Bridgeport Cherry Street Revitalization Gets $3.77 Million Boost

Bridgeport CT

23 December, 2020

6:00 AM

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BRIDGEPORT, CT — More than $3 million has been approved by the State Bond Commission to fund revitalization of Cherry Street in Bridgeport. The fund for the brownfield cleanup project will include development of a supermarket and retail space, which is expected to create 250 new jobs. "Supporting and investing in local economic projects has always been a significant part of my agenda," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. "I visited this project and saw firsthand how transformative it could be for Bridgeport. Between the growth of new jobs and the creation of environmentally conscious housing and transit-oriented development – all within a federally designated opportunity zone – this is just the kind of plan that will keep driving and revitalizing our economy." The goal of the Cherry Street Lofts project is to transform Bridgeport's West End. It will continue to convert old industrial buildings into new apartments and retail opportunities. The project is powered by recently installed 440kw fuel cells that produce less costly renewable energy, according to the statement. "Cities and towns are struggling, providing education and everything that must be done for so many groups and individuals in our community as we respond to their needs during the COVID-19 public health crisis," Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said in a statement. Phase I of the project saw construction of 157 residential units for families earning between 50 percent and 70 percent of the area median income, and the completion and opening of the 725-student Great Oaks Charter School.