State Awards Redding Property $200K For Blight Assessment

REDDING, CT — The state has committed $200,000 for blighted property assessment and remediation of the former Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Company site in town.

The funding was part of $19 million in state grants from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program. The cash injection is expected to leverage approximately $156 million in private funding and help in the investigation and clean-up of approximately 418 acres of land.

"The Gilbert and Bennett site has tremendous potential, and with this grant the town can learn exactly what needs to be done in terms of remediation," said state Sen. Will Haskell (District 26). "I'm excited to see what the future has in store for this historic property."

The former wire mill and center of the Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Company has sat vacant for years.

The town will be able to begin a site appraisal with the grant, reviewing work that has been done and work left to be done to prepare the property for future redevelopment, according to Haskell.

"If we remediate these properties now, we can turn an eyesore into an asset, revitalize neighborhoods, and transform otherwise unusable property into new space for businesses and residents," Gov. Ned Lamont said.

The Redding site is one of 31 blighted properties in 23 municipalities across Connecticut to be awarded a grant.

"These investments in the remediation and assessment of contaminated sites are unlocking economic development opportunities all across Connecticut," Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said. "They will create jobs, foster small business growth, allow for new recreational spaces, and expand housing options for our residents – all critical to building more vibrant communities and neighborhoods."