Bridgeport Times

BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Regional Business Council hosted Bridgeport’s annual  State of the City Address, presented by Mayor Ganim at the Hartford  Healthcare Amphitheater.

Mayor  Ganim was joined by more than 300 attendees from the region in the  annual address that had been postponed three years due to the pandemic.   Mayor Ganim noted in his opening remarks, “it’s amazing how much the  world, and our city, has changed since.”

The  presentation opened with a video illustrating how the city banned  together and managed during the pandemic through present times featuring  developments that are underway, and other projects that are complete  and give Bridgeport a “new buzz.”

Following is a list of highlights from Mayor Ganim’s State of the City address:

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND CITYWIDE RECOVERY:

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• The city’s obligation to put funds provided by the American Rescue Plan to work:

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• 400 local businesses awarded grants totaling over $5 million. 
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• Investments  in resources to address food insecurity, second chance opportunities,  learning deficits caused by the pandemic, and homelessness.

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• In partnership with the Board of Education over $30 million dollars allocated to non-profits helping our vulnerable residents and young people:

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• Programs like Caribe Youth Leaders, Color A Positive Thought, and Wakeman Boys and Girls Club -- meaningful opportunities, enrichment outside of the classroom.

Ganim  wrapped this portion of the address related to recovery by stating, “As  we look to put the pandemic into the rearview mirror, I am proud to say  that Bridgeport is on the Move, the state of our city is Strong, and  Bridgeport is stronger and more vibrant than ever before.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS COMPLETED AND IN THE WORKS:

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• With arts, music and entertainment venues throughout the city, Bridgeport has become the Music Mecca and entertainment Capital of Connecticut.
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• The amphitheater has attracted over 200,000 people this year alone.
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• Bridgeport will host Sound on Sound to draw 30 thousand people.
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• Bridgeport Landing Development to develop 400 waterfront units and a new hotel.
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• Bridgeport’s waterfront is now home to these businesses on Bridgeport Harbor:

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• Bridgeport Boatworks, operating a marine servicing facility.
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• Hornblower Group, an international manufacturer of ferries and cruise ships.  
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• North Sails, the largest sail manufacturer in the world at Steelpointe.

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• Stratford Avenue features Honey Locust Square anchored with a new library.
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  • Under construction is a 35,000 sq. ft. retail plaza, featuring a grocery store, 
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Health Care facility, jazz club, bakery, and police substation.

Ganim  then featured housing, “Bridgeport has seen a higher-than-average  growth in population compared to the rest of the state.  I am pleased to  report that there is a substantial amount of investment happening throughout the city to address this housing need.”

HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS:

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• Primrose Construction, to build 100 residential units with retail and parking.
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• East-pointe Development and Spinnaker at Canfield Park with 300 residential units.
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• Cherry Street Lofts continues to expand on the West End.
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• Jason Newfield added substantial housing units downtown.
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• JHM mixed income developments in the South End, formerly Marina Village. The site, now Windward Commons, is a reinvention of public housing to improve quality of life.
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• PLUS, the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club being constructed on the North End, a $19 million investment that will  open as a 44 thousand sq. ft. center for youth next year.

“As  we talk about this transformation from our industrial past to a vibrant  urban center it’s important to consider what comes next,” continued  Ganim.

ON THE HORIZON:

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• The City is working with PSEG to rid the property of the former coal plant and reclaim 30 acres on the waterfront for future development in Bridgeport Harbor.
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• The other major development to have a significant regional impact is Sikorsky Airport. 
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  • The State of CT will acquire Sikorsky for $10 million, and the city will no longer have to invest local money into the facility.
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  • The  State plans to make investments in a passenger terminal, runway, and  infrastructure to bring commercial service back to Sikorsky Airport to attract businesses and provide flights to destinations throughout the country.
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“As  we take the long view, these are the kinds of projects on the horizon  that my administration is working on that will be the next round of  game-changers.”  Ganim continued his address, “We have also been focused  on addressing "quality of life" issues that most affect our  communities.”

EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, and CITY OPERATIONS

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• Construction of a new Bassick High School adjacent to UB campus brings a unique partnership for transitioning students into higher learning.
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• Bridgeport Public Schools experienced commitment to universal pre-K and an increased number of students going onto college. 
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• The Board of Education now undergoing a process to hire a new Superintendent.
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• The City is near the end of the process with the IACP to select a Chief of Police. 
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• The City planning $10 million for the largest road paving program in history.
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• The City continues to maintain balanced budgets and holding the line on taxes. 
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• Substantially reduced the mill rate.
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• Commitments to fiscal stability, earned the City of Bridgeport its first ever A+ bond rating which will help us save millions of dollars for capital projects over the next 20 years.

Ganim  closed, “I have never felt so optimistic about the City’s future.   There’s a new buzz in Bridgeport.  Bridgeport is on the move!”

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Original source can be found here.