September 19, 2016

Reps. McGorty and Perillo attend Chromium Process Co. demolition ceremony

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Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122) and Jason Perillo (R-113) attended the brick-breaking ceremony for the long-standing Chromium Process Co. plant on the Housatonic River in Shelton today. This marked the end of a years-long process by the city to purchase and dismantle the building, which has been a major contributor to high pollution levels in the region since the plant opened in 1927.

Reps. Jason Perillo (R-113) and Ben McGorty (R-122) stand outside Shelton’s Chromium Process Co. building which is finally slated for demolition.

“Like many municipalities across Connecticut, Shelton must find ways to renew former major industrial sites that are blighted and repurpose them for the future,” said Rep. McGorty. “The modernization of the downtown area will give rise to new opportunities for both residents and local businesses, contributing to the revitalization of the region’s economy.”

“This is an important day for the residents of Shelton who have been concerned with the environmental condition of their community and the eyesore of this blighted building for years,” said Rep. Perillo. “Finally getting to the point where we can dismantle this building represents a great level of cooperation between the City of Shelton, particularly the Economic Development Corporation lead by Jim Ryan, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the mayor and the Board of Aldermen to name a few.”

Chromium Processing Co. ended operations in 2009 because it was unable to meet state environmental regulations, forcing the company into bankruptcy. The city ultimately purchased the property and has since been drafting plans to demolish the building, restore the environmental integrity of the land, and integrate the site into Shelton’s long-term growth strategy.

The demolition of the plant will make way for improvements in the downtown area allowing for more parking, residential and retail space, and aesthetic improvements, all aimed at improving Shelton’s local economy.

The city was recently awarded a federal grant to assist in the redevelopment efforts. Although the project has called for a sizeable investment, local and state officials view this as a necessary step in securing Shelton’s economic future.