Another 'Point Stratford' Development Setback

Fully mitigated of its environmental hazards,  related economic factors and the other pre-requisite "unpleasantries" prior to its redevelopment, the former Army Engine Plant property in Stratford is a future "gold mine!"

Unfortunately for some taxpayers today in Stratford, this gold mine might not pay off during their lifetimes. Others might argue that teenagers today won’t see this potential vein tapped during their lifetimes either.

And there’s been another small setback.

Mayor John J. Harkins told member of the Town Council on Monday that the most recent bid process for Point Stratford (aka the Army Engine Plant site)-- consisting of 78 acres of abandoned manufacturing buildings, truck docks, loads of parking and "water views" located across the street from the airport -- has failed.

It is indeed disappointing news as this 78 acres of untapped future municipal tax revenue would go a long way toward solving Stratford’s thorny budget dilemma.

(Like a good 0-2 fastball, 'high and tight' budgets are nothing new here, and PTL for Sikorsky -- may it always live and prosper in the north end!)

A "highest and best use" development of Point Stratford would help solve Stratford’s relatively high tax rate and its current budget crisis involving the schools.

How bad are taxes here? Stratford is not Bridgeport-high in taxes, but relatively higher compared to its other border towns: Shelton, Trumbull and Milford.

In his very brief update on Point Stratford, Mayor Harkins told Council members that he had met with army plant development officials back in January in Washingon “prior to the end of the sealed bid process.” 

Unfortunately, “the bid was unsuccessful,” the mayor told the Council. "We’re having discussions what went wrong and we’re trying to figure out what to do." 

Behind the scenes, the town is highly engaged in the process. “We’re in constant communication,” the mayor added, with the Army, who owns the site.

Then the mayor presented a caveat of hope for a breakthrough soon.

While the Army bidding process itself failed, “A number of people have approached us [the town, that is],” the mayor said, interested in the property.

Some development leads do exist and the are being actively pursued.

Which is good news for optimists -- But not soon enough for some school parents who recently lamented that a successful “Point Stratford” development would take the pressure off town officials to close an elementary school here.

Meanwhile, the town budget process continues with the mayor and his staff preparing next year's budget for presentation to the Council soon.