Mixed-Use Downtown Development Proposal On City Council Agenda

Tuesday’s City Council agenda includes “Proposed Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Land Development Agreement (LDA) for the Mixed-Use Development of “Congress Plaza Commons” located on the corner of Main Street and Congress Street and Request to Order a Public Hearing Relative to the Same.” It will be referred to the Economic and Community Development and Environment Committee.

Last September, following a request for proposals, Mayor Joe Ganim announced an $18 million “100 percent privately funded proposal” for nearly 100 units of “market-rate rental housing” at Congress and Main Downtown that also includes 7,000 square feet of street-level retail space and approximately 80 off-street parking spaces.

Bridgeport-based Primrose Construction, whose principals include former chair of the Civil Service Commission Eleanor Guedes, is the chosen developer.

The city announced in September that the developer will break ground and begin construction within 12 months from execution of LDA.

The city had also announced that Park City Ice-Palace LLC Development Group was selected to build a hockey and ice skating training facility Downtown, but that proposal has received a chilly response from City Council members challenging its economic logic given the city’s lease extension with the Wonderland of Ice.

The City Council will meet Tuesday night, instead of the traditional Monday, due to Presidents’ Day. Council agenda:

Mayoral Proclamation and City Council Citation: Recognizing businessman Willie McBride, Jr. of WC McBride Electrical Contractors, LLC during Black History Month for his contributions to the community.

Mayoral Proclamation and City Council Citation: Recognizing businessman W. Tom McMillian of M.F.X.A. Construction and Management, LLC during Black History Month for his contributions to the community.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL:
Approval of City Council Minutes: January 22, 2019

COMMUNICATIONS TO BE REFERRED TO COMMITTEES:
32-18 Communication from OPED re: Proposed Resolution to Adopt Plan of Conservation & Development–Plan of Bridgeport, referred to Economic and Community Development and Environment Committee.

33-18 Communication from OPED re: Proposed Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Land Development Agreement (LDA) for the Mixed-Use Development of “Congress Plaza Commons” located on the corner of Main Street and Congress Street and Request to Order a Public Hearing Relative to the Same, referred to Economic and Community Development and Environment Committee.

34-18 Communication from Tax Collector re: Proposed Assignment of Tax Liens for Fiscal Year 2019, referred to Contracts Committee.

37-18 Communication from OPED/Housing & Community Development re: (Ref. #108-17) Proposed Substantial Amendment to the City’s Consolidated Plan for Housing & Community Development, referred to Special Committee on CDBG Program.

38-18 Communication from Labor Relations re: Proposed Tentative Agreement with Bridgeport City Supervisor’s Association (BCSA) regarding their Bargaining Contract, referred to Contracts Committee.

39-18 Communication from Labor Relations re: Proposed Tentative Agreement with LIUNA Local 1224 regarding their Bargaining Contract, referred to Contracts Committee.

40-18 Communication from Labor Relations re: Proposed Tentative Agreement with Bridgeport Building Trades Council regarding their Bargaining Contract, referred to Contracts Committee.

RESOLUTIONS TO BE REFERRED TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, ETC.:
28-18 Resolution presented by Council Member(s) Jackson & Langan re: Proposed resolution requesting a ban on Synthetic Pesticides and Pesticides with Inert Ingredients on City-Owned Properties, referred to Economic and Community Development and Environment Committee.

RESOLUTIONS TO BE REFERRED TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, ETC. CONTINUED:
29-18 Resolution presented by Council Member Jackson re: Proposed resolution in Support of Proposed Bill No. 6918 to Expand Ages for Minors to be Employed, referred to Education and Social Services Committee.

30-18 Resolution presented by Council Member Jackson re: Proposed resolution requesting that the Board of Education implement Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Services, referred to Education and Social Services Committee.

31-18 Resolution presented by Council Member(s) Newton & Martinez re: Proposed resolution requesting that the Intersection of Clermont Avenue and Ridgefield Avenue be designated as an “All-Way” Stop with appropriate signage and stop lines painted on road surface, referred to Board of Police Commissioners.

35-18 Resolution presented by Council Member Jackson re: Proposed resolution requesting that the City Attorney’s Office draft an amendment to City Ordinance Chapter 3.70 – Event Admissions Surcharge, referred to Ordinance Committee.

36-18 Resolution presented by Council Member Jackson re: Proposed resolution requesting the General Assembly to enhance collection of Remote or Ecommerce Sales Taxes, referred to Budget and Appropriations Committee.

MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON (CONSENT CALENDAR):
*196-17 Budget and Appropriations Committee Report re: Resolution requesting the Purchasing Director to provide information on the Department of Public Facilities purchases.