DERBY – U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro held a press conference on June 10 to celebrate securing $1 million in federal funding for developments in downtown Derby.
DeLauro, who previously announced the funding on March 6, spoke alongside city and state elected officials at the event. The money was released to help the city to purchase a scrapyard on Factory Street, as well as to build a road that will extend Factory Street through Caroline Street and connect to Main Street opposite Elizabeth Street.
“I think this is a project that just builds on what you have already underway here, really the redevelopment of downtown Derby,” DeLauro said, gesturing to members of Mayor Joseph DiMartino’s administration. “New jobs, we got businesses, energy to this community.”
DeLauro connected the grant to a broader swathe of Derby redevelopment projects supported by grants, including an upgrade to the Derby-Shelton train station that secured $12.6 million in federal funds in 2021, and the Route 34 widening project, which is supported by funds from state and federal sources.
“The plan that today’s funding will support includes the completion of a new $25 million train station, connections to local bike trails, mixed use of commercial and residential developments, including a hotel and a senior center,” DeLauro said.
Derby’s attempts to purchase the scrapyard on 2 Factory St. date back to 2021. It is owned by Andrew Jacobs, and a tenant, Rubino Brothers, Inc., currently operates the business.
The city offered Jacobs $915,000 for the property in 2021. That offer was rejected, with attorney Dominick Thomas – representing the property owner – citing an appraised value of $1.6 million.
In 2023, the Dziekan administration brought forth a plan to purchase the property for $1.35 million – and to help the tenant move the scrapyard to land behind BJ’s on Division Street near a river walk.
However, the Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen never acted on the contract, and Dziekan was not re-elected in November.
The money being released was requested under Dziekan’s administration.
Mayor DiMartino’s chief of staff, Linda Fusco, said that things were moving forward with the negotiations, and that the city is still working with the property owner and tenants to relocate.
Fusco said a deal could come before the BOAA at their next meeting on June 20.
Other speakers at the press conference included Mayor DiMartino and state representatives Mary Welander, Kara Rochelle, and Nicole Klarides-Ditria, who each represent parts of Derby.
“We want to work with the legislative partners to rebuild the most visible part of our city,” DiMartino said. “With your help and determination, we will make this a success.”
Fusco and DiMartino also both said they’re looking at ways to include the public in the redevelopment of downtown Derby. Fusco said the city will try to work with state development partners to get more frequent updates to residents about road constructions and pavings.
There are long-term state construction projects underway on the Derby-Shelton bridge and on Main Street which makes navigating downtown Derby a hassle.
At the end of the press conference, DeLauro presented DiMartino with a ceremonial check for the $1 million.