Steel Point... - Barnum Museum

Park City
Update
November 2007
Steel Point...
...A new neighborhood
...A new destination
...A new Bridgeport
A Message From
Mayor John M. Fabrizi
elcome to our 5th issue of Park City
Update. It seems like just yesterday that
we published this newsletter for the first
time. Our goal was to create a publication that highlights some of the city’s accomplishments, and to
keep residents informed as to what is happening
here on a daily basis. I am proud to say we have succeeded.The response to this newsletter has been
overwhelmingly positive.This is the first time in the
city’s history that a newsletter is being published and
distributed to each and every resident here in
Bridgeport free of charge. If you are a Bridgeport
subscriber to the Connecticut Post, you receive the
newsletter in your daily newspaper. If you are not a
subscriber to the Post, you receive a copy via the
U.S. Postal Service. In addition, the newsletter is posted on the city’s web-site.
So many wonderful things have happened here in
Bridgeport since our last newsletter was published in
September, many of which are highlighted throughout this issue. Our biggest news is that after years
and years and years of dreaming, Steel Point is a reality. Earlier this month, the members of the City
Council, in a vote of 15-5, approved the Land
Disposition Agreement between the City of
Bridgeport and Bridgeport Land Development, LLC,
the proposed developer of Steel Point.
The $1.5 billion development project is the largest
and greatest in the city’s history. The project – Steel
Point Harbor Development – will create a vibrant 52acre mixed-use pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. It
will create an exciting and permanent home, destination and skyline, including a retail center, a retail
main street, waterfront retail/restaurant and entertainment facilities, residential, low and high-rise
structures, offices, hotel/conference center, marina
and yacht club, and a continuous public esplanade
along the property’s waterfront.
Proposed to be built over a 9-year period, the Steel
Point Harbor Development will encompass more
than 7 million square feet. It is anticipated that upon
completion, the development will have created more
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(continued on back page)
A Dream No More...
New $4.68 Million Animal Shelter Opens
M
ore than 100 people were on hand this week
for the opening of the City's new $4.68 million state-of-the-art Animal Shelter.The shelter is located at 236 Evergreen Street on the site
that previously housed the greyhounds who raced
at the Shoreline Star Dog Track.The site was once
the home to the Candlelight and Pix Drive-in.
The property, which totals 265,212 squarefeet, has 11 buildings on the site, 4 of which
will be used for the new animal shelter. One
building will house administrative offices
and another building will be for the dog
and cat adoptions, as well as the veterinary facilities.The final 2 buildings have
40 pens each, for a total of 80, to house
the dogs.
Mayor Fabrizi told those in attendance that the
need for a new animal shelter was critical because
the existing Asylum Street facility was outdated and inadequate.
"This was a long time coming and has taken longer than I had anticipated. But today is a new beginning. Today, we close a facility that is
outdated and inadequate, and open one that is state-of-the art,”
Mayor Fabrizi said.
The 4 buildings have undergone more than $2 million in renovations.The renovations include the installation of a new filtering system, which will eliminate unpleasant odors, as well as a new
soundproofing system, which will cut down on noise. In addition,
a running track is located behind the buildings where staff
and volunteers can exercise the dogs.
The City paid $2.7 million to purchase the property
from Chapin & Bangs, a local company.
Future plans for the remainder of the site, which totals 6plus acres, call for the relocation of two Police Department
divisions, the new home for the Fire Department's
Rescue/Training Facility, the Public Facilities
Department's sand and salt operations and the Water
Pollution Control Authority's Pump Station.
"The property is a true benefit to the city,” said
Mayor Fabrizi. "In the long run, we saved a lot of money.
The actual renovations are not as extensive as they would be
if we had to build everything new.”
Officials Break Ground on
New Black Rock Library
A
fter numerous delays, construction on the new $4 million
Black Rock Library has begun.A groundbreaking ceremony
took place in late October at the library, which is located on
Fairfield Avenue at the intersection of Melrose Avenue.
The building, which was built in 1932, will double in size from its
current 6,900 square-feet. In addition, the electrical, plumbing and
heating systems will be replaced, access for the disabled will be
added, meeting rooms will be created, and a wireless Internet system
will be installed.
Mayor John Fabrizi said that the new library will be “second to
none” once completed. He explained that the plans to renovate the
library have been on the drawing board for too many years. Earlier
this year, Mayor Fabrizi committed $2.5 million of the city's state capital improvement funds to move the project forward.Those funds will
be added to $1.1 million in city bond money and a $375,000 Library
grant.
The library closed in 2003 due to disrepair.
“State bond money for the project was anticipated for 10 years but
never materialized,” Mayor Fabrizi said.“Now the neighborhood will
have a brand new, state-of-the-art library.”
Councilman
Thomas Mulligan
said he is thrilled
the library board
decided to rehabilitate and expand
Officials get ready to put the shovels into the ground
the current structure.“It is an architecturally attractive building.” Councilman Mulligan
said he hopes the new facility will serve a variety of residents, from
families with young children to senior citizens.“Some may find their
way to this library and discover that reading and education are a ticket to opportunity.”
City Librarian Scott Hughes said,“I'm glad this day is finally here
because I live in Black Rock, and I'm always cornered by people asking me about this branch.” Scott added that the project will help make
the city's library system "the premier urban library in the world.”
Former City Librarian Nancy Johmann, who began the branch
renewal effort more than a decade ago, said,“this is absolutely wonderful and it’s well worth the wait.”
Police-Fire Departments Up Ranks
B
y the first of January, there will be16 new firefighters and 28 new
police officers "on the streets" in Bridgeport thanks to the efforts
of Mayor Fabrizi, Fire Chief Brian P. Rooney and Police Chief
Bryan T. Norwood.
16 new rookie firefighters were sworn in during ceremonies last
week at the Six-to-Six Magnet School, and 28 rookie police officers will
graduate during ceremonies on December 21 at City Hall.
The new firefighters, who are now on a year's probation and subject
to frequent review, are: Robert Beaudry, James Boyle, Marcus Dierna,
Necole Dundy, Bobby Hernandez, Earl King Jr., Regina Scates, Erique
McCalla, Michael Mentes, Ryshon Penix,Wilfredo Terron Jr., Jose Torres,
Joseph Torres, Christopher Vega, James Walton and James Zavodjancik. In
addition, Gary Baker, a 21-year fire department veteran, was named an
Acting Assistant Fire Chief.
During the swearing in ceremonies, Mayor Fabrizi said to the rookie
firefighters, "2,000 took this exam.You are 16 of the most fortunate
ones to be in this class.You earned the right to wear the badge."
The last rookie class was sworn in in June of 2006.The previous class
graduated in 2000.There are now about 300 firefighters, and the department's full strength is 335, explained Chief Rooney, who hopes to start
another class of 30 to 35 next month.
Chief Rooney said the firefighters are entering "an outstanding fire
department steeped in rich tradition." During the ceremonies he told
the rookie firefighters "you are embarking on a career as everyday
heroes.Welcome to our family."
The 28 police officers are currently finishing up 24 weeks of grueling
training that began this past summer in the Department's new state-ofthe-art Police Academy, which is located in the East End in the building
that formerly housed Newfield School.
After graduating, the officers will hit the streets with field training
officers for 200 hours.They are on probation for a year and join a police
department of 424 officers.
The last class of police officers graduated in June of 2002.
Earlier this month 4 city police officers were promoted to the rank of
captain and a 5th to sergeant during a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall
Annex.
Lieutenants James Baraja, Robert Gearing, Roderick Porter and
Douglas Stolze were promoted to captain and Officer Brian Dickerson
was moved up to sergeant.
Citytrust
Opens
L
ast month tenants from all
over Connecticut, and some
beyond, began moving into
their new home in the Citytrust
building, which is located in the
heart of downtown Bridgeport.
A total of 83 of the 117 units,
have been rented. Renters include
the city's Economic Development
Director Nancy Hadley and
Anthony and Suzanne Ancona,
owners of Fat Cat Pie Co., a
Norwalk wine and gourmet pizza
restaurant that will open a similar
establishment in the building's
ground floor retail area early next
year.
The Anconas have moved into a
top-floor apartment in the complex, with magnificent views of
much of the city and Long Island
Sound.
“This is a wonderful day for the
great City of Bridgeport,” said
Mayor Fabrizi as tenants began
moving furniture and other belongings into their new homes.
A welcome reception, sponsored
by Urban Green Builders, the project developer, the City of
Bridgeport and the Greater
Bridgeport Regional Business
Council, took place earlier this
month.
Mr.Timpanelli called the
Citytrust tenants “pioneers” in the
renaissance of Bridgeport's central
business district.“This project is
important to us and indicative of
our future.”
Eric Anderson delivered a toast
to the new tenants.“We wanted to
welcome you to our little adventure here, and tell you we are
thrilled to see you.” He predicted
that the city will continue to take
steps forward in the coming years,
creating more vibrancy downtown.
"We can build a community here.”
He praised Mayor Fabrizi for
believing in the project.“He has
faith in us.”
The building had been vacant
for about 15 years when Mayor
Fabrizi decided to have the city
foreclose on it for back taxes.
Mayor Fabrizi said that the empty
structure was a constant reminder
to him of a stagnant downtown,
because he could see it from his
office in the City Hall Annex.
Soon, Mr.Anderson and Urban
Green Builders came forward and
proposed building market-rate
housing for the working class. He
paid the city $1 million for the
building.
“Eric had a vision to start the
rebuilding, revitalization and renaissance of downtown Bridgeport,”
Mayor Fabrizi said.
Urban Green Builders will soon
open a completely renovated
Arcade Building on Main Street and
144 Golden Hill Street, at the corner of Main and Golden Hill
streets.
World War II Monument
to be Constructed in Col.
Henry Mucci Memorial Green
A
World War II Monument, which will serve
as an ever-lasting tribute to the more than
500 Bridgeport veterans who lost their
lives during World War II, is being erected in the
new Col. Henry Mucci Memorial Green in downtown Bridgeport.
Mayor Fabrizi led a contingent of more than
200 elected officials, civic and community leaders,
high school students, business leaders, and World
War II veterans and their families, in a ceremonial
groundbreaking for the new monument on
Veterans Day.The groundbreaking took place following the city's annual Veterans Day Parade.
"This is truly a great day here in the city of
Bridgeport,” said Mayor Fabrizi. "This is something
that should have been done years ago.This memorial is our way of saying thank you to each and
every veteran who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II,” said Mayor Fabrizi.
The black granite structure will be placed
directly behind the 2 present memorials for World
War I and the Vietnam War on the Broad Street
side of McLevy Green, which was renamed the
Col. Henry Mucci Memorial Green. It will contain
panels of key World War II events, a list of major
Bridgeport companies that produced war-making
materials, and the names of all city residents serving in the Armed Forces who died in the war from
1941 to 1945.
The project occurs at a time when World War II
veterans are dying at an average of about 1,000
every day.They have been called “The Greatest
Generation” for their role in fighting the Germans,
Japanese and other enemies in Europe and the
Pacific.
Thomas Kanasky, president of the Greater
Bridgeport Veterans Council and the chairman of
the Veterans Memorial Commission, explained
that the green was renamed after Col. Henry
Mucci, the Bridgeport man who led a group of
Army Rangers in a mission to free more than 500
American prisoners from a Japanese prison camp
in the Philippines.
Mr. Mucci grew up on the city's East Side, and
after the war came back to Bridgeport to start a
local car dealership. His heroics and leadership
abilities have been chronicled in books and films.
The memorial, which will cost approximately
$300,000 to construct, is expected to be completed by Memorial Day 2008.
The World War II Monument was designed by
Theodore Grabarz, an architect and the acting
Public Facilities director.A color rendering of his
design was done by Bridgeport Police Officer
Thomas Choothesa.
As a fund-raising effort, the Commission is selling commemorative bricks for a Veterans
Memorial Plaza.The bricks will be placed around
the memorial.The cost is $50-$100 per brick.
Lawrence E. Osborne, Jr., acting director of
Labor Relations, was the main speaker at the
Veterans Day ceremonies. Mr. Osborne earned the
Bronze Star and 2 Purple Hearts as an Army paratrooper in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam
War.
For more information on World War II Memorial
project, call Brian Williams at (203) 576-8439.
50 Cent Receives Key to City
R
apper, actor and entrepreneur Curtis James
Jackson, III, better known as “50 Cent” last
month presented officials from Hall
Neighborhood House, an inner City not-for-profit
organization, with a check for $25,000, as part of his GUnity Foundation, which he founded to help improve
the quality of life for young people.
Following the check presentation, 50 Cent spoke
with approximately 30 students from Central, Bassick
and Warren Harding high schools about music, motivation, commitment and dedication, and about changing
their outlook on life. 50 Cent credits his son Marquise
Jackson for inspiring his career and being motivated to
go in a different direction in life.
50 Cent was in Bridgeport filming a movie,The
Righteous Kill, with actors Robert DeNiro and Al
Pacino, when Mayor Fabrizi asked him if he would be
willing to speak to some high school students here in
Bridgeport. 50 Cent, who is one of the most successful
entertainers and businessmen in the world, and is a
resident of Farmington, readily agreed.
Following the talk and check presentation, 50 Cent
was presented with the “Key to the City” from Mayor
Fabrizi.
(Mayor’s message, continued from page1)
than 20,000 construction jobs and nearly
10,000 permanent jobs. In addition, the
project will bring in guaranteed tax revenue to the City of Bridgeport immediately.
For the past 15 years, we have talked
and talked about Steel Point. I am proud
to say that as your mayor, I facilitated in
bringing a plan before the City Council
that takes a dream of thousands and thousands of residents turns it into a reality.
This is a great project and one that hardworking taxpayers here in the City of
Bridgeport needed and wanted. If I sound
excited when I discuss this project, it’s
because, I am.This project is destined to
change Bridgeport’s future forever.
Last month, after numerous delays, we
broke ground on a new $4 million Black
Rock Library. Closed since 2003, the
library is being renovated and once completed, will be a state-of-the-art facility
that is second to none.
We also broke ground on a $12 million
loft-style condominium complex in the
former Columbia Towers building, located
on Barnum Avenue. Once the home of
Columbia Records, the building had been
vacant, and in a state-of-disrepair for a
couple of years.The renovated Citytrust
building opened this month and more
than 83 tenants are calling the building,
which is in the heart of downtown
Bridgeport, home.The project was developed by Urban Green Builders of New
York.They are also renovating The Arcade,
located on Main Street and 144 Golden
Hill Street.Those 2 buildings, which will
combine residential units and retail, are
set to open early next month.
NBA great Magic Johnson lived up to
his promise and visited Bridgeport to promote his $222 million development project that is set for the parcel of property
that previously was the home of the
Pequonnock Housing Project.This project
marks a first-ever joint partnership
between the City of Bridgeport, the
Bridgeport Housing Authority and the
Bridgeport Economic Resource Center.
These are just of the few great things that
have happened here in Bridgeport over
the past 3 months.
In closing, I want to take the opportunity to say “thank you” for giving me the
opportunity to serve as your mayor for
the past 4 years and 8 months.When I
took over, the City was at a standstill.
Today, our streets are cleaner, the mill rate
is lower, crime is down and economic
development is at an all-time high.
Developers no longer bypass Bridgeport.
In fact Bridgeport is now the first stop for
many developers.
I am proud to say that we have set the
ship on the right course.We did this by
working hard, by working together and
by working toward a common goal – to
Build a Better Bridgeport. I am confident
that Mayor-Elect Bill Finch will continue
the work that we began as a team, and he
will continue to move this great City forward.
Mayor John M. Fabrizi
Michael J. Giannotti,
Special Projects Coordinator,
is the editor of
Park City Update.
This publication is
produced, bimonthly, by the
Connecticut Post newspaper.
For information,
call (203) 332-3014
City Breaks Ground on New Condos
in Former Columbia Records Building
M
ayor John M. Fabrizi led a contingent of civic and community leaders, elected officials and business
leaders, as they broke ground last month on
a $12 million loft-style condominium to be
built in the former Columbia Records building at 50 Ridgefield Avenue, corner of
Barnum Avenue.The 4-story building, which
has been vacant for a couple of years, is
being developed into 65 market rate and
affordably priced condominiums by
Columbia Towers Condominiums LLP.
Joining Mayor Fabrizi at the groundbreaking were Steve Israel and John Guedes, of
Columbia Towers Condominiums LLP, the
project developers; officials from The
Community Preservation Corporation (CPC),
which provided $8.65 million in financing
for the project and the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
which also provided funding.
"This is an exciting day for the City of
Posing with a rendering of what the renovated builing will look like are (from left)
John Guedes and Steve Israel, project developers; Sadie McKeown of The Community
Bridgeport and its residents,î said Mayor
Preservation Corporation; Kevin McArthur, a condominium owner; and Mayor Fabrizi.
Fabrizi. "Today, we are taking a parcel of
property that has been vacant for a couple
Additional financing for Columbia Towers is being providof years and turning it into a new $12 million condominium
ed
by the City of Bridgeport, which is committing $350,000
complex that will provide much-needed housing here in the
in
HOME
funds allocated to the City by the U.S. Department
city of Bridgeport, while bringing in additional tax revenue.”
of
Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) for affordable
Mayor Fabrizi thanked John Guedes, the president and
housing
projects.The
funds are advanced during construcCEO of Primrose Companies, and Steve Israel, a real estate
tion
at
0%
interest
to
pay
construction costs and are passed
developer, who purchased the Columbia Records property in
on
to
the
homebuyer
as
a
grant to reduce the cost of the
1996, for continuing to believe in Bridgeport. "You are true
homes.The
infusion
of
HOME
funds will provide the seven
friends to the city of Bridgeport and its residents,” said Mayor
affordable
units
to
households
earning less than 60% of the
Fabrizi.
area
median
income.
Bridgeport
will be accepting applicaCPC, a not-for-profit mortgage lender, is providing $8.65
tions
to
select
buyers
in
2008
for
these seven HOME subsimillion in financing for the gut rehabilitation of the vacant
dized
units.
office building. Columbia Towers will be comprised of 4 oneThe project is being developed by Bridgeport-based
bedroom/one-bath, 23 two-bedroom/one bath and 38 twoColumbia
Towers Condominiums LLP, whose principals are
bedroom/two bath units.
Steve
Israel
and John Guedes. Mr. Israel, a real estate developThe loft-style condominiums will have 11-foot ceilings,
er
with
more
than 20 years of experience, purchased the
central air conditioning, solid wood cabinets, ceramic tile
Columbia
Records
property in 1996. Mr. Guedes is President
floors in the baths and carpeting. Columbia Towers will be
and
CEO
of
Primrose
Companies, a local architectural and
handicap accessible and provide gated on-site parking with
general
contracting
firm
that will undertake construction of
134 spaces.The market rate condominiums will be priced
the
project.
from $137,000 to $153,000 for one-bedroom apartment to
Mr. Guedes said, "In this development I continue my com$149,900 to $227,000 for two bedrooms. The seven affordmitment
to the City of Bridgeport to create high quality
able apartments will be priced at $100,000 for one bedroom
housing
that
fosters dignity in this community.”
and $125,000 to $135,000 for two bedrooms.
“Magic” Believes in Bridgeport
Bridgeport Sound LLC is a partnership
between Mid-City Urban LLC of Silver
Springs, MD,Vornado Realty Trust of
New York City and Canyon-Johnson
Urban Funds of Beverly Hills, CA.
The $222,150,661 proposed project
— Bridgeport Sound — calls for a mixture of residential and retail use, a hotel
and cinema on the site that was the
home to the former Pequonnock
Housing Project, owned by the
Bridgeport Housing Authority, and the
former Underwood Typewriter
Company, owned by the City of
Bridgeport. It will cover over 836,876
square-feet.
hen the City of
The City of Bridgeport is partnering
Bridgeport announced
with the Bridgeport Housing Authority
in July that Bridgeport
John Ratzenberger and Magic Johnson
and the Bridgeport Economic Resource
Sound LLC, of which NBA great
Center on the project.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a partner, had been selected as the
The plan calls for: 260,000 square-feet of retail space; a
preferred developer for the 11-acre Pequonnock site, there
25,000 square-foot, 5-screen cinema; 196 rental housing units;
was one person missing from the press conference – Magic
110 for-sale housing units; 50 public housing units (on 3
Johnson.
blocks in the heart of the project); a 10-story hotel, with 155
But in September, Magic made good on his promise to
rooms, and over 1,600 parking spaces, including 400 additionreturn to Bridgeport to promote his $222 million developal spaces for the Arena at Harbor Yard and the Harbor Yard
ment project. He did so to a crowd of close to 200 at the City
Baseball Stadium.
Hall Annex, including high school students from Harding,
Mayor Fabrizi explained that the proposed project will genBassick, central and Kolbe-Cathedral, and then another 250 at
erate over $36 million in real estate tax payments to the city
the site of the project, which is located directly across the
over a 15-year period.“This project will create 718 permanent
street from the Harbor Yard Baseball Stadium.
jobs and 1,792 construction jobs, and the development team
“We are hoping we can come here and make some great
believes in and will commit to local hiring, as well as the parthings happen,” said Magic. He said that the public and private
ticipation of minority and women-owned businesses in consectors would work together “to build something that will be
struction,” said Mayor Fabrizi.
meaningful to the people of Bridgeport.”
Magic said,“We are blessed at Canyon-Johnson to be able
Magic told those in attendance that Bridgeport Sound “will
to come to your great city to work with you to create somecreate jobs that will uplift people, and encourage more
thing that will be here many, many years – even after we’re
money to remain in the city. Let’s spend our money in our
long gone.”
own community.”
W