It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bridgeport, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Seaside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Joseph's Steakhouse or visit Marina Park Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bridgeport, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bridgeport, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bridgeport, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Riders experienced 10- to 15-minute delays Friday morning "as a result of repairs from downed overhead wires near Westport," an alert on Metro-North's website said.Metro-North officials have not responded to questions about the incident.An Amtrak spokesperson said Friday afternoon that only two of the four tracks were in service, and that there were "residual" delays in the area.Photos posted to social media and video from the scene painted a chaotic picture Thursday night after around 1,100 people on...
Riders experienced 10- to 15-minute delays Friday morning "as a result of repairs from downed overhead wires near Westport," an alert on Metro-North's website said.
Metro-North officials have not responded to questions about the incident.
An Amtrak spokesperson said Friday afternoon that only two of the four tracks were in service, and that there were "residual" delays in the area.
Photos posted to social media and video from the scene painted a chaotic picture Thursday night after around 1,100 people on three trains became stuck.
Video of a stranded Metro-North train showed some of the emergency exit windows appeared to have been popped open to allow air inside. The incident occurred on what was a record-hot day in early June. The temperature rose to 87 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Bridgeport, about 6 miles north of Fairfield where the trains became stuck on the tracks, according to the National Weather Service.
On X, multiple accounts showed large crowds of people gathered at the Green's Farms station in Westport, and at the South Norwalk station in Norwalk. Several passengers tagged Metro-North and demanded fare refunds, or claimed communication from the railroad had been slow.
By Friday morning, Metro-North said six trains on the New Haven Line were canceled, most of them scheduled to depart from New Haven bound for Grand Central Terminal.
Amtrak did not appear to have additional cancellations Friday morning after the rail service also cancelled some trains Thursday night due to the downed wires. Amtrak's website showed several trains listed on time between New Haven and Penn Station as of Friday morning.
Metro-North, Amtrak and a local fire official said a power issue temporarily trapped the more than 1,000 train riders Thursday night. Some passengers were stuck onboard for nearly three hours before they were allowed off, officials said.
New Haven Line service between Green’s Farms and Bridgeport was suspended because of a power issue in Westport, Metro-North Railroad officials said in a post on X at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Amtrak officials posted on X around the same time that its service has been suspended between New Haven and New York due to downed power lines.
Fairfield Fire Lt. Robert Smith said Thursday night that about 1,100 people were initially stuck on two Metro-North and an Amtrak train between the Southport and Fairfield stations.
“There’s no power on any of the trains right now. We have some fans the fire department brought in, so we’re trying to push some fresh air through the trains.” Smith said soon after the trains were stopped. “But, I would say its probably very warm on those trains.”
All passengers were eventually evacuated from the three stopped trains.
"MTA power crews will be working throughout the night to restore power to the corridor," the Fairfield Fire Department said in a Facebook post. "There is currently no timeframe for complete restoration. There could be delays for the morning commute so please check the status on MTA.Info before leaving home."
In removing the stranded passengers, officials had to make sure the downed wires and tracks were grounded properly so that no riders were hurt as they moved from train to train, Smith said.
One of the Metro-North trains, containing 350 people, was emptied and those passengers were taken to Green’s Farms station, Smith said at 8 p.m. Thursday.
It's not clear what caused the power lines to fall, Smith said, and Metro-North will determine the cause.
Earlier this month, the owner of Mongers Market announced that the Bridgeport warehouse that houses a variety of antique and vintage vendors ...
Earlier this month, the owner of Mongers Market announced that the Bridgeport warehouse that houses a variety of antique and vintage vendors would close at the end of June.
However, Mongers Market may not be leaving Bridgeport so soon.
In a pivot from its announcement at the beginning of the month, Mongers Market will reopen after "necessary repairs and building renovations" are made, according to a post Thursday on Mongers Marker's Facebook page. According to the post, Mongers Market has closed while a reopening date will be announced in the future.
"We have closed to make necessary repairs and building renovations, but don’t worry — the grit doesn’t quit," the business' Facebook post reads. "While the lights are out, us Mongers are still out there, hunting and curating across thousands of square miles. Maybe even sneaking in a little well-earned downtime."
"Until then, have a great summer and stay gritty," the post continues.
Ownership was not immediately available for comment.
Open only on Sundays, Mongers Market, which opened in 2018, features approximately 90 vendors across the 127,000-square-foot warehouse. Mongers Market has become a place for fans of vintage and antique goods to flock to, where customers can find everything from vintage clothing and furniture to industrial salvage and art.
John Hiden, who owns Mongers Market, told CT Insider earlier this month that issues with accommodating cars and issues with old equipment were among the reasons why he initially planned to close the business. He said he had hoped that "someone will step up to either buy the building (or) lease the building and continue some multi-dealer or multi-vendor operation."
Bridgeport, CT (June 5, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victim after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Howard Ave and Railroad Ave on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m., involving a student who may have been riding a bicycle at the time of the collision, according to an eyewitness report that has not yet been officially confirmed.Bridgeport Fire and Rescue, along with local EMS teams, arrived at the scene and rendered me...
Bridgeport, CT (June 5, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victim after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Howard Ave and Railroad Ave on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m., involving a student who may have been riding a bicycle at the time of the collision, according to an eyewitness report that has not yet been officially confirmed.
Bridgeport Fire and Rescue, along with local EMS teams, arrived at the scene and rendered medical aid to the injured individual. Details about the student’s condition have not been made public, and authorities have not yet verified the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the victim was on foot or riding a bicycle at the time of impact.
Police temporarily controlled traffic at the intersection while investigators began documenting the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation as officials work to determine whether any traffic violations or negligence contributed to the incident.
Our thoughts are with the injured student and their family during this time.
Incidents involving pedestrians, such as the one that took place at Howard Ave and Railroad Ave in Bridgeport, underscore a growing concern across Connecticut communities. Whether on foot or riding a bicycle, individuals face heightened vulnerability in traffic zones, especially near schools, residential areas, and urban intersections.
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, pedestrian injuries continue to rise annually, with students and younger individuals often among those most affected. Busy intersections like the one in Bridgeport pose unique risks, where visibility issues, driver distraction, and speeding can contribute to tragic outcomes.
When students are injured in traffic incidents, the consequences extend beyond immediate physical harm. Families must navigate not only emotional stress but also the burden of medical bills, missed school days, and potential long-term recovery. In cases involving minors, it becomes particularly important for guardians to document every aspect of the incident, from eyewitness accounts to official reports, in order to protect the child’s rights and secure necessary resources.
Victims and their families should also be aware of their legal rights. Whether the child was on foot or a bicycle, they are entitled to fair consideration by insurance companies. Legal representation may be helpful to ensure accountability and adequate compensation, especially if driver negligence or unsafe road conditions played a role.
As Bridgeport continues to enhance school zone safety and pedestrian protections, this incident highlights the critical need for heightened driver awareness and community-wide education around safe driving practices near intersections heavily traveled by students.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
BRIDGEPORT — Instead of committing to $100 million for a proposed $1.1 billion lower East Side redevelopment anchored by a minor league soccer stadium, legislators on Wednesday voted to focus on evaluating the economic impact of the massive project.Entrepreneur Andre Swanston and city officials had been ...
BRIDGEPORT — Instead of committing to $100 million for a proposed $1.1 billion lower East Side redevelopment anchored by a minor league soccer stadium, legislators on Wednesday voted to focus on evaluating the economic impact of the massive project.
Entrepreneur Andre Swanston and city officials had been lobbying to get around $100 million set aside in the borrowing or bonding package that is part of the new Connecticut budget.
However, state lawmakers voted to have the Department of Economic and Community Development and Department of Revenue Services conduct an economic analysis of the impact of the proposed stadium on the city and the state. Lawmakers are also looking for a report by Oct. 1 on when the state will likely see a return on a $127 million state bonding investment in the project.
Officials say a state economic analysis would help further the case for significant public investment.
"In essence, what it does (is) it gives the project the life to take another bite at the apple," said state Rep. Christopher Rosario, D-Bridgeport, of the East Side, while acknowledging "disappointment" actual funds could not yet be secured.
"Obviously, this plan in concept has been around for some time now," said state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport. But, he continued, more needs to be done to help some in state government better understand how and when Connecticut would "recoup" the investment of taxpayer dollars on Swanston's redevelopment.
It is well known that Gov. Ned Lamont's name has been on the list of the cautious. Since shortly after Swanston first went public in fall 2023 with his plan for the stadium, housing and a hotel, the governor has expressed support for the concept but indicated he wants the private sector to do the heavy lifting financially. Ultimately, Lamont is the gatekeeper of state borrowing.
Swanston and his Connecticut Sports Group could not immediately be reached for comment. Their Connecticut United, a lower-division team associated with Major League Soccer, launched in early 2024. Swanston's initial timeline to have the stadium built by now proved too aggressive and, last summer, that opening date was moved to spring 2026. What the lack of state funding means for that timeline was not immediately known.
During an impromptu interview May 29 at Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim's annual state-of-the-city address to the region's business community, Swanston declined to speculate on the chances of obtaining the $100 million in state funds. He said his entire redevelopment will cost $1.1 billion, and the sports venue is the lure for other investors to build hundreds of much-needed housing units.
"Without a catalyst like the stadium, how does Bridgeport and the surrounding area help attract private capital to solve the housing crisis?" Swanston argued.
His ultimate aim is for Bridgeport to host a major league soccer team, which he believes will follow on the success of Connecticut United.
"We can't be penny-wise and pound-foolish," Swanston insisted. "This is it. This is the chance."
Tuesday, Lamont's office indicated it had not at that time been apprised of any effort by Bridgeport officials to get the state to mount an economic analysis of Swanston's stadium.
"Our understanding is that the developer has already conducted a study," the governor's office said.
In February, Swanston and Connecticut Sports Group touted the positive findings of an economic impact report they commissioned from the Center for Economic Analysis at the University of Connecticut. That document takes into consideration the minor league stadium, 1,005 apartments, a 260-room hotel and a minimum 68,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. It also looks at the future best-case scenario of erecting a major league venue.
The report claims the minor league facility alone will have a $2.2 billion economic impact and create hundreds of new jobs.
"This project is a game-changer for Bridgeport and the state," Fred Carstensen, the economic center's director, said at the time in a press release issued by Connecticut Sports Group. "The numbers speak for themselves, and the financial returns and long-term economic growth far exceed the level of state investment."
But Tuesday, Stafstrom was working on last-minute legislative language to compel the state Department of Economic Development and the Department of Revenue Services to weigh in on the UConn report.
"I don't think that's been formally studied or evaluated by the powers that be in state government," Stafstrom said.
Given that Swanston and his team commissioned the UConn report, Rosario agreed that he feels numbers-crunchers at the State Capitol need to take a closer look to satisfy skeptics who simply assume the developer got what he paid for and do not take the data seriously. His hope is "that will eventually lead to a path to making this a reality that includes everyone's voices, including the governor's, which is the most important to the life of this project."
Constance Vickers, Ganim's deputy chief of staff, also confirmed her understanding the $100 million was not going to be approved by the legislature by the session's end Wednesday.
"We're disappointed to hear it's not in the bond bill," Vickers said. "But we are working on other avenues to ensure the legislature and the (Lamont) administration understand the potential economic impact of this project. It's not over yet."
BRIDGEPORT — Andre Swanston just wanted to eat his hot chicken sandwich — hold the pickles — not discuss the chances of his minor league soccer stadium receiving tens-of-millions of dollars in state funding before the legislative session adjourns.But the entrepreneur, between bites, was soon extolling the benefits of his $1.1 billion redevelopment plan while avoi...
BRIDGEPORT — Andre Swanston just wanted to eat his hot chicken sandwich — hold the pickles — not discuss the chances of his minor league soccer stadium receiving tens-of-millions of dollars in state funding before the legislative session adjourns.
But the entrepreneur, between bites, was soon extolling the benefits of his $1.1 billion redevelopment plan while avoiding any predictions.
"What I know with 100% certainty is this will be one of, if not the biggest economic impact undertakings in the state in decades," Swanston said during an interview at Mayor Joe Ganim's annual lunch address to the business community Thursday.
Swanston should soon have more certainty about if and when his vision for the lower East Side in Bridgeport, which includes the soccer venue, a hotel, 1,100 housing units and public recreational space, will become a reality.
The state House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would, should Bridgeport officials so choose, allow the city to use tax incremental financing (TIF) to help pay for up to $190 million of the stadium and infrastructure construction. A portion of any new real estate taxes generated by the project would pay off the debt rather than going directly into Bridgeport's municipal coffers.
TIF was used to help finance the Steelpointe harborfront redevelopment across from the proposed stadium site where a Bass Pro Shop, a Starbucks, a marina and a seafood restaurant are open and an apartment complex is under construction.
Bridgeport's legislators as of late last week felt good the TIF bill would be voted out of the state Senate by the session's end at midnight Wednesday.
"Barring a catastrophe, (it) will be something that passes both chambers and is signed by the governor," said state Rep. Antonio Felipe, D-Bridgeport. "I think we can say that is going to be available to us. I just think there needs to be a significant state investment on top of that."
There has been a simultaneous push for state lawmakers to also commit about $100 million to Swanston's project as part of any borrowing or bonding package included in a new two-year Connecticut budget negotiated with Gov. Ned Lamont.
But Bridgeport officials are not as confident about that funding.
"There's a lot of unknowns in the (state) budget," said Constance Vickers, Ganim's deputy chief of staff. Federal cuts and other issues have created "a very tricky session to ask for non-immediate on-the-ground needs."
"But we are still pushing very hard for this," Vickers said. "We believe in the vision and the incredible economic impact the stadium would bring to Bridgeport and the region."
Felipe and Bridgeport state Reps. Christopher Rosario and Steve Stafstrom in separate interviews emphasized the importance of getting Lamont to back the stadium spending. Lamont has previously expressed support for Swanston's effort but not about providing significant state funds, preferring the private sector to take on that responsibility.
"We could put $300 million in (the budget)," Rosario said. "If he doesn't authorize it, it doesn't matter."
"I've been encouraged by statements the governor has made in terms of his support for soccer, but ultimately it's his discretion," said Stafstrom.
Bridgeport has a lot of other financial asks to help balance the just-passed municipal budget and fund a struggling school district.
Lamont's office in a statement said staff has "been tracking the Tax Incremental Financing proposal ... and will need to review the final language before acting on the bill, should it make it to the governor's desk."
As for borrowing state dollars for the stadium, the governor's office noted the project was not included in the bond proposal he submitted to the General Assembly earlier this year.
Swanston declined to discuss actual dollars or what it could mean for the stadium's tentative 2026 opening if no state monies are offered. But he said, "This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for Bridgeport and for Connecticut.
"We can't be penny-wise and pound foolish," he said. "This is it. This is the chance."
This is the single chance, he believes, for Connecticut to get a major league sports team. Connecticut United, announced in January 2024, is a lower-division club associated with Major League Soccer that would call Bridgeport home. Swanston's ultimate aim is for the city to eventually host a major league team.
But Swanston also pivoted to focus more on his plan's housing component, saying the stadium is the "smallest part" of the $1.1 billion budget but necessary for getting the East Side redevelopment accomplished.
The "overwhelming majority of that money is actually housing and public infrastructure," Swanston said. "There's a housing crisis in Connecticut and there need to be things that are a catalyst ... for housing."
At least 160 different developers have told him they need to know the stadium is happening before committing to erecting residential buildings, he said.
"Without a catalyst like the stadium, how does Bridgeport and the surrounding area help attract private capital to solve the housing crisis?" Swanston said.
Despite the uncertainty, the stadium project was on Ganim's list of highlights at Thursday's event, held at the concert amphitheater in the South End.
"It's a real game-changer for Bridgeport and a real testament to how far our city has come attracting development," the mayor told the crowd.
Ganim's speech was a reminder of how long it can take for projects to move forward in Connecticut's largest municipality.
The amphitheater, constructed from the bones of the closed minor league baseball park, was approved in 2017 and opened in mid-2021. That was a relatively quick turnaround compared to the timelines of other redevelopments the mayor praised.
Steelpointe has been a work-in-progress for decades, with the long-anticipated housing just going up. And while demolition is underway at the retired coal-fired power plant adjacent to the amphitheater, efforts to close that facility date back over 10 years.
Another redevelopment Ganim focused on — the modest Honey Locust Square on the East End, with its supermarket, restaurant, bank and other retail space — has been in the works since 2018 and should finally open this year.
It came as no surprise last August when Swanston, who first went public with his stadium plans in fall 2023, moved the venue's grand opening from spring of this year to early 2026.
And with the clock ticking away at the Capitol, he is not the only stadium supporter speaking in now or never terms.
The state-of-the-city was hosted by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, whose president, Dan Onofrio, sported a "Connecticut United" pin on his jacket.
"It's a big ask," Onofrio said of the $100 million in state aid. "It's a huge ask."
But, he said, "I think we have a short window of opportunity. If Connecticut wants to be on the map for a sports franchise, it's only going to be Major League Soccer."
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