Community Corner
Hoydick, Miller & Backer: Point Stratford Bill Passes House
HARTFORD – State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120), Larry Miller (R-122), and Terry Backer (D-121) today hailed the passage of legislation creating the Point Stratford Infrastructure Improvement District in the town of Stratford. The bill, which passed the State House of Representatives this morning, establishes the District for the purpose of restoring the brownfield that is the former Army Engine Plant there.
“The Army Engine Plant at Point Stratford was once the largest employer in the town of Stratford,” said Rep. Hoydick. “The passage of this measure by the House moves us one step closer to allowing Stratford to have the ability to revitalize this location for public use. It opens the door for an exciting opportunity for economic expansion in Stratford, creating jobs and improving the quality of life in the area. ”
“This bill offers Stratford a tremendous opportunity of economic and developmental renewal for the Point Stratford location,” said Rep. Miller. “The benefits to Stratford will include employment opportunities and broadening of the local tax base which will offer meaningful relief to local taxpayers.”
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“Stratford has waited 20 years to see this property return to productive use and this is another positive step in that direction,” said Rep. Backer. “This bill helps in the redevelopment of these 80 acres and hopefully employment, housing and grand list expansion.”
The bill was supported by Rep. Noreen Swaller Kokoruda (R-101) who represents Madison but grew up in Stratford. “As someone who grew up in Lordship I was honored to stand in support of this great and long overdue project,” she said. “The property is the gateway to a very special community and will enrich all of Stratford.”
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The District is intended to accomplish improvements including extinguishing of fires, lighting streets, planting ornamental trees, constructing and maintaining roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, sewer system, parking and recreational facilities, open space, and infrastructure.
The bill gives the District the power to lay and collect taxes to pay for costs of improvement whose rates will be established at public hearings held by the board. The district will consist of five directors, one of which is chosen by the mayor and the remainder elected by voters. Positions include the President, Vice President, Clerk, and Treasurer. Elections will be held annually, whose date will be published in a generally circulated newspaper.
Point Stratford Renewal, LLC was selected by the U.S. Army to acquire the property for mixed use redevelopment. Their plans include construction of 1,500 housing units, 500,000 square feet of retail outlets, office and hotel space, opening the waterfront to the public and creating job relief for residents.
Provisions of the bill allow for the creation of the District once fifteen or more eligible voters in Stratford petition the town. It requires the mayor to call for a meeting of voters to act on the petition not later than thirty days after the inception of the petition. Creation requires approval of two thirds of the property owners of the District.
The bill passed the House unanimously. It now heads to the State Senate for action there. This session of the General Assembly concludes at midnight, Wednesday May 7th.
