Economic and Community Development

The idea of a Community Garden grew from one young man’s quest to grow a giant cabbage, named Hamelton, for a scholarship from the Bonnie Cabbage Company.  Unfortunately, Hamelton could not grow quite large enough due to space constraints!  Two years later, The Dr. Robert R. Johnston Community Garden of Rhodesville emerged! The Garden is located at 41 Smith Street.

Opening Day is Saturday May 14, 2022 at 10am

2022 Community Garden Application 

Check out our new pollinator garden!

We have revitalized the sign garden on site at the community garden with a special focus on supporting pollinators. Pollinator gardens are a critical aspect of maintaining healthy ecosystems. They instigate plant growth through increased pollination and improve air quality. Our geographic location allows local agriculturists to benefit from the effects of the garden. They provide food and shelter for insects and other wild animals, promoting biodiversity. One of every three bites of our food is created with the help of pollinators. Pollinator’s ecological cost is valued at $200 billion a year in America alone (Randall). They are essential to a more sustainable world. Ways you can contribute to pollinators include lawnmowing every 2-3 weeks, decreasing insecticide use, and planting pollinator friendly flowers and shrubs.

Putnam’s Farmer’s Market is held on Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion, 18 Kennedy Drive and is open from June through October. For Saturday Farmer’s Market information please click here or send email.

Northeast CT Farmer’s Market is held on Mondays from 3:30pm to 6:00pm at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion, 18 Kennedy Drive.  Opens last week of May through October. For Monday Farmer’s Market information please click here.

Are you a senior? Check out the Senior's Farmer's Market Program here.

The Town of Putnam adopted a permanent Storywalk® along the Putnam River Trail in 2015 through a Small-Town Economic Assistance Program Grant.  

A StoryWalk ® is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s story along the popular Putnam River Trail.  The project is a creative way to inspire parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends to take young children outside for physical activity while enjoying the gift of literacy. The Storywalk® starts at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion, 18 Kennedy Drive, depending on the number of pages. ends approximately at the Kennedy Drive parking lot across from Riverview Landscape and Supply. 

December's Storywalk Story is Caps, Hats, Socks, and Mittens.  click here 

November's Storywalk Story is Cackle Cackle Crow Crow, click here

• Easy access to Interstate-395
• Affordable tax rate
• Strategically located in tri-state area
•  Wide range of spaces available
• Sustainable support system for cluster development
• Voted "One of the Best Small Towns to visit in New England": Boston Magazine
• Ecologically friendly park and trail system for healthy living
• Vibrant and walkable downtown where arts, culture, and dining abound
• Strong, active, local community and business association
• Regional technology park
• Regional hospital
• Vast public and private opportunities
• Key demographics

• Brainstorm ideas
• Build a business plan
• Asses your finances
• Determine a legal business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
• Obtain required business licenses and permits (state/federal/international)
• register with your state, local and federal government
• Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
• Acquire adequate business insurance
• Define your business brand
• Write a marketing plan
• Register trade name with town clerk
• Understand employer responsibilities
• Join a professional organization
• Grow your business