To the editor:
There’s a lot happening in Ansonia! So much that it’s getting difficult to keep track of all the positive progress.
For the benefit of our residents, we are providing an update on the highlights from this month’s Ansonia Board of Aldermen meeting.
- In-Person Meetings. The City of Ansonia will be returning to in-person meetings starting April 1st. This includes meetings of the Board of Aldermen.
- State Education Shortfall. Mayor Cassetti, School Superintendent Joe DiBacco and Board of Education member Sharon Voraschak-Papcin all submitted testimony to the State Legislature on the importance of providing full and fair State funding to Ansonia Schools. There is a $4.5 million per year shortfall in State education funding to Ansonia, according to the State’s own needs-based formula.
- Olson Drive. The City is poised to close on the Olson Drive property within the next month. The City is presently negotiating with winning bidder Primrose Development on an end use that would see a multi-sport recreation complex developed on the site, including an ice rink.
- Ansonia Opera House. The City is close to finalizing terms for a long-term (30 year) lease for the Ansonia Opera House (the upper floors of 100 Main Street) that would see the City lease the property for $1 per year, with the intention of rehabbing the exterior and interior of the site with grant funds.
- New Apartments. An inspection of the interior units of the former ATP-Palmer buildings is expected to occur this week. The site is being redeveloped as market-rate apartments, with first floor commercial tenants. The ATP-Palmer buildings have sat largely vacant since the 1980s (with the significant exception of the former Senior Center, which is being relocated to 65 Main Street).
- Restaurant News. It was announced that award winning downtown restaurant Crave will undergo a rebranding this year. Also, the owners of the Palma restaurant are looking to establish a new venue, with roof top service, at the old Seccombe’s location.
- Community Center. A bond request is being prepared by City staff for a Needs Assessment to study potential locations for a new Ansonia Community Center.
- Dates to Remember. Finally, some important dates: our traditional Irish Flag raising will occur this Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall. Our new Ansonia Police Chief, Wayne Williams, will be sworn in on a ceremony to take place March 23, 2022 7 p.m. at the Ansonia High School.
Mayor David S. Cassetti
BOA President Josh Shuart
ANSONIA
Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are the opinions of the letter writer, not necessarily the publication. There is a 550-word limit.
