Rochelle secures $500K to demolish building in downtown Ansonia

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

ANSONIA - State Representative Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia/Derby) has secured $500,000 for a building demolition project in downtown Ansonia.

The funding has been included on the State Bond Commission's July 21 meeting agenda and will help fund the demolition of a partially collapsed industrial building at 35 North Main St. in Ansonia. The Commission must authorize the funding during its meeting.

"This project is critical for Ansonia and the Lower Naugatuck Valley's long-term economic growth and despite the challenging financial circumstances our state faces, I am incredibly appreciative and thankful Governor Ned Lamont sees the value in investing in economic development opportunities in our region, which I have advocated passionately for on behalf of the hardworking people of Ansonia and Derby," Rochelle said.

This funding comes despite the COVID-19 global pandemic, which has affected nearly every aspect of state and national economies, leaving many states, including Connecticut, facing significant budget hardships and having to make difficult decisions on how to invest limited resources.

“Investing in our local communities is critical to our state’s economic future. This project in Ansonia will become a wonderful part of the fabric of the community and residents should be proud that the state is providing this support for local development," Lamont said.

For well over a year, Rochelle has advocated diligently to obtain this vital funding to clean up the property that is situated at the corner of Main Street and North Main Street in an area Rochelle has eyed for redevelopment. Ansonia is the most economically-distressed municipality in the state, and remediation of the blighted parcel will lay the groundwork for future development and growth in the city as well as the lower Naugatuck Valley region.

"This property, once made available for future development, will bring good-paying jobs to Valley residents, expand the city's grand list, and give the City the opportunity to potentially lower taxes, or invest in additional services and amenities for residents," said Rochelle. "I want to thank City Hall, specifically Ansonia Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, for providing me the documentation that I requested for the application. This was the only request the city's Economic Development Office specifically submitted to my office. I am pleased to come through on this project and I am glad to be able to deliver."

Development of this parcel of land is critical in creating momentum for further downtown development that will help ease financial challenges the region faces. 

Securing this bonding is a critical step in setting Ansonia's economic outlook on the path towards growth and prosperity.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.