Naugatuck in 2025: Where we were, where we are, and where we are going

Dear Friends,

We begin 2025 in the midst of five major construction projects that establish the path for a downtown transformation from an industrial center to a transit oriented development district. During most of the 20th century, downtown Naugatuck had an average of 15,000 factory workers a day coming to the downtown core to work, eat, shop and seek other forms of entertainment. Downtown Naugatuck was vibrant. The grand list was strong. Many residents yearn for a

return to the so-called "glory days".

A problem arose in the latter part of the 20th century when manufacturing left the entire Naugatuck Valley. Downtown Naugatuck along the river was barren except for the dilapidated buildings and polluted soils underneath the buildings. The downtown core remained stagnant for decades as retail businesses joined industry in leaving the Naugatuck Valley. Downtown Naugatuck lost its way and our grand list gradually decreased. The reduced tax base resulted in a lack of

spending for infrastructure and roads. The Borough was in a period of decline. As Naugatuck entered the 21st-century, it began to wake up and begin a process to remake itself. Ownership of former industrial sites was acquired by the Borough. Brownsfield remediation of the downtown sites was commenced·. Funding from State and Federal sources was acquired to replace outdated infrastructure and prepare the downtown Brownfield sites for new development. The State of Connecticut upgraded service on the Waterbury Branch Line and allowed two way traffic for the first time.

The process of transformation from an abandoned industrial area to a transit oriented development district was underway.

In 2024, the Waterbury branch line has become a real commuter train line for the first time in the history of the Valley. Train service has increased from 11 to 22 trains per day. You can now for the first time commute from any southern point on the train line to Naugatuck or travel south, knowing that you can return at a convenient time. Connecticut DOT is funding the relocation of the train platform from its current location to the most central part of downtown Naugatuck. The State is also funding a new train station in the center of downtown Naugatuck. The enhancements to the train line and the increased rail service have greatly enhanced the demographics of downtown Naugatuck. National developers are building new residential apartments together with commercial uses in the downtown area. Interest in developing property in Naugatuck is rising. Vibrancy is returning to downtown Naugatuck. Remediation has been completed and State and Federal funding is in place. The old infrastructure is being replaced and Naugatuck is well on its way to reshaping its core. The grand list is increasing. Naugatuck is now ready to embrace the 21st century and beyond.