Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release For More Information:
December 19, 2016 Av Harris (203) 814-7992 av.harris@bridgeportct.gov
-Press Release-
Mayor Ganim, East End Community Leaders Demolish Blighted Building to Make Way for New Economic Development
Demolition of 1081 Stratford Avenue one of 23 East End Blighted Buildings Coming Down to Clear the Way for New Development
BRIDGEPORT, CT – Mayor Joe Ganim today joined community leaders from the East End of Bridgeport and several members of the city council to take the previously declared “War on Blight” to Stratford Avenue. Together this morning, Mayor Ganim and community leaders started demolition of the building that once housed the Petteway Market and adjacent social club, plus apartments. The building was severely damaged in a 2014 fire and was since condemned. Demolition became the only option to move the lot forward for new development because the property owner carried no insurance on the building. Mayor Ganim is stressing that the war on blight will continue to rumble through the East End – so far 23 blighted buildings have been identified for demolition so new vacant lots will be created to lead to much needed economic development projects and opportunities to improve the community.
“Our war on blight is making progress, one building at a time,” said Mayor Ganim. “We will continue to be aggressive identifying what buildings can be saved and redeveloped, and what buildings are an eyesore and a health hazard and need to come down so we can transform the neighborhood. My administration is committed to reviving the East End of Bridgeport and making this neighborhood the prosperous residential, commercial and cultural center it was historically. This will improve the quality of life for all the neighbors living near this blighted lot. Demolishing this building and others to come in the near future I hope sends a clear signal that we are serious of getting rid of blight in Bridgeport and clearing the way for new investment!”
Joining Mayor Ganim to kick off demolition of 1081 Stratford Avenue were Bridgeport City Council members Eneida Martinez (D-139), who represents the district, and Jeanette Herron (D-133) as well as East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Vice President and former State Senator Ernie Newton, community leader Ralph Ford, Bridgeport Public Facilities Director John Ricci and Health Director Maritza Bond. The demolition of blighted buildings in Bridgeport is being coordinated by Tom Coble, an employee of the Bridgeport Department of Public Facilities and a longtime resident of the East End. The building contains hazardous materials and crews will work at the site over the next few days carefully removing debris and decontaminating the entire lot. Once cleared, the site can then be turned over for new economic development opportunities that can increase property values in the neighborhood and contribute to the city’s tax base.
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