From the Downtown Special Services District:
Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District Names Mike Moore President and CEO; Seeks to Advance Area as Regional Draw
DSSD Board picks Connecticut planning veteran for leadership to draw visitors, businesses and investment to Downtown
Taking a major step toward advancing its master plan for transforming the Park City’s hub into an economically and culturally vibrant regional center, the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) has named Mike Moore as its first President and CEO, effective immediately.
Moore has over 12 years of experience in community development and urban project management. He brings a varied background to his new assignment including experience with community development program management, affordable housing policy development, redevelopment planning and grant writing and management. He will be tasked with implementing the DSSD’s master plan, which calls for shaping the best of downtown Bridgeport’s assets around arts, culture and place-making.
Moore comes to the DSSD from the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, where he last served as a Senior Project Manager for Development. He received a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut and completed a Master’s in Business Administration at Fairfield University. He began his career with the Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development (DECD).
The DSSD master plan was completed in 2007 in collaboration with the city of Bridgeport, city stakeholders and the Connecticut DECD. It envisions young adults as being the primary mechanism for repopulating the downtown district, while maintaining a broad appeal to all other demographics as well. The plan calls for downtown Bridgeport to be energized as the prime locale for residential, business growth, entertainment, shopping, arts and culture in Fairfield County.
The goal of the DSSD is to provide a clean, safe environment where people can live, work and play, and businesses can locate and thrive.
It also seeks to promote and maintain cultural and historical assets within the downtown district, as well as attractions such as restaurants, theaters, parks, a sports complex with professional baseball and hockey franchises and multiple live entertainment venues.
Moore said it was “an exciting time” to be stepping into this key role at the DSSD, “as several forces are coalescing in an effort to leverage the many unique cultural and economic assets Bridgeport has to offer.”
“Bridgeport is a city that can be understandably proud of its storied heritage in the fields of industry, the arts, culture and entertainment,” said Moore. “With this as our foundation, we will work tirelessly to promote downtown as a destination for businesses, families and people of all ages looking for local attractions. Our aim is no less than putting downtown back on the map, so we can have folks from all over the region saying one day soon, ‘Let’s spend some time in Bridgeport.’ ”
In his last position, Moore was responsible for administering the City of Norwalk’s annual entitlement of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Moore’s proudest achievements include securing funding from the State DECD to capitalize the Norwalk Homeownership Assistance Program as well as securing funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the Norwalk Brownfields Initiative. He also helped secure state and local resources in order to create a master plan for Transit-Oriented Development aimed at revitalizing the area around the South Norwalk train station.
“Mike brings tremendous experience in rebuilding urban communities, and his strong management skills from his background in local and state government will be a great asset to the DSSD,” said Kim Morque, Chairman of the DSSD. “His energy and enthusiasm combined with his local knowledge and experience will help downtown Bridgeport achieve the next level of growth.”
“We’re happy to have someone of Mike’s caliber joining the DSSD,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “With our downtown population doubling, and new businesses and restaurants opening at an exciting pace, I believe Mike is taking on leadership of the DSSD at a very important time. I look forward to working alongside Mike and the DSSD as we continue our efforts to make downtown Bridgeport a popular place to live, work and enjoy.”
About the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD)
The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown area of Bridgeport, Conn. as a destination and draw for young professionals, businesses, investors and families. Its work is based on a Downtown Master Plan, developed by the DSSD in collaboration with city officials and other agencies, which shapes the best of downtown’s assets around new attractions and development opportunities. These assets include the city’s prime location on Long Island Sound, its historical attractions, proximity to rail, highway and water transport, a sports stadium and arena complex, plus shops and restaurants, all within a walkable, attractive area. For more information, visit www.InfoBridgeport.com
“said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “With our downtown population doubling, and new businesses and restaurants opening at an exciting pace, …” ”
Mr. Finch. Each time a drug dealer opens up shop on the corner of State and Main or Fairfield and Main, it does not really constitute a new business opening.
Why are these comments always so negative? Moda, Space, New Robinhood Cleaners, the Bijou Theatre, Main St. Pharmacy, Moe’s Burgers, NURevealed Photography, Bananaland Graphic/Web Design, Lucce, Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Alliance, Toppings Cupcakes and Gopher Ice Cream have all opened downtown within the last year or so. Melt, Bare and Bagel King are all getting ready to open within the coming weeks/months. The Cask Republic and Bull’s Head Market have signed leases and announced their plans to move into downtown. 323 Fairfield opened its doors to new residents this year, and 333 State is under renovation now. Be negative when there’s something to be negative about, but whether you accept it or not, downtown is turning around and coming to life. Enjoy it.
I stand corrected and humbled.
And where are the banks, doctors, lawyers, dentists, supermarkets, dry cleaners, clothing stores (besides Jimmy’s), affordable parking, jewelers, liquor stores, hair salons, video stores, convenience stores and movie theaters? They ain’t downtown.
Baby steps. If you build them they will come. Actually, I am impressed with these initial accomplishments.
Bob, downtown has every one of those amenities with the exception of a video store. We just need MORE of all of those things.
“Bob, downtown has every one of those amenities with the exception of a video store. We just need MORE of all of those things.”
… and all I have to do for a supermarket is take a short jaunt two miles down Fairfield Avenue to Stop ‘n’ Shop and hope my arms do not fall off on the way back–so I’ll be able to vote for M-J F.
I just made a deposit at People’s.
I went two months ago to the ophthalmologist who has an office on Fairfield Ave.
I dropped my clothes off at New Robin Hood dry cleaners.
I just bought a designer t-shirt, handbag and earrings at Space.
Parking on the street is annoying, but totally affordable at $1/hr.
Purchased a bottle of Bailey’s and a few bottles of wine at Bijou Wine Shop.
Get my hair cut at Moda, right before I went to a 9 PM show at the Bijou theater.
And there are at least two convenience stores downtown, not counting the Rite Aid.
What are these video store things of which you speak? Most people living in the 21st century use online streaming, Red Box, or On-Demand. Why would someone open a video store downtown?
Hey Bijou, did you buy any wine for me!!!
Just back from a meeting at Annex. No comment on the subject, however, the real action is outside.
Someone on OIB talked about the proliferation of “green signs” touting Mayor Finch’s initiatives. Well as you face 999 Broad there is an expanse of grass to the left front of the building that has been renamed ANNEX PARK, I guess because that is what two “green signs” were announcing. If they cost $500 each as suggested including materials and ‘election time’ erection, then I think the signs cost more than any park improvements. It’s all about Bill, I guess.
When I parked on the street before going into the Annex, I reached into my pocket for quarters. It has taken the City more than three years to come up with a plan for new meters, but in the meantime, New Haven and San Diego, two cities we were emulating with the Parking Debit Card continued with their ongoing program. I could never find anyone who knew how to refill. So my card does me no good.
As I crossed the street to enter the Annex I passed a van bedecked with FINCH FOR MAYOR signage with a disabled sticker parked in a NO PARKING ZONE directly by a NO PARKING sign. When I exited the van was still there, with no violation noted. As I crossed the street a white City sedan with caution lights blinking was looking at metered parkers opposite the Annex looking for a violation. Two people sat in the vehicle looking for violations? They never saw the Finchmobile parked illegally, forget “meter overtime” violations. Maybe they have no jurisdiction for that other violation activity? Only read meters? ONLY IN BRIDGEPORT … Not surprised …
yahooy, I agree with canobeano. Cut the negative stuff about Downtown! There are a lot of positive things happening. The only two things Finch can take credit for is doing a temporary paving job on a couple of streets. It isn’t a permanent paving job because he neglected to get the sewer/storm separation money to upgrade those pipes. The second thing he did was put the revised tax agreement through City Council so Kuchma could finally close with CHFA on a portion of the $25million GE CAPITAL money Fabrizi brought to the Downtown. Finch is taking credit for the 1000 new housing units and downtown vitality. There is great new Downtown vitality downtown but it is because of Fabrizi. Finch is unsuccessfully trying to ride on Fabrizi’s coattails. Balderdash I say!
Bottom line, there is a lot of good happening downtown and we welcome Mike Moore to the DSSD.
See my contrite response to canobeano.
Downtown isn’t going to resemble Fairfield Center or Milford Center anytime soon. Ever since DTC-controlled Mayor Sam Tedesco raised his right hand to take office in the ’60s his left hand was in the pockets of the citizens. DTC-controlled mayor after mayor contributed to the utter demise of what was once a great community. We are a shithole with potential and that potential will only be realized when MJF stands in the same spot Tedesco did and takes her oath of office.
It’s nice there are some brave souls who are seeing prospects in the city’s commercial future. Let’s not forget Jimmy Carbone’s recent announcement he has reopened his Plastics Store on State Street. Ballsy move from a ballsy guy. He’s no dummy. Great harbinger.
You calamarians are on the way out. Your way of life is over. Pack up you detritus and scram … avoid the big rush.
Timpanelli … you’re next to go. You are worthless and have done nothing to improve our city from the day your parasitic ways have been bilking whomever funds that stupidly run so-called business council, which, frankly, is nothing more than a repository for equally worthless politicians who could never find honorable and meaningful work on their own.
To those of you who think this is a negative comment, you are right. I am negative on what Testa and Timpanelli have done to this town.
What connection does DSSD have to Timpanelli’s group?
Can we redirect comments back to the topic at hand? Welcome to Bridgeport, Mike!