Downtown redevelopment took a huge leap forward last week, as the State Bond Commission approved $2 million for Shelton. We had a tremendous team effort of state and local officials – Governor Jodi Rell, Mayor Mark Lauretti, Representative Jason Perillo, and myself – who worked together to move our downtown area forward.

The two million dollars from the state will help pay for infrastructure improvements in the Canal and Wooster Street area, relocate utilities, install sidewalks and widen the roadway on Canal Street which is now too narrow to allow for commercial and residential development. City residents will be asked to match that $2 million in state funding as a referendum question on the November ballot.

It is expected that the government’s investment will in turn lead to more than $100 million in private investment in new residential and commercial buildings for downtown. Ultimately, this all means a new life for downtown; old factories converted for new uses. Canal Street will be transformed once again into useful properties.

Shelton downtown redevelopment is a perfect example of state government, local government, and private industry working together to bring economic revitalization to long dormant buildings. Downtown has come a long way over the past 10 years. We have the beautiful Riverwalk Park and the Birmingham Condos. With this infusion of state funding, we can now look forward to next phase of our ongoing, steady, progress.

Downtown redevelopment is also a huge part of the legacy of the late Representative Dick Belden who worked so hard for this. As many of us said when Governor Rell announced her support for this project, Representative Belden laid the groundwork and I know he would have been proud that we are continuing his work.

As a longtime – and proud – resident of Shelton, I am delighted at what our entire city is becoming. Here, we have balanced development: corporate offices on Bridgeport Avenue, thriving family-friendly residential neighborhoods, and fifteen percent of our land preserved as open space. Restoring vibrancy to our downtown is really the last frontier, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to help.