Daily Five: Town Manager Says There’s Interest In Pfizer Buildings

1.  Today is Thursday, Jan. 10. The National Weather Service predicts sunny skies and a high temperature of 42 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low of 29 degrees.

2.  Town Manager Mark Oefinger told Representative Town Meeting Wednesday that there has been a “fair amount” of interest in the vacant Pfizer properties, including Building 118, other smaller structures and the waterfront. He said he is not aware of any deal that’s been struck, but many entities, including the University of Connecticut, Connecticut Innovations and the Department of Economic and Community Development “are spending a lot of time trying to make sure the right thing happens.”

Oefinger said Pfizer notified the town about two weeks ago that it has put out a request for proposals seeking demolition contractors in the event that was necessary.

Rep. Michael Collins said the company went before the city zoning commission, was granted a demolition permit and explained that if Building 118 were taken down, it would be collapsed upon itself.

Oefinger said he believes Pfizer does not have enough information yet to make a decision, so it may be a bit longer before one is announced.

3.  Panera Bread in Groton is celebrating National Soup Month from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Jan. 16. The event includes “dine for donations” in which 10 percent of sales will be donated to the Claude Chester Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and a “soup drive” where customers who donate a can of soup to the Arc of New London County could win a $100 Panera gift card. For more information, call (860) 446-9980.

4.  Groton Public Library is recruiting volunteers for World Book Night, planned for April 23 this year. The event is an annual celebration also held in the U.K, Ireland and Germany, where people give out free paperback books to try to spread a love of reading.

5.  The Southeastern CT Women’s NETWORK will hold a networking lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., on Jan. 16 at Groton Inn & Suites. To make a reservation, call (860) 437-7448  by 10 a.m. on Jan. 14. The cost is $19 with a reservation, and $23 without.