Group to redevelop defunct Army plant

After 17 years of inactivity, the Stratford Army Engine Plant has been sold to a developer with plans to redevelop the property.

Point Stratford Renewal L.L.C. has agreed to purchase the 78-acre brownfield, which is currently owned by the U.S. Army.

“After almost two decades of disagreements and false starts, redevelopment will benefit Connecticut’s economy and, most importantly, the people and town of Stratford,” said Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro, of New Haven,Â in a press release. “I look forward to working with all parties and am optimistic and excited to see what the site will become in the future.”

In January, DeLauro and Sens. Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to the U.S. Army and U.S. General Services Administration for permission to open a 30 to 60 day period for developers to submit proposals for the property. Prior to that request, there had been a bidding process involving the property that hadn’t produced timely results, the three said in a statement.

“Better late than never ”“ this step is a breakthrough for beneficial use of an historic site,” Blumenthal said. “I look forward to redevelopment and renaissance, offering jobs, economic growth and other benefits to Stratford and the state.”