State Representative Linda Gentile (D‑Derby, Ansonia) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy on Friday toured brownfield sites that are being considered for redevelopment in downtown Derby.
The brownfield site is located at the Southside of Main Street at the junction of the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. The site was a major industrial area with companies like Housatonic Lumber and Jacob’s Scrap Metal.
“This site is surrounded by Derby’s Greenway Trail, one of the state’s most used multi-purpose trails, and has the potential to grow Derby in the right direction,” Rep. Gentile said.
Last year, Rep. Gentile was able to secure $200,000 for the assessment of 19 acres on Main Street related to the city’s downtown redevelopment plans as well as a $5 million commitment toward infrastructure to the site for a main street grid.
“With the assistance of these funds, we will be able to transform the Southside of Main Street into a productive site that grow jobs, improve the economy, and expand the downtown area,” Rep. Gentile said. “A further commitment of Federal funds to leverage State funds & private investment would put us one step closer to our goal of a transit oriental plan.”