Bridgeport, CT— Last evening, Zoning Official Paul Boucher issued the attached letter to the developers of 1773, 1843, and 1849 Madison Avenue temporarily revoking the Zoning Approval for the proposed 4-story, 177 unit residential development based on concerns that the Zoning Approval may not have been issued based on complete or accurate information. The matter is under review by the Office of the City Attorney, which will result in a full written opinion on the matter.

Yesterday, the Building Department did issue a demolition permit to knock down the structures on the property. The outcome of the Zoning Approval for the 4-story structure has no bearing on the validity of that demolition permit. However, Mr. Boucher’s letter does notify the developers that any action on the site, including pursuing demolition, is at their own risk pending final action by the Zoning Office.  

Statement of Mayor Ganim

“A few weeks ago, residents in the lower North End that live in the neighborhood of Madison Ave. and Westfield Ave. wrote a letter to my office requesting that the City of Bridgeport review the project which proposes the construction of a 4-story structure with 177 residential units. Councilmembers Jeanette Herron and Aikeem Boyd also subsequently reached out to my office asking for a full review of the project.

Among the concerns and questions raised by the residents and Council members from the area were that the project was not submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a vote, there was no public hearing on the matter, and that the project was being allowed to proceed under the regulations of the old zoning code rather than the new regulations which took effect on January 1, 2022.

Upon notice of these concerns, I immediately requested that the City Attorney, in collaboration with the Office of Planning and Economic Development, conduct a full review of the project, including whether the Zoning Approval issued by the Zoning Department in October 2022—and any permits related to that approval—were validly issued. It is clear that the investigation to date by the City Attorney’s Office has raised some areas of concern and calls into question that initial Zoning approval.

I stand with the residents of this neighborhood and share their concerns regarding the 4-story structure that has been proposed for that site. I am in full support of the temporary revocation of the Zoning Approval pending the full written opinion of the City Attorney on the matter. While I have publicly expressed the need to resolve these legal questions quickly for the benefit of the residents, the developers, and the City, I also respect the need for a thorough and accurate review of the matter. Temporary revocation of the Zoning Approval is the most appropriate course of action while we await a final legal opinion and action by the Zoning Official.

My office will work with the Office of Planning and Economic Development to monitor compliance with the temporary revocation of the Zoning Approval issued yesterday and will continue to provide information to the public as we await the final legal opinion.”