The work conducted under the VCOG Brownfields program has led to the successful reuse of sites across the region. Funding has been provided by US EPA and the CT Department of Economic and Community Development. More sites are in the process of assessment and cleanup that should lead to reuse.
Completed Projects
Shelton Farmer's Market – The City was provided with a grant to help characterize contaminated soils for disposal. The Market has become a center for community events.
Ansonia, 74 Grove Street – VCOG provided assessment funding to characterize the contents of drum and soil and groundwater conditions on this tax delinquent site. Staff also helped the City prepare a SCPRIF loan application that led to the resolution of the contamination. The City was then able to sell the property for future development and have it successfully returned to the tax roll.
Ansonia, Haddad Park – The City used a grant from VCOG to assess soils for tree planting on this former commercial lot in the heart of downtown. Today this vest pocket park is frequently used by seniors who live in the adjacent senior housing center.
Waterbury, Bunker Hill Park – VCOG provided a grant to establish the initial survey of soil conditions at the decades old park. The State then relied on that information to design the remedial approach so the site could be transferred from ownership by a church to the City. Today the revitalized park is used by people who live in the densely populated neighbors that surround the park.
Waterbury, former Mattaco site – The Waterbury Development Corporation used a number of funding sources, including a cleanup grant from VCOG, to remediate this site. Construction is underway to build a senior center, banquet hall and funeral home on this former factory site.
Shelton, 130 Canal Street – Under its successful American Resource and Recovery Act (ARRA) grant, VCOG provided $200,000 to the City toward cleanup of the site. VCOG also provided $58,000 to address some previously unknown asbestos substances and an abandoned, underground chemical storage tank. The site has developer interest and will soon be put out for a redevelopment RFP.
Plymouth, 284 Main Street – Another ARRA grant of $200,000 was given to the Town to clean up the site of this future park adjacent to the Historic Waterwheel on the Pequabuck River in part of the downtown. VCOG also provided $57,000 from its Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) to resolve some unexpected contaminated soils discovered under a concrete slab when it was removed.
Newtown, Fairfield Hill Campus – The Town received a grant for asbestos abatement under VCOG's ARRA and BRLF funding programs for asbestos abatement in duplex buildings that will be used for commercial tenants.
Bristol, 316 Park Street – The City received a grant from VCOG to remediate this former gas station site. The City purchased the closed facility to incorporate it into the renovated entryway to Rockwell Park, which provides multiple venues for recreation. The City also received assessment grant funding from VCOG to establish the conditions on the site prior to the purchase by the City.
Naugatuck, Parcel C – The Borough used VCOG funding, federal funding and its own resources to cleanup this large parcel in the heart of downtown. Plans are for the construction of a medical facility and parking garage.
Derby, O'Sullivan's Island – The City received grants from various sources to help characterize this 10 acre site at the confluence of the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers and the Derby Greenway. Funds were provided to assess and demolish the former fire training facility. There are plans for additional work to enhance the popular boat launch and greenway.
Ansonia, former Palmer Brothers facility – VCOG cleanup money from the DECD fund and from the EPA BRLF led to the cleanup of this former factory site. VCOG staff also managed the complex remediation with a CT Licensed Environmental Professional. The plans are to sell the site and convert it to housing as part of the city's Transit-Oriented Development District. The Metro North commuter rail station is a block away and CT Transit buses stop by the front door.