Public Meeting Set To Discuss Stratford Army Engine Plant Plan

Via the Town of Stratford: STRATFORD, CT — A critical phase of redeveloping the site of the Stratford Army Engine Plant is underway, said Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick, as the United States Army Corps of Engineers prepares to hold a public meeting for citizen input on a proposed plan for environmental restoration for the tidal flats along the Housatonic River at the location.

“This is the first thing that needs to happen at the site before planned redevelopment activity can take place,” said Hoydick. “One of the significant obstacles to this project moving forward has been getting agreement between federal and state authorities on a plan for the environmental remediation of contamination left behind from the plant in the mud flats along the Housatonic River. We have that now, and the public are invited to attend a meeting next month to hear details on the plan. I urge residents to participate.”

Hoydick has been in constant communication with federal and state authorities over the redevelopment of the property, vacated following 1995 base realignment and closures, and still owned by the United States government. She has also worked closely with Point Stratford Renewal LLC, the private redevelopment company selected by the Army to develop the site.

“This site represents the single largest economic redevelopment opportunity in Stratford, and we are eager to finally see it move from a fallow site where aircraft engines were once made, to become a part of the economic engine of Stratford,” said Hoydick. “We have all been frustrated by how much time has passed since the closure of the plant, to the point where things are really starting to happen. This is really the first big piece in seeing that redevelopment goal realized.”

USACE will conduct the public meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Baldwin Center, 1000 W. Broad St., Stratford. The public can make comments at the meeting, and may also submit comments in writing to:

Erika L. Mark

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

New England District (USACE)

696 Virginia Road

Concord, MA 01742-2751

Email: nae-pn-nav@usace.army.mil

The site of the Stratford Army Engine Plant occupies 76 acres of prime redevelopment property along the Housatonic River. Opened in 1927, the plant was expanded during World War II for mass production of the F4U Corsair Fighter Plane. The plant closed in 1997 following its placement on the BRAC list. Point Stratford Renewal LLC has secured the rights to develop the site from the United States government, following environmental remediation of on-site contamination from the plant operation.

The mayor urged residents to review the administrative record for the site at the following location online: https://bit.ly/35g961F.