[Stylo]

Originally Posted by MikefromCT

If I have a fantasy about all of this, it's that they'll do something with all those abandoned warehouses and clean them up and turn them into loft units. I'm glad to hear there's an interest in cleaning up Bridgeport, but it shouldn't be limited to just downtown. This is a mistake that cities make all too often: They focus their attention solely on either just downtown or the outskirts of it, gentrify it and think everything is done. It's the outlying, lower density areas that truly need resucitating. I realize this would be a huge undertaking, but if the environmental cleanup costs didn't make it prohibitive it could be a huge boon to the city. Just my $0.02

The problem with those warehouses is the cost to remediate is too high. Unfortunately it's not Williamsburg.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by Stylo

The problem with those warehouses is the cost to remediate is too high. Unfortunately it's not Williamsburg.

And that's my message for would-be developers: Bridgeport is not the new Brooklyn (nor should it be.) I get the feeling there's an interest in some people to make it that way. This city does have potential but I don't see it ever having the same draw as one of the outer boroughs for several reasons:
1. Too far a commute to Grand Central
2. Not enough entertainment or cultural amenities to attract and keep young people
3. Lack of mixture of older and newer buildings (which typically create a healthy mix of tenants due to economics)
4. Crime. Even in the worst of times when the boro was best known for its worst areas (Brownsville, Bed Stuy, Bushwick, East Flatbush, East New York), Brooklyn still had fashionable areas (Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Windsor Terrace) and decent middle class areas (Marine Park, Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge). Bridgeport actually used to be a popular place not just for its manufacturing but it had theaters, shopping, and attractions, but for decades now it's become mostly synonymous with blight and crime. There are nice areas to be sure (North End Bridgeport is VERY nice), but that's not what comes to mind for most people. In order to change that, that whole area along the I-95 corridor will need a facelift. And you're right, it would be VERY expensive. Depending on how serious developers are about improving that will determine how that area turns out. We'll see, I guess.

[FutureTown]

BPT commute to GCT would be terrible except for the few folks who'd bear it, but, it's very central to Stamford, Norwalk, and New Haven.

I agree. The I-95 sector of Bridgeport is such an eyesore. It's a shame to see that in Connecticut. I'm seriously hoping BPT and Hartford can eventually recover decades down the line. I don't have much hope for Waterbury, unfortunately.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by FutureTown

BPT commute to GCT would be terrible except for the few folks who'd bear it, but, it's very central to Stamford, Norwalk, and New Haven.

I agree. The I-95 sector of Bridgeport is such an eyesore. It's a shame to see that in Connecticut. I'm seriously hoping BPT and Hartford can eventually recover decades down the line. I don't have much hope for Waterbury, unfortunately.

From Waterbury feel a lot of empty promises since the 70s. After the mix master was built they were suppose to rebuild homes/parks empty lot's where houses were acquired by imminent domain. However, with Waterbury, I feel it has some better neighborhoods from Bridgeport...especially Town Plot area/Historic District...the area near Unionville. However, not much in terms of job growth in Waterbury. The thing however, is they have downtown that can easily be turned around,but fear not much money to do so. I mean you have an amazing Brew Pub where Dreschers use to be. You have the Palace theater you have UCONN. A magnet school downtown with a Catholic school. Also have the Basicalla there. The YMCA. You have some interesting restaurants. Not really sure what you can do with the Green.

[contador]

Originally Posted by FutureTown

BPT commute to GCT would be terrible except for the few folks who'd bear it, but, it's very central to Stamford, Norwalk, and New Haven.

I agree. The I-95 sector of Bridgeport is such an eyesore. It's a shame to see that in Connecticut. I'm seriously hoping BPT and Hartford can eventually recover decades down the line. I don't have much hope for Waterbury, unfortunately.

I don't think the I-95 sector is an eyesore. I too love those old warehouses -- such beautiful rich-colored brick and big windows. I love the steeples from the many churches that dot the town. It makes me think of immigrant & working class families for whom religion gave hope and strength. You can see tree tops too. So much more interesting than a bunch of sterile glass boxes reflecting heat & glare from the sun.

[BPt111]

It will probably look like this





Hampton Inn planned for Bridgeport

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

From Waterbury feel a lot of empty promises since the 70s. After the mix master was built they were suppose to rebuild homes/parks empty lot's where houses were acquired by imminent domain. However, with Waterbury, I feel it has some better neighborhoods from Bridgeport...especially Town Plot area/Historic District...the area near Unionville. However, not much in terms of job growth in Waterbury. The thing however, is they have downtown that can easily be turned around,but fear not much money to do so. I mean you have an amazing Brew Pub where Dreschers use to be. You have the Palace theater you have UCONN. A magnet school downtown with a Catholic school. Also have the Basicalla there. The YMCA. You have some interesting restaurants. Not really sure what you can do with the Green.

Do you even know anything about Bridgeport? Bridgeport has a lot of great neighborhoods. Black Rock is an attractive urban village with many nice shops and restaurants, a stunning waterfront park and beautiful homes overlooking Long Island Sound. Waterbury has nothing comparable. Bridgeports North End is a very nice section with a lot of nice single and multi family homes. This section makes up a good quarter of the city. The Beardsley Park neighborhood is also very nice with many nice homes adjacent to beautiful Beardsley Park and Zoo. Bridgeport also has the University of Bridgeport and a portion of Sacred Heart University. And there is also the wonderful Downtown Caberet Theater for shows and the Klein Memorial for cultural events. Plus Bridgeport has direct train access to New York which Waterbury does not have. Jay

[JayCT]

Looks like they are going to build a Hampton Inn in Steel Point to go along with the Bass Pro Shop, Chipolte, Starbucks, T Mobile, and movie theaters. This is great. Now maybe they can build some residential buildings and the area may be pretty nice after all. Jay

Hampton Inn planned for Bridgeport

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Looks like they are going to build a Hampton Inn in Steel Point to go along with the Bass Pro Shop, Chipolte, Starbucks, T Mobile, and movie theaters. This is great. Now maybe they can build some residential buildings and the area may be pretty nice after all. Jay

Hampton Inn planned for Bridgeport

tiny area next to the highway* when u cross the bridge there is 40-60% poverty rate and struggling schools/families

I am not sure if movie theater will last there and Chipolte and Starbucks is not important when tons of them in nearby suburbs. Brass Pro Shop center of attention

[JayCT]

It looks like a developer is getting ready to covert a couple of old factories on Railroad Avenue in the West End to lofts. This should be a great boost to the area. Many of those old buildings are pretty neat with a lot of great space. Hopefully more of these buildings around the city will follow suit. Jay

Construction near on blighted Bridgeport buildings - Connecticut Post