Ansonia mayor to unveil plans for former housing complex

Public forum slated May 29 at AHS

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti is poised to propose his vision for the redevelopment of the former Riverside Drive housing complex, according to a press release from his office this morning. 

The announcement will be made at a public forum at 6 p.m. May 29 in the library of Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway.

“It is crucial that the redevelopment of the site serve the best interests of Ansonia and its residents,”  Cassetti said.  “I have put much thought into a plan for revitalization of the property and I am very excited to finally share my vision with the public.”

While the mayor is saving details of the project for the forum, he has shared the guiding principles of the planned redevelopment.   

“A dual commitment to security and community forms the cornerstone of this revitalization effort,” Cassetti said. “I believe this project will have a significant and profoundly positive impact on Ansonia’s future.”

Sheila O’Malley, Ansonia’s newly-appointed Economic Development Director, has said the mayor’s vision manages to address “a variety of Ansonia’s needs” in a single redevelopment plan.  “Without giving anything away, I believe that the response to the mayor’s proposal will be very well received because of how many interests it serves,” she said. 

“It is part economic development, part community development," O'Malley said. "This is a mixed use redevelopment plan that represents a strong commitment to the health and safety of the entire city.”

The mayor’s announcement will be made in tandem with officials from the Ansonia Housing Authority, who will present their own plans for redevelopment at the site.  
“Essentially you will see an outline of several separate projects that together constitute a well-integrated revitalization plan,” O’Malley said.

“This will certainly be a long-term project,” Cassetti cautioned.  “It will also take the input and support of our entire community to succeed,” he said. 
 “The plan unveiled will by no means be final,” Cassetti added.  “There will be room to adjust and grow based on the input of both officials and residents as the process moves forward.” 

 “May 29 will be the start of a very exciting dialogue in Ansonia,” Cassetti said.  “I am eager to kick things off.”


This post is taken from a press release from the mayor's office.