BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim joined state and local leaders this week, announcing that a formal agreement has been reached to transfer ownership of the decommissioned PSEG coal plant to Bridgeport Station Development, a private developer.
According to releases from the city and state, the agreement sets the stage for the long-awaited demolition of the former coal plant, with abatement and demolition activities expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The project is expected to take three years to complete. To support this effort, the state is providing $22.5 million from the Community Investment Fund, marking the fund’s largest award to date. The demolition of the plant is believed to be a critical step in reshaping Bridgeport’s waterfront and clearing a path for future development.
“This transformational project along the coastline in Bridgeport, the largest city in the state, demonstrates how our community investments continue to successfully leverage private sector investment and unlock new growth opportunities,” Lamont said. “These efforts help to enhance community vibrancy, clean up the environment, increase our housing supply and create jobs.”
Ganim mentioned that a long-awaited milestone has been reached.
“For years, Bridgeporters have dreamed about what might be possible at the former PSEG site,” Ganim said. “Now, thanks to Gov. Lamont, the Bridgeport delegation and the Community Investment Fund, Bridgeport’s waterfront will see a major transformation that will pave the way for economic development, job creation and housing to meet the needs of our city and region.”
The PSEG coal plant, previously known as the Bridgeport Harbor Station, has been a significant eyesore in the city. The plant, which opened in the late 1950s, ceased operations in 2021, leaving the 33-acre site vacant.
The facility’s 500-foot smokestack loomed over the city for decades, contributing to environmental degradation. For years, the site has hindered investment in the surrounding neighborhood. It has lowered property values while serving as a barrier to progress.
Bridgeport, designated as an Environmental Justice Community, has faced challenges related to environmental hazards. The coal plant’s closure offers an opportunity to address these issues and revitalize the area.
“The demolition will reconnect nearby neighborhoods to the harbor, which has been cut off for over 70 years,” Ganim said.
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is emphasizing the project’s role in supporting equitable growth.
“Connecticut’s long-term economic resurgence is largely dependent on our ability to grow equitably,” DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe said. “This project demonstrates our focus on improving the quality of life for our underserved and vulnerable populations.”
Bridgeport Station Development, the private company taking on the demolition and redevelopment, specializes in transforming coal plant sites. Recently, the company successfully completed the demolition of the former B.L. England coal-fired power plant in Beesley’s Point, N.J.
While the future use of the Bridgeport site is still under discussion, the redevelopment will include residential, commercial, recreational and water-focused elements, with a focus on public access, sustainability and resiliency.
“We are excited to collaborate with local stakeholders to create a redevelopment plan that prioritizes public access, resiliency and sustainability—all guided by community input,” said Chad Parks, of Bridgeport Station Development.
The project is still subject to local and state approvals, but once complete, it is expected to be a major step forward in the transformation of Bridgeport’s waterfront into a safe community space.
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