blighted in recent years as businesses closed or moved elsewhere.
Boston-based Trinity Acquisitions LLC bought the property in March 2024 for $1,462,500, according to town land records. That same month, a partial demolition permit was granted.
The cleanup activities will enable the construction of the first phase of a mixed use, transit-oriented development. Plans for revitalizing the property include a pair of 4-story buildings with a combined 130 apartments, 14 retail spaces and 132 parking spots.
Lamont announced Thursday he is releasing $18.8 million in state grants that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use.
"Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth," the governor said in a written statement. "With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods."
DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe said, "Our brownfield redevelopment efforts continue to produce great results, not only for the communities that can now capitalize on new opportunities for growth and vibrancy but also for the residents who directly benefit from the new end uses for these reclaimed properties, whether it be housing, parks, commercial space, or community centers."
State Rep. Tami Zawistowski said, "As a strong supporter of this transformative infrastructure project, I appreciate the governor continuing to make major state investments that will benefit our community well into the future."
Windsor Locks, CT A major milestone has been reached in the effort to revitalize downtown. Trinity Financial has secured $1.46 million in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to fund the first phase of a transformative transit-oriented development (TOD). The project will deliver new mixed-income housing next to the town’s $65-million train station, remediate a long-contaminated site, and spark economic renewal in the heart of the community.This milestone...
Windsor Locks, CT A major milestone has been reached in the effort to revitalize downtown. Trinity Financial has secured $1.46 million in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to fund the first phase of a transformative transit-oriented development (TOD). The project will deliver new mixed-income housing next to the town’s $65-million train station, remediate a long-contaminated site, and spark economic renewal in the heart of the community.
This milestone was made possible through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program – one of the nation’s most effective tools for creating and preserving affordable housing. Established in 1986 and administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the LIHTC program attracts private sector investment to support the development of high-quality, income-restricted homes. In Connecticut, the program is managed by CHFA and has already helped create 30,000 affordable homes while generating nearly $6 billion in statewide economic activity. For Windsor Locks, this means more housing options for working families, seniors, and others priced out of the market – along with the economic boost that comes with new construction, job creation, and long-term community investment.
With this funding in place, Trinity Financial is moving forward on the $85 million Windsor Locks TOD project, which will transform a long-underutilized 3.2-acre commercial strip at 255 Main St. into a mixed-use community. The development will deliver 120 new mixed-income homes and 4,000 s/f of ground-floor commercial space across two phases. The $47 million Phase 1 project – supported by the newly awarded LIHTC funding – will create 70 new homes, including 63 affordable apartments, and 2,000 s/f of retail space. Located near the new train station, the project will anchor the north end of Main St. and serve as a catalyst for future investment. Completion of Phase 1 is expected in 2027.
“This award is a testament to the vision for a more connected, inclusive, and economically vibrant Windsor Locks – and to the commitment of our team and partners who have worked tirelessly over the past two years to bring it to life,” said Dan Drazen, vice president, development at Trinity Financial.
The project received unanimous approval from the Windsor Locks Planning & Zoning Commission in October 2024, reflecting the strong partnerships Trinity Financial has built with local and state leaders. It also garnered vital support from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), including Brownfield Assessment and Remediation Grants, as well as an award of Community Investment Funds. Key collaboration with the Board of Selectmen and bipartisan backing from the Windsor Locks state legislative delegation have been instrumental in advancing this transformative development, which is poised to bring lasting economic benefits to the community.
“This is a major step forward for Windsor Locks,” said first selectman Scott Storms. “We’ve been proud to partner with Trinity Financial on a project that aligns perfectly with our vision for a more walkable, connected downtown. By delivering high-quality housing and retail space next to our new train station, this transit-oriented development will not only clean up a long-neglected site – it will help attract new investment, support local businesses, and make our community more accessible for residents and visitors alike.”
This project aligns with the town’s vision for an active, pedestrian-oriented development in the Main Street Overlay District and dovetails seamlessly with the state’s investment in a relocated train station.
Approximately half of the project’s funding will come from LIHTC equity, with the remainder financed through state-level soft debt resources from CHFA, DECD and the Connecticut Department of Housing.
In addition to expanding affordable housing, the project will remediate a historically contaminated site and reactivate the north end of Main Street with a dynamic, mixed-use community adjacent to the new Windsor Locks train station – which will serve both CTrail and Amtrak lines and is expected to open in the summer of 2025.
“We’re deeply proud to be part of Windsor Locks’ Main Street renaissance,” Drazen said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create beautiful new homes for families of all incomes and bring new vitality to downtown.”
In September 2023, Windsor Locks was awarded $4.8 million through DECD’s Community Investment Fund, enabling the town to support the redevelopment of 255 Main St. and the restoration of the historic Windsor Locks train station, which was constructed in 1875 but has been shuttered since 1971.
The Windsor Locks TOD project is one of ten developments statewide awarded LIHTC funding in 2025, as part of CHFA’s continued efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities and foster equitable communities across Connecticut.
WINDSOR LOCKS — An Indiana-based developer is proposing a $130 million project that includes the construction of two large warehouses, a scaled-back version of a similar proposal the town rejected two years ago.Scannell Properties filed an application with the town May 6 to build the warehouses in the ...
WINDSOR LOCKS — An Indiana-based developer is proposing a $130 million project that includes the construction of two large warehouses, a scaled-back version of a similar proposal the town rejected two years ago.
Scannell Properties filed an application with the town May 6 to build the warehouses in the industrial park on Old Country Road and Route 20.
The proposal calls for a special permit on the 76-acre site that is largely zoned industrial, but partially zoned as multifamily special development.
In 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission rejected Scannell's original proposal to build two warehouses, one 1 million square feet and the other 150,000 square feet. At the time, commission members cited concerns about the impact to residents and conservation land near the property.
Scannell's most recent application calls for a large 494,000-square-foot warehouse and a smaller 387,500-square-foot warehouse, totaling 881,500 square feet.
Both buildings would be less than 50 feet tall.
The proposed project would be constructed with "traditional commercial architectural finishes that compliment the look of the surrounding areas," the application states. "The project will provide an aesthetically appealing and energy-efficient repair facilities, create jobs, and generate revenue for the town."
A market feasibility and economic impact study conducted by East Hartford-based Goman + York Advisory Services estimates the project would create more than 150 full-time construction jobs, 110 permanent warehouse jobs, 50 truck driver jobs, and nearly $7 million in annual revenue.
The study estimates that once occupied, the warehouses would generate a net increase of roughly $1.4 million in revenue for the town through personal property and real estate taxes.
"In short, the proposed facility would have a meaningful positive economic impact to the town of Windsor Locks," the study states, adding the location is "uniquely attractive" due to its proximity to Bradley International Airport and major interstate highways.
If approved by the town, each warehouse would have their own loading docks and parking.
"The design is intended to be flexible to allow for each building to potentially be divided into multiple tenants with convenient parking and loading for each potential tenant," the application states.
Scannell is hoping to begin construction next year, beginning with roads, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure for the entire site, as well as construction of the smaller warehouse.
Construction of the larger warehouse would begin near the completion of the smaller warehouse.
The entirety of construction is expected to take between two and three years, depending on the overlap of the two phases, and the expected initial occupancy of the smaller building would be late 2026 or early 2027.
Sitework would include earthwork, paved parking and driveways, utility connections, a stormwater management system, site lighting, and landscaping.
When Scannell's application was rejected in 2023, some residents voiced concerns about noise and traffic, among others. To minimize traffic congestion, a new traffic signal is proposed at a new driveway, and trucks would be prohibited from taking right turns from that driveway.
A traffic study conducted by BL Companies states the development would have "a negligible impact on the existing road network."
Any impacts to traffic in the area related to the project would also be subject to review by the state.
While there are some homes nearby, as well as a conservation area with hiking trails, noise pollution is expected to be minimal, according to the application.
With the installation of a sound barrier and fence, "no negative acoustical impact is anticipated," the application states.
The property is currently owned by tobacco company OJ Thrall Inc.
Scannell is a national developer and landowner with several facilities nearby, including the Amazon facility just west of the Old Country Road site in Windsor.
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