Rochelle announces state grants to improve Ansonia Riverwalk

Friends and Neighbors,

I'm thrilled to share that $272,000 in state funds are being awarded to the 104th for the Ansonia Riverwalk! 

These state funds, administered through the Connecticut Recreational Trail Program, will be used for planning and design on the existing paved trail along the Naugatuck River Greenway.

As the weather warms up and more people are taking advantage of the Valley’s Riverwalk system, I am proud to see more funds infused into improving this gem that so many of us use to stay fit, enjoy the scenery, and spend time outside. This critical boost in state funding will allow for necessary improvements, and I want to thank all involved in this team effort to secure funds.

The Connecticut Recreational Trail Program is releasing approximately $9 million in state grants to plan, build, expand, and improve a total of 50 multi-use trails across Connecticut. 

I am proud to have Ansonia’s section of the Riverwalk system included in this funding.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.

All my Best,

Recuperation journey: Autumn colors found

 This beautiful burst of fall foliage gracing the entrance to the Ansonia Riverwalk caught my eye Wednesday when I was stopped at a red light. The vibrant hues brightened an otherwise dreary morning on this Veterans Day. 

Recuperation journey: Sharing Facebook memory from 4 years ago

I took this from the passenger seat on May 22, 2016. Love the clouds!

Rally against proposed tolls slated at Ansonia Riverwalk entrance

ANSONIA - A Rally in the Valley to protest the state's toll proposal is slated at noon May 11 at the entrance to the Ansonia Riverwalk.

Residents of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Orange, and Woodbridge! Come on out!

The Valley is hosting five cities and towns to fight back against Hartford's tolls and tax plans!
Bring your family and friends! Bring a sign!

Meet at the gazebo at the Riverwalk.
Parking is available at Stop & Shop and BJ's.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Ansonia readies Riverwalk sign for Pershing Drive entrance

ANSONIA - The city’s new Riverwalk entrance on Pershing Drive will soon include a gateway frame assembled from restored original Wakelee Avenue trolley tracks. 

The entrance frame measures 15’ height x 18’ wide and is being produced by JRD Restoration in Derby. 

It will be topped with signage reading:

"Copper City Pass - Gateway To The Ansonia Riverwalk."

The original Wakelee Ave Trolley Line (1888-1937) traveled past the Pershing Drive gateway, up Clifton Avenue into downtown Derby.

If anyone is seeking a unique 4”x5” collectible or Christmas gift, the trolley tracks are also available for sale at Mayor David S. Cassetti’s office at City Hall. 

For more trolley track information visit www.cityofansonia.com.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Newsletter features opening of Ansonia Riverwalk extension

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features Wednesday's ribbon cutting to open the long-awaited Ansonia Riverwalk extension.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph   

Ansonia to hold ribbon-cutting at Riverwalk extension Wednesday

ANSONIA - The anticipated opening of the Ansonia Riverwalk extension will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday. It was cancelled Saturday due to rain. 

Riverwalk extension/
Contributed photo

The ceremony will be held at the new Pershing Drive entranceway, just south of the Bridge Street Bridge.

The public is welcome to attend the ribbon cutting and encouraged to walk or bicycle the nearly 700 feet of additional new Riverwalk that now extends from Division Street to Pershing Drive. Referred to as the Segment 8 extension, it is the first expansion since the initial half mile walkway opened in 2012.

An exciting new feature includes a 130-foot steel pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North rail line.

When additional future expansion is completed, the Riverwalk loop will cover approximately two miles continuing north on Pershing Drive, over Bridge Street Bridge, up West Main Street to South Main Street and re-connect at the Naugatuck River eastside levee.

“This continues to be a wonderful recreational asset for our residents,” said Mayor David S. Cassetti. “We expect the daily use of Riverwalk will continue to increase as we expand its length.”

This most recent Phase 2 addition now extends the walkway to nearly 3/4 mile, and also remains pet friendly for dog walking.

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.

Recuperation journey: Rainy Saturday morning

I thought there was going to be a ribbon cutting ceremony happening at 10 a.m. today to celebrate the opening of the extension of the Ansonia Riverwalk.

But it will be held another day. Stay tuned.

The good news is on my way there I had to stop for some wildlife crossing my path. Photo time!

Community invited to ribbon cutting for Ansonia Riverwalk extension

Riverwalk extension/ Contributed photo   

ANSONIA - The anticipated opening of the Ansonia Riverwalk extension will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. 

The ceremony will be held at the new Pershing Drive entranceway, just south of the Bridge Street Bridge.

The public is welcome to attend the ribbon cutting and encouraged to walk or bicycle the nearly 700 feet of additional new Riverwalk that now extends from Division Street to Pershing Drive. 

Referred to as the Segment 8 extension, it is the first expansion since the initial half-mile walkway opened in 2012.

An exciting new feature includes a 130-foot steel pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North rail line.

When additional future expansion is completed, the Riverwalk loop will cover approximately two miles continuing north on Pershing Drive, over Bridge Street Bridge, up West Main Street to South Main Street and re-connect at the Naugatuck River east-side levee.

“This continues to be a wonderful recreational asset for our residents,” said Mayor Dave Cassetti. “We expect the daily use of Riverwalk will continue to increase as we expand its length.”

This most recent Phase 2 addition now extends the walkway to nearly 3/4 mile, and also remains pet friendly for dog walking.

This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Brand-new portion of Ansonia Riverwalk vandalized; grand opening delayed

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page this morning:

"Sadly, along with positive posts, we are faced with negative news at times. These pictures are on the brand new portion of the Ansonia River-walk, near the walking bridge, that has not yet opened to the public. Nearing completion, this will delay the grand opening.
"If anyone has information on this destruction, please report it to the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885."

Newsletter: Ansonia Riverwalk extension, Library tea social, book reading

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a groundbreaking for the expansion of the Ansonia Riverwalk, Friends of the Ansonia Library to hold tea social, more.

Please click here to read all about it!

Thanks for reading, 

Patti 

Work begins on 700-foot extension to Ansonia Riverwalk

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti Thursday points toward work that has begun on Segment 8, an approximately 700-foot extension to the Ansonia Riverwalk. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site, located at the end of North Division Street. 
Cassetti said the Riverwalk continuation project solidifies his commitment to improve the quality of life for all Ansonia residents.


Stay tuned for more information in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Ansonia receives $400K to complete riverwalk

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti was notified Thursday that the City was successful in requesting an additional $400,000 in federal funds for the completion of a segment of the riverwalk.

This grant is an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local share matching grant.

Segment 8 of the Riverwalk includes the construction of an additional 500 feet of 10-foot paved multi-use trail atop the western flood control dike, including a 130-foot pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North railroad. 
The project terminates at Pershing Drive.
Up to this point, the City did not have sufficient funds to complete this segment of its riverwalk.

“I know how important the riverwalk is to the residents of Ansonia and I wanted to move this project forward as quickly as possible," Cassetti said.

"That is why I requested additional funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT’s) agreement to complete this project. I am thrilled we have been able to successfully secure the funds necessary and thankful to the FHWA and ConnDOT.
“Residents from Ansonia and surrounding towns continue to take advantage of our beautiful riverwalk. This segment will make a nice addition and provide enjoyment for our residents. It’s all about enhancing the quality of life for our residents," Cassetti said.

The project has had costly obstacles to overcome including obtaining the required permits from the state and federal agencies, crossing the Metro-North rail line, and building on top of a flood control dike.

Additionally, the cost of the bridge has risen since the inception of the project in 2009.


This is a press release from Sheila O'Malley, Economic Development Director and Grants Writer, City of Ansonia.

Dog owners can walk their dogs all year at Ansonia Riverwalk

Photo shared from the Ansonia 125 Facebook page.

Mayor extends dog walking at Ansonia Riverwalk through March

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti announced today that the Ansonia Riverwalk will be open for dog walking through the month of March.

David S. Cassetti

“It’s been a difficult winter for residents and for those residents with pets," he said.

"I want to make sure that pet owners are able to walk in a safely plowed area and enjoy the scenery by taking advantage of the riverwalk throughout the month of March.” 

Cassetti has worked collaboratively throughout the year with Alderman Pat Henri to help ensure that more residents and visitors use the Ansonia Riverwalk, taking advantage of the scenic beauty of the Naugatuck River, and encouraging recreational activities with their pets. 

All dog walking events will be for those with licensed dogs only. Dogs will need to be kept on a leash and cleanup is the responsibility of the pet owner. Please respect all walkers and be sure to clean up after your pet. 

 “I am a pet owner and an animal lover and I want to make sure pet owners and others in Ansonia have an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful Riverwalk. I hope to continue to see you and your pets out there," Cassetti said.

Ansonia to host 'dog days' on Thanksgiving weekend

Party along Riverwalk to celebrate Ansonia, river

See you Saturday at the Riverwalk! 

Celebrate river, Ansonia 125 at family event