Bridgeport, CT – Per Mayor Ganim’s directive, the City’s Office of Planning and Economic Development has embarked upon a program to demolish a series of large scale, chronically blighted, abandoned properties that have impeded development within certain areas of the city. Earlier this year, for example, the City demolished a blighted residential complex at 88 Smith Street in the City’s East End. The removal of the fire-damaged structure has created a cleared site that Park City Communities is looking to redevelop as new, much-needed, affordable housing located near Newfield Park.

Starting this week, on June 17^th, the City will turn its attention to a chronically blighted, fire-damaged commercial structure located at 307 Center Street. Owned by an LLC managed by Albert Gad, the principal of Almod Diamonds in New York City, the property has been vacant and abandoned for many years. Acting pursuant to a demolition order issued by the City’s Condemnation Board, the City will demolish the property and lien the property owner for the approximately $125,000 cost of the demolition. Should the cleared property then be sold for development, the City will be in a position to collect on the lien.

Mayor Ganim stated, “As quality of life issues remain to be one of the top priorities of this administration, tackling areas of blight in this city is key to eliminating some of these long-standing buildings that have served as eyesores for many of our residents. Demolishing these buildings means more opportunity not only for new developments, but for new partnerships as we continue our initiatives to beautify Bridgeport.”

The unsightly property stands across the street from the entrance to St. Raphael Academy and is adjacent to Lafayette Park in the Hollow. The demolition will improve the aesthetic and quality of life for residents and students. Over the course of this calendar year, the City anticipates tackling another three to five large scale blighted structures, thereby repositioning them for redevelopment.