Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti announced Thursday (Aug. 21) that the City of Ansonia will receive a $50,000 grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation’s Vibrant Communities Initiative to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Armory, ATP/Palmer Buildings and the Farrel properties.
“I am excited to explore the possibility of reuse of these buildings,” Cassetti said in a prepared statement. “I think the City of Ansonia needs a clear cut path to redevelopment and this is a great springboard for those activities. We wish to thank Brad Schide and Jane Montanaro, Director of Preservation Services at the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for their efforts.”
The grant was made by the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. There were 23 municipalities that submitted proposals requesting over $1.093 million in historic preservation planning grants.
“We are going to approach redevelopment in a thoughtful, methodical way. We want to create an effective sustainable plan that will be here long after we are gone,” John Marini, the city’s corporation counsel, said.
“The CT Trust sent us an award letter dated August 8, 2014 that said ‘Reviewers see great potential in the area proposed for study in (Ansonia’s) application.’ I could not have said it better. I too see tremendous potential in our historic buildings and Ansonia’s beautiful downtown and I believe a plan going forward will help to guide the vision I have for a vibrant and healthy downtown,” Cassetti said.
