Middletown's mayor and Gov. Dan Malloy announced new plans to redevelop the area along the Connecticut River on Monday.
"We're aiming to quadruple the economic here," said Gerald Daley, a member of the Riverfront Redevelopment Committee.
The state has pledge $2.6 million to the project, which will be used to design a boathouse and event center, conduct and environmental assessment, and provide environmental remediation and clean up relating to an old sewage treatment plant that's just a stone's throw from the area that will be redeveloped.
“I imagine a family, 50, 100, 200 years out into the future standing where we are today and enjoying an entirely different view and enjoying an entirely different vista because we came together as a community and as a state right now to build it,” Mayor Dan Drew said.
City officials also say there are plans to increase the amount of residential and mixed-use space along the river.
Drew said the city will hold more events, like movie screenings and community activities, near the river to get residents into the habit of coming to the river.
Danny Cronin owns the Mattabesett Canoe Club, the only restaurant in Middletown along the river. He says the more foot traffic that comes that way, the better it is for business.
"You know a high tide floats all boats as the expression goes and it’s very apt on the Connecticut River. A spectacular resource, we’re all going to win," Cronin said. "The community wins.”
According to the mayor, a full redevelopment of the city's section along the Connecticut River could lead to an annual economic impact of about $7.75 million each year, including a half million in sales tax receipts.
