
Contributed Photo
Phil Tripp.
Ansonia’s economy has great potential, but our city hall can’t get out of its own way. Too often, it’s been one step forward, two steps back.
The Wakelee Avenue re-development is a clear example. The city secured $3.5 million in state funds to match $400K local. One step forward. The project was to expand commercial opportunities and create a second Main St. This was excellent! But, they eliminated all street parking on Wakelee Avenue, hurting local businesses. That represents two giant steps backward rendering this project a 5-million-dollar beautification effort with minimal economic impact. Ansonia could have avoided this wasted opportunity with some smart planning.
Another example is Olson Drive and the police station. The administration promised to build a new police station for six years.
The USDA offered a low-interest 40-year loan to build on Olson Drive.
The terms represented a step forward! APD needs improved facilities. Then, after spending over $1 million on site plans and engineering, the city realized they couldn’t build on Olson Drive because of flood zone restrictions. Officials rushed a decision during the election season in 2017 to acquire 65 Main St for an undetermined price. This property was contributing $35K per year in property taxes and $1MM to the grand list. As a municipal building, it pays no taxes, forever!
Then, the hasty move caused failed negotiations with the property owner and an ongoing costly lawsuit for the eminent domain seizure. This political maneuvering worsened matters. Meanwhile, the USDA loan opportunity evaporated. These decisions represent significant steps backward!
We remember the 2017 election when city hall announced Buffalo Wild Wings, Petco, and Arby’s “coming soon” next to Target. We’re still waiting. Meanwhile, Big Y announced they’re closing. Big Y pays $40K a year property taxes on equipment and contributes $1.05MM to the grand list. Now they are leaving. Additionally, the loss of the anchor tenant jeopardizes the entire plaza, which already has one unit vacant. Two steps back!
Putting this in perspective, the average restaurant adds $50K to the grand list and pays $3000 in property taxes. The police station and Big Y are removing $2MM from the grand list and $75K in annual property taxes. Add up every restaurant on Main Street, and we’re still in the red. One step forward, two steps back.
These missed opportunities are costing taxpayers whose tax bills go up significantly. There is no reason for it. We have just been designated the #1 most economically distressed municipality in the state. S&P just downgraded the Ansonia credit rating citing insufficient growth in the tax base, despite big spending. Bad!
We need intelligent leadership with economic development planning looking beyond the next ribbon-cutting photo.
We have the talent and potential, but we must unleash it. I’ll start by supercharging our Economic Development Commission, which has failed to convene for more than 80% of their meetings.
I believe in a better Ansonia, but it only happens when build this city together.
The writer is running for mayor on the Democratic line.