Photo by Lester Smith
First Selectman Melissa Mack (fourth from right) tosses another shovelful during the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony held on September 28 at the future site on South Street of the Broad Brook Brewery.
Well, the excavation had been dug some weeks before, the footings were poured one week before, and some rebar had been set in place, but an official groundbreaking ceremony had not been held. So on September 28 the owners of the Broad Brook Brewery, Town officials, contractors, investors, and others involved gathered at the site in Mach One Industrial Park on South Street, and the gilded shovels were wielded.
Introductory remarks were made by First Selectman Melissa Mack, who said that the 14,000-square foot brewery and tap room, whose development was helped by Tax Incentive Funding in the Bradley Airport Development Zone, was “exactly the type of economic development we want in Suffield.” (Mrs. Mack was introduced by Town Planner Bill Hawkins, who has now been assigned some of the tasks of former Economic Development Director Patrick McMahon.)
Later Donald Rawling, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, offered his comment, saying, “I am so excited to welcome Broad Brook Brewery to Suffield.” He added, “This project will create local jobs, broaden our tax base, and provide a meeting place for residents to socialize and enjoy a high quality product.”