The brick SNET Building on the right will be demolished to remove an eyesore and to open up the train station for a possible transportation center. Photo by John Murray
Waterbury legislators are pleased to announce approval by the State Bond Commission today of $1.7 million to demolish the former SNET building next the train station on Meadow Street.
“This is the culmination of a concerted effort to revamp the Waterbury train station in order to give commuters more choices and a more convenient facility for their transportation needs,” said Rep. Jeff Berger. “This project creates jobs, contributes to brownfield remediation and helps reduce our carbon footprint by facilitating mass transit.”
“Making the Waterbury train station a more safe, vibrant part of the downtown will attract economic development and make commuting more convenient,” said Rep. Larry B. Butler. “I thank Governor Malloy for encouraging mass transit. Many on the waiting list for train station parking will benefit.”
Rep. Selim Noujaim said, “together, the Waterbury delegation has worked for many years, lobbied several Department of Transportation commissioners and invited them to visit the site to see first-hand the necessity to raze the former SNET building in order to make much-needed improvements to the property. I am pleased our collective efforts have finally come to fruition,”
State Sen. Joan Hartley said,”removing the former SNET building and redeveloping the area will be a benefit to both Waterbury residents and those from surrounding areas who come to the city to catch a train.”
Rep. Tony D’Amelio said. “That site, located at one of the main entries to our city, has been in desperate need of redevelopment for years and it’s nice to see the hard work of the entire Waterbury delegation finally paying off. It’s going to have a total new look: a massive facelift, if you will.”
The funds will be used to expand the parking lot by 50 spaces, upgrade lighting and add a new bus pick-up and drop-off zone with a passenger waiting shelter. The project will create 30 new jobs and will be managed by Waterbury Development Corp., in conjunction with the state Department of Transportation.