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.
Snow came for Connecticut overnight, enough to dust the ground and delay the start of school in the northwestern corner of the state Friday morning.If this were a “normal” year throughout Connecticut, the first measurable snow (.1 inch or more) would fall by Th...
Snow came for Connecticut overnight, enough to dust the ground and delay the start of school in the northwestern corner of the state Friday morning.
If this were a “normal” year throughout Connecticut, the first measurable snow (.1 inch or more) would fall by Thanksgiving in Hartford and New Haven. The average first date for measurable snow is Nov. 26 for New Haven and Nov. 27 for Hartford. Bridgeport’s first measurable snow, on average, falls on Dec. 4.
Measurable snow has fallen as early as October in Hartford. The earliest it has fallen there was Oct. 10, 1979. The latest it has fallen during a winter was on Jan. 26, 1928. The earliest arrival of measurable snow for New Haven was Oct. 26, 1962, with the latest arrival on Dec. 21, 1954. Bridgeport’s earliest first measurable snow came on Oct. 29, 2011, and the city’s latest first snow came on Jan. 19, 2007.
We typically have to wait longer to get the first inch or more of snowfall. On average, Hartford sees it on Dec. 5, New Haven on Dec. 8 and Bridgeport on Dec. 15.
Snow lovers had to be especially patient last winter. The first measurable snow in Hartford didn’t fall until Jan. 6, the second latest date into the season for the city’s first measurable snow on record. Bridgeport also had to wait until Jan. 6, its third latest date of the season.
Our warming world is reducing the amount of snow seen during the winter for most of the country. Climate Central analyzed over 2,000 locations across the U.S. and found that almost two-thirds (64%) are now getting less snow than they did in the early 1970s.
An analysis of the average snowfall for 30-year periods shows Hartford has experienced a slight reduction in seasonal snowfall. From 1995 through last year, Hartford saw an average of 44.7 inches of seasonal snowfall. For the 30 years prior to that (1965-1994), Hartford had an average seasonal snowfall of 46.7 inches.
Bridgeport’s average seasonal snowfall for the past 30 years was 29.8 inches. Bridgeport’s records didn’t go back as far as Hartford’s, with the available data going back 16 years before that. The average seasonal snowfall between 1949 and 1964 was 26.6 inches. The city has actually seen a slight bump in seasonal snowfall when comparing these two periods.
Climate Central’s analysis also noted that a 2018 study says the Northeast can expect a decrease in the overall frequency of snowstorms, but when it is cold enough, there is a greater chance the heaviest storms will bring more snow.
It’s no surprise that snowfall for the majority of the country has been decreasing since winter is now the fastest-warming season. Of the last 30 winters in Connecticut, 24 of them (80%) have been warmer than average. Going back another 30 years, 18 of the 30 winters (60%) between 1965 and 1994 were warmer than average. Of the 30 winters before that, from 1935 to 1964, just under 50% were warmer than average.
A review of winter forecasts from private companies, the National Weather Service and Europe’s weather service found most of them indicating Connecticut can expect basically more of the same for this winter. The majority of winter forecasts favored the state for a warmer-than-average winter with less snowfall than normal.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo announces the launch of wild holiday gifts with one-of-a-kind options sure to delight recipients.Alfred Branch, Patch StaffNews release from Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:BRIDGEPORT, CT — Unleash the spirit of giving with a twist of wildlife! Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces the launch of wild holiday gift...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
News release from Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:
BRIDGEPORT, CT — Unleash the spirit of giving with a twist of wildlife! Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces the launch of wild holiday gifts with one-of-a-kind options sure to delight recipients while supporting the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, and exceptional guest experiences. From the “Holiday Silent Auction” to exclusive "Animal Adoption Boxes,” the Zoo has curated a range of gifts guaranteed to bring joy to humans and animals alike. Here is what’s roaring onto the gift scene this holiday season.
Online Auction Featuring Holiday Baskets
Offering a festive array of hand-crafted holiday baskets and unique items perfect for gift-giving and seasonal celebrations. From toys for the little ones to essentials for hosting holiday gatherings, the auction features a curated selection of baskets sure to bring joy. Every bid helps support the Zoo’s mission.
Winners can collect their items from the Zoo’s Administration Building during the following times:
Animal Adoption Boxes: Gifts with a Conservation Roar
Perfect for animal lovers in your life, these adoption boxes allow you to “adopt” one of seven iconic Zoo residents, including the Red Panda, Two-Toed Sloth, North American River Otter, Giant Anteater and Spider Monkey. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this gift offers a wild way to support conservation. Each box includes: a stuffed plush animal, color-it-yourself adoption box with puzzles on the box and crayons, plus a certificate of adoption to make it official.
New & Exclusive for the Holidays! Zoo Mini’s Adoption Box: Triple the Fun
Just in time for the holidays, this box features:
2025 Zoo Calendars: A Year of Wildlife Awaits
Start 2025 on the wild side with a zoo calendar featuring photographs of some of your favorite zoo animals. At just $25 (shipping included), this is a gift that keeps giving all year long.
Beardsley Brew: Buy a Brew & Support the Zoo!
Raise a glass to conservation with the Zoo’s limited-edition beer, "Beardsley Brew," created by Foolproof Brewery in Bridgeport. Four packs are $20 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Zoo’s education programs. Only available for pick up at Foolproof Brewery, 800 Union Ave, Bridgeport, CT while supplies last or until the end of the year.
The Gift of Membership: A Year-Long Adventure
Give the ultimate gift of a Zoo Membership, providing unlimited access to the Zoo all year long. Perfect for families or animal enthusiasts, this is a gift that keeps giving with every visit. Purchase memberships directly or surprise loved ones with a gift card for future use!
Zoo Admission Passes: A Day to Remember
Treat someone to a day of fun and discovery at the Zoo. Admission passes make a thoughtful gift that offers time to explore the Zoo’s incredible wildlife and habitats with family and friends.
Holiday shopping with Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is more than gift giving— purchases contribute to the Zoo’s ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and education. Plus, your thoughtful purchase helps ensure the animals thrive and the Zoo continues to educate and inspire future generations. Visit beardsleyzoo.org/gift-guide for online shopping.
Make this holiday season paws-itively unforgettable! For more information about zoo gifts and visiting hours and visit beardsleyzoo.org.
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(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today joined state and local leaders to announce that a formal agreement has been reached to transfer ownership of the decommissioned PSEG coal plant in Bridgeport to a private developer, Bridgeport Station Development. As a result, abatement and demolition activities will begin on the site in the coming weeks. This work is expected to be completed within three years.The state, through the Community Investment Fund, is providing $22.5 million for the demolition and remediation of the contam...
(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today joined state and local leaders to announce that a formal agreement has been reached to transfer ownership of the decommissioned PSEG coal plant in Bridgeport to a private developer, Bridgeport Station Development. As a result, abatement and demolition activities will begin on the site in the coming weeks. This work is expected to be completed within three years.
The state, through the Community Investment Fund, is providing $22.5 million for the demolition and remediation of the contaminated plant. The Community Investment Fund is a statewide program created to foster economic development in historically underserved communities. It is overseen by a 21-member board and administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
“This 33-acre shoreline property containing a former coal plant with a 500-foot smokestack has cut off access to the waterfront for Bridgeport residents for more than 70 years, and the contamination it has left behind has caused a significant hurdle in how this land could possibly be redeveloped and brought back into productive use to the benefit of the community,” Governor Lamont said. “Nobody wants to have an old, polluted, unused and blighted building sitting on the shoreline of our state’s largest city when we could be using this property to grow new jobs and build housing for people who need it. This transformational project in Bridgeport demonstrates how our investments are leveraging significant private sector investments and unlocking new growth opportunities. These efforts help to enhance community vibrancy, clean up the environment, increase our housing supply, and create jobs.”
The plant, previously known as the Bridgeport Harbor Station, opened in the 1950s and provided energy to southwestern Connecticut factories and businesses. After subsequent changes in ownership, PSEG Power Connecticut purchased the property in 2002 but it ceased operations in 2021. The plant has sat vacant since and has been a source of blight and stifled investment in the neighborhood.
Bridgeport is an Environmental Justice Community, which is defined as a distressed municipality or a defined census block where 30% of the population is living below 200% of the federal poverty level. These populations are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards, pollutions, and other environmental injustices. The project addresses this environmental injustice, and the plant’s demolition will reconnect nearby neighborhoods to the harbor.
“Connecticut’s long-term economic resurgence is largely dependent on our ability to grow equitably,” DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe said. “As this project demonstrates, we continue to focus on ways to open up new pathways for growth and investment and improve the quality of life for all our state’s residents. The Community Investment Fund is one of the most impactful tools we have to strengthen our cities and towns, making them more vibrant and attractive places to live, work, visit, and play.”
“For years, Bridgeporters have dreamed about what might be possible at the former PSEG site,” Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said. “Now, thanks to Governor Lamont, the Bridgeport delegation, and the Community Investment Fund, Bridgeport’s waterfront will see a major transformation and environmental remediation which will pave the way for economic development, job creation, and housing to meet the demands of our city and region.”
For decades, Bridgeport Harbor Station was an invaluable power generator for the City of Bridgeport and surrounding areas. In 1968, the station burned both coal and oil for power generation, and in 2002 it was converted to exclusively burn coal, producing 400 megawatts of power during periods of peak power demand. During the lifetime of the coal plant, approximately 1 million tons of coal was burned. In 2019, a high-efficiency natural gas fired 485-megawatt power plant went online, ceasing coal combustion and allowing PSEG to move to a cleaner source of fuel for power generation.
For many years, the storage of coal at the site resulted in heavy metals leaching out of the material and into the underlying groundwater. In 2002, PSEG acquired the plant and initiated environmental investigation and cleanup of underutilized portions of the property. In 2019, the “truck repair” area of the site was transferred to United Illuminating for construction of a new electrical substation. Additionally, following the conversion to natural gas as a fuel source, the former tank farm for oil storage was removed. The environmental investigations of areas that were formerly inaccessible due to coal and oil storage are currently ongoing.
“The cleanup and redevelopment of polluted sites like this one is a top priority for DEEP and is key to driving well-placed economic development in Connecticut,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “This significant investment in Bridgeport to demolish this former power plant will allow the public to access nearly 2,000 feet of shoreline along Bridgeport Harbor. The transformation of this brownfield site from blight to community asset will strengthen our economy, protect the health of Connecticut’s citizens, and improve our environment. DEEP will continue to work with DECD, municipal partners, and developers as we continue to advance Connecticut’s unprecedented investment in brownfields in large cities, suburbs, and rural communities throughout the state.”
Bridgeport Station Development has extensive experience in demolition, brownfield cleanup, and redevelopment of coal-fired power plants, most recently with the demolition of the former B.L. England coal-fired power plant in Beesley’s Point, New Jersey.
While the specific end use of the property is not known at this time, its redevelopment will be guided by state requirements that it be repurposed for residential, commercial, water-focused access, or recreational purposes. The project is also subject to local and state approval and permitting processes.
“We are grateful to PSEG, the State of Connecticut, and the City of Bridgeport for entrusting us with the opportunity to transform this expansive waterfront property into a thriving community asset,” Chad Parks of Bridgeport Station Development said. “Recognizing that ideas and visions for its reuse have been discussed within the community for years, we are excited to collaborate with local stakeholders to create a redevelopment plan that prioritizes public access, resiliency, and sustainability – all guided by community input.”
A major change is coming to the Bridgeport skyline.After 70 years, the iconic red-and-white smokestack towering over the city will come down, along with the surrounding PSEG power plant. On Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that a private developer purchased the site and will redevelop it into waterfront homes, restau...
A major change is coming to the Bridgeport skyline.
After 70 years, the iconic red-and-white smokestack towering over the city will come down, along with the surrounding PSEG power plant. On Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that a private developer purchased the site and will redevelop it into waterfront homes, restaurants and stores.
“DYSTOPIAN HELLSCAPE”
It’s not exactly the welcome sign that Bridgeport – or Connecticut – wants visitors to see.
“This is like a dystopian hellscape that is finally coming down,” said Daniel O’Keefe, the state’s Community and Economic Development commissioner.
Driving down Interstate 95, you can’t miss the sprawling PSEG plant with its red-and-white coal tower. But now, its days are numbered. State and city leaders announced the site will be demolished and redeveloped over the next three years.
“You’re overlooking this incredibly beautiful harbor,” Lamont said. “It’s a short walk to the high school; it's a short walk to the train station. You’re going to have 400 units of housing there. You’ll have some nice waterfront restaurants.”
NEW FUTURE
A private limited liability corporation called Bridgeport Station Development purchased the 33-acre facility this week. The group, based in upstate New York, is redeveloping a similar site near Ocean City, N.J., where they hope to build a hotel and marina.
Developers said neighbors will have a say in what happens in Bridgeport.
“We understand what this property means to the community and the neighborhood and that focus groups have been ongoing for many years,” said Chad Parks, with Bridgeport Station Development.
In the working-class neighborhood surrounding the old plant, neighbors say they are excited. But some say they are also nervous that they could get priced out of their homes.
“I can see medium- or low-cost residential,” said Tom Cunningham, who has lived a few blocks away for decades. “We have to draw people down here. This is a beautiful area."
Parks said developers haven’t committed to including affordable units yet, but Lamont said it’s a priority for him.
“We take that to heart and we make sure this is a community where people who work here can live here,” he said.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP
Bridgeport Station Development paid just $1 for the massive plant, but environmental remediation will cost tens of millions. Work begins this week on the building’s interior.
“We get this investigation done. That will tell us what’s in the ground underneath these structures,” said Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Once we have that information in hand, now the developer is going to assess what are the options for the development of the site.”
Developers are getting some help. Last fall, the state earmarked $22.5 million in Community Investment Fund dollars to help with remediation. DEEP said that considerable environmental study has already taken place at the plant.
Parks said it’s unclear if they will seek additional state funding for the project.
The PSEG plan was the last coal-fired power plant in New England when it shut down in 2021. It was replaced by a cleaner natural gas nearby.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Fans of the towering smokestack will get to see it for another two years before a public implosion. Parks said the group is open to potentially keeping it as part of a new development, depending on the cost and community input.
"We’re dedicated to hearing all voices as our plan takes shape,” he said.
Neighbors like Cunningham would like to see the stack stay – but he’s glad to see everything else go.
“Fifty years ago, we had shops and restaurants, liquor establishments,” he said. “And they all disappeared.”
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