Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
The city of Waterbury has launched its second search for a developer to redevelop roughly 15 acres of the former Anamet manufacturing site.
The city issued its second request-for-proposals on Friday, with responses due back Feb. 16.
“The real (determining) factor is the long-term benefit to the city,” said Thomas Hyde, interim director of the Waterbury Development Corp. “What will provide the most long-term benefit – that’s what we are going to go with.”
A previous RFP had produced a tentative purchase offer with Waterbury-based aquaculture company Ideal Fish. Former Mayor Neil O’Leary broke off protracted negotiations earlier this year, opting to put the site back on the market.
Under the new search, a selection committee will weigh planned uses along with the proposed purchase price. Newly inaugurated Mayor Paul Pernerewski said he wants to see a job creator that puts the long-dormant site back into productive use.
The city has already spent several million dollars knocking down several failing buildings at the former metalworking industrial campus, and another $2.7 million replacing the roof of a roughly 190,000-square-foot, high-bay industrial building on the site.
The site’s industrial history stretches back to 1812, with a series of metal manufacturers in operation at the 17.4-acre property off South Main Street near downtown Waterbury. The city is proposing to sell the property, minus a couple acres needed for a planned “greenway” along the adjacent Naugatuck River.
The site is impacted by widespread contaminated fill, petroleum and “hot spot” areas of chlorinated solvents, according to a July 18, 2023, community relations plan developed by engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill.
The firm estimated it would cost $3.2 million for cleanup of 10 acres, which would include removal of 4,000 tons of petroleum-polluted soil.
The city has about $2.5 million in reserve from grants for cleanup of the site, and can seek out additional funding, Hyde said Monday.
Under Mayor Neil O’Leary, the city paid $650,000 for the site in 2017, then secured grants to knock down most of the crumbling and long-neglected complex. The city formed 698 South Main Street Inc. to hold and lead redevelopment of the property.
The group is helmed by political appointees and staffed through the Waterbury Development Corp.
The site is located near the interchange of Interstate 84 and Route 8, in a traditionally industrial section of Waterbury’s south end that was the target of several ambitious brownfield cleanup efforts under the O’Leary administration.
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments