Legislative Delegation for Ansonia and Derby Joined by Dept. of Economic and Community Development Commissioner and Local Officials for Tour of Downtown Ansonia and Derby to View Prospective Development Sites

Today, members of the Ansonia and Derby legislative delegations, including Labor Committee Vice Chair state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), State Representatives Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia, Derby) and Mary Welander (D-Derby, Orange, Woodbridge), joined Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman, officials from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and Bill Purcell, President and CEO of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, for a walkthrough of downtown Ansonia and Derby to view prospective development sites. State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria planned to participate in the walkthrough but was unable to attend. As the state continues to recover from the global pandemic, the legislative delegation is eager to locate opportunities for job creation and economic growth in both Derby and Ansonia.

“We know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people across our state are hurting. Therefore, we must be malleable and innovative to identify real job creating opportunities for the people of Ansonia and Derby,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Today’s walkthrough has allowed us to have important conversations regarding potential growth opportunities for both locations. The hard-working communities of Ansonia and Derby deserve nothing less and I am eager to build on the momentum of today as we look to further enrich these areas.”

“Today’s tour is an opportunity to kickstart the next phase of economic development in Ansonia and Derby, two communities that have been overlooked for far too long. We are committed to rolling up our sleeves and unlocking this region’s potential by building vibrant, walkable downtowns that bring jobs and grand list growth, with the goal of lowering taxes locally,” said Rep. Rochelle. “We have seen some progress with development projects in recent years, and I will work to strengthen the partnership between key stakeholders at the state and local levels to break ground and build a brighter future for our region. I am excited to continue this work, which will benefit the hardworking residents of our communities and revitalize our region.”

“I’m grateful that the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, David Lehman, and Deputy Commissioner, Glendowlyn Thames, were able to join us in Derby today so they could see firsthand the potential this city and the entire region has,” said Rep. Welander. “As I have said in the past, Derby has all the pieces people look for when putting together a successful small city; I am confident with the right state level partnerships those pieces will finally click and the lives of residents will see direct improvement. I am proud to be part of this effort to help Derby move forward.”

“Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 I wasn’t able to attend today’s walkthrough of Ansonia and Derby properties in person, but I am excited for the future preservation, redevelopment and continued resurgence of our downtown,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said. “With a small investment from the state, Connecticut’s smallest city can be transformed from its industrial past into a destination for small businesses, young professionals and growing families looking for an urban experience in a small, friendly community.”