Welcome to the Town of Stafford, CT
Warren Memorial Town Hall, 1 Main Street,
Stafford Springs, CT 06076, phone: 860-684-1777
e-mail: staffordtownhall@staffordct.org
 The Town of Stafford began its history almost 300 years ago as a rural hill town with 3 excellent agricultural districts. Most of the population was concentrated in 6-7 villages. Industrialization took advantage of abundant water power from the tributaries of the Willimantic River, & caused population shifts. In the mid-1800's, the Railroad connected Stafford to markets across New England. Before the State Highway projects of the 1920's & 1930, there was a Trolley connection to Rockville.
The Town of Stafford presents an ideal location for families and companies looking for a destination. Stafford is a rural/suburban mixed community with direct and rapid access to all major Northeast cities, especially New York and Boston. Our highly trained workforce, ample clean water supply and cooperative financial institutions all contribute to a positive business climate.
We are fortunate to have the Johnson Memorial Hospital in our town, and a State Police Barracks nearby. The proximity of these facilities is an added benefit to the residents.
In addition to many shops, restaurants, & a grocery chain store in town, more shopping, & cinema opportunities abound 10 - 30 minute away by car in Enfield, Manchester, Monson, Somers, Tolland, & Vernon. Sturbridge Massachusetts.
Stop by, say hello, and again - Welcome to Stafford!
Government Services | Location | History/Demographics
Schools | Medical | Community Events | Recreation | Churches/Civil
Municipal | Transfer Station | Housing | Industry
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Local Government Services
The Warren Memorial Town Hall is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:15 until 4:30 p.m., Thursday from 8:15 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
Office locations at Town Hall:
- First level:
- Second level:
- Third level
Family Services is located across from the Witt Intermediate School, near Hyde Park
Location
Stafford is located at approximately 42 degrees North Longitude and 72 degrees West Latitude. The elevation above sea level varies from approximately 600-800 feet.
History/Demographics
Stafford has approximately 11,300 residents and covers 58 square miles, making it the third largest town (land area) in Connecticut. There is a developed downtown business section bordered by several parks. Throughout the town, there are lakes, ponds, streams, State Forests and farmlands, crisscrossed by traditional New England stone walls. Stafford has a rich historical heritage. Long before its incorporation as a town in 1719, the famous mineral springs drew Indians and settlers to the Stafford area for the curative properties of the water. In addition to its reputation as a resort area, Stafford became known for its textile mills in the later 1800's. Some of the world's most famous cloth was (and still is) woven in this town. Today, Stafford displays a rich tapestry of quaint mills, Victorian houses, and rolling country from agrarian roots to its industrial foundations.
Schools
At the present time there are three elementary, one intermediate, one middle and one high school in Stafford, in addition to a parochial K-8 school (St. Edwards School).
The school system serving pre-K through 12 has earned an excellent reputation. Recent state test scores place Stafford at a par with wealthier suburban towns, and at the top of its Educational Reference Group of similar towns.
Stafford High School fields competitive teams in football, basketball, cross country, gymnastics, track, soccer, baseball and softball, as well as offering an active intramural sports program. Each spring the music, arts, and drama departments of the high and middle schools put on plays and musical productions. A variety of extracurricular activities rounds out the school program.
Medical
Johnson Memorial Hospital, located on Route 190 in Stafford, is a modern hospital built in 1975 and has an adjoining professional building which houses the practices of area doctors. Evergreen Health Care Center is a long-term care facility that is also located at this site. Evergreen and JMH serve several area towns.
Stafford hosts offices of a number of physicians, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, physical therapists and other health professionals. The Stafford Veterinary Center serves the needs of animals, both large and small.
Community Events
The Stafford Arts Commission presents musical acts at the John E. Julian Heritage Park gazebo during the summer months. The town Community & Civic Affairs Commission hosts a Summerfest with a fireworks display (paid for by Stafford Savings Bank) on the week of July 4th at the high school fields. The community Downstairs Production Company performs original and established plays at the town hall auditorium regularly. The first (and hope to be annual) Street Fair was held this spring with over 1,200 people attending. The Stafford Lion's Club hosted its first Fall Festival in October 2004.
Recreation
For the outdoor enthusiast, Stafford and North central Connecticut offers many activities. The Middle River & Willimantic River have good water for canoes & kayaks 3 - 6 months per year. Upland game hunting, fishing, swimming as well as cross country skiing, can be found. The Town has several tennis courts, ball fields, soccer fields, and several quiet, relaxing parks. In addition, there are private recreational swimming and tennis clubs. During the spring and summer, there is an active Little League program, youth softball, adult softball for men and women, and a summer recreational program offering swimming lessons and martial arts instruction for children. There are also programs for youth football, basketball, soccer and hockey. The nationally famous Stafford Motor Speedway attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year and is a fixture on spring and summer evenings. Stafford also has (limited) access to Sandy Beach on Crystal Lake in Ellington. Plans are being developed to provide hiking, & multi-use trails within Stafford, & connecting to other towns. Two B&B's, & nearby campgrounds, provide overnight accommodation for visitors.
Churches/Civic Groups
Stafford has always had active civic organizations. Today there are a number of clubs which contribute to the town's vitality. Among them are: Lion's Club, Rotary Club, regional Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Fish and Game Club, Italian Benefit Society, the Stafford Junior Women's Club, VFW, American Legion, Rod and Gun Club, Grange, Masons, music and arts groups, Historical Society and the Senior and Youth center groups, along with all ages of Scout troops for girls and boys.
Churches of many denominations include: Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Lutheran, Unitarian/Universalist, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Word of Life Assembly of God.
Municipal
Stafford is governed by a Board of Selectmen consisting of three members, elected by town voters on odd years for a two-year term. The Town has no charter, but is governed in general by CT General Statutes (laws) and specifically by ordinances voted upon at town meetings.
Stafford is served by the Connecticut State Police through the Resident State Trooper program. The State Police Troop C Barracks is located nearby, just off I-84 in Tolland. There are also fulltime and part-time constables that serve with resident troopers. Two volunteer fire departments cover Stafford with strategically located firehouses. The Town also hosts a volunteer ambulance organization, which serves the area.
The brand new, state-of-the-art, Stafford Public Library continually offers public service programs and unique special events for the community. Open six days a week, offering a day and evening schedule, the Stafford Public Library has established itself as one of the finest facilities east of the Connecticut River.
A modern sewer plant, constructed in 1972, services approximately one-third of the town, including the commercial and industrial area in the Service District. Curbside pick-up of municipal refuse and recyclables to be recycled is available within the Stafford Springs Service District.
Transfer Station
People living in single family or duplex homes in the Service District (formerly known as the Borough of Stafford Springs) have curbside trash and recycling pick-up. This is paid for through a Service District Tax. Residents outside the Service District area can hire a company to pick-up their trash or may personally take it to the transfer station. If you wish to hire a company to pick up your trash, here are companies that will service this area. (Rudy Hollay 684-3683, Waste Management 1-800-346-3591 and U.S.A. @1800-998-2984).
Town of Stafford trash stickers/decals are available for those wishing to utilize the Transfer Station located on Upper Road in Staffordville. This decal will be placed on the window of the vehicle by the transfer stations staff following proof of residency. Note: to avoid problems with the staff at the transfer station please register your vehicle(s) in Stafford as soon as possible.
Housing
Stafford offers a good mix of housing. There are distinctive single-family homes, attractive well-planned condominiums, working mini-farms and various duplexes and apartments. For seniors, (individuals or couples), Stafford hosts Avery Park, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive elderly housing projects in the state. A Mature Living Community is in development called Isabella's Court. They are single family detached homes for age 55+.
Stafford boasts some outstanding examples from the Victorian era as well as beautiful Colonial houses in traditional New England settings. The town plan of development calls for slow but steady growth for the town while preserving the rural characteristics of the area.
Industrial/Commercial
Business and industry have always played an important role in the development of Stafford. Dating from the time when a local factory manufactured cannon and shot for the Colonial Army, to the more modern requirements of weaving material for Armed Forces uniforms, the town has hosted diverse industries. A fine balance of manufacturing, retail and service industries presently exist. Among the many benefits available to Stafford business and industries:
- Modern sewer plant
- Ample water supply for processing
- Good access to Rtes 84, 91 and the Mass. Pike
- Proximity to Bradley Airport and Westover Field
- Available factory space
- Industrial space available
- Skilled, dedicated work force
- Favorable tax base, with state and local incentives
- Active economic development efforts
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