Hello, Bigelow!

Thanks to a last-minute cash infusion from the state, the historic but crumbling Bigelow Building may be saved after all, reported Helen Rosenberg (pictured) of the city’s economic development office.

Where we last left our saga, Bigelow was, simultaneously, falling apart of its own decrepitude as well as quaking beneath the Damoclean Sword of Demolition threatening to be dropped on June 14. On that date, the building’s owner had arranged to trigger a demolition contract unless the city showed signs of being able to buy it. However, on Friday morning, the State Bond Commission came through, approving $2.5 million in state funding for the project. These funds will also release $1.5 in federal matching funds to advance the revitalization and restoration along historic River Street.
Rosenberg spoke with the Independent Monday about what this will mean for the Bigelow building (pictured) and for the larger effort to revitalize River Street.

Does this mean Bigelow is saved? Rosenberg: I’m thrilled that the state finally came through. It’s about time! What it means is that it puts us, the city, in a much better negotiating position to purchase an historic property like Bigelow and the two other outstanding buildings. How long will it take for the state money actually to arrive? Ah, that’s the rub. At the usual bureaucratic pace, it could be three or four months before we have the funds for actual disposition. Could demolition take place in the meantime, while you’re waiting? Unlikely. I’ve learned that there are a number of steps involved. You can apply for a demolition contract, but it by no means automatically goes into effect. The owner needs to show the Housing Department lots of things: that there’s no asbestos danger, for example, in demolition. I don’t think we have to worry about instant demolition on Wednesday. Oh, and there’s one more little point arguing in our favor. Which is? One of the conditions of our purchase, in the agreements thus far, is that the buildings be standing! Good move! So your task is to convince the owner to continue to be patient until the money comes through, and then to sell to the city? Exactly. Now that the funds are bonded, I think it’s a matter not of ​“if,” but ​“when.” That makes me hopeful. But why couldn’t the owner sell to someone else in the meantime? It’s possible. But who’d want the place in its current condition? The grounds are so polluted with, well, everything. After all it’s an old industrial building. It’s functioned in the past as a scrap yard. So I think we’re in pretty good shape now. The state money really makes the difference between saving the Bigelow buildings and demolishing them. I would think he will want to sell to us, the city. We’re meeting in the next weeks, and we’re hopeful we can bring it to a close. What precise aspects of the River Street Municipal Development Plan does this phase of bonded money cover? In addition to funds for acquisition of Bigelow and the other outstanding structures, the money is designated for street improvements and environmental assessments. So what are the next things a New Havener walking or jogging along River Street is likely to see, as a result of the state funding? Well, there will be improvements on the side streets, for starters. There will probably be repairs and replacements in the bulkheads along the river to secure that. And also we can begin design of the pedestrian walkway along the river that will link Criscuolo Park with Quinnipiac River Park. We can do this when the money comes through!The official news release from the governor’s office states: ​“The acquisition funds [approved by the Bond Commission] will be used to purchase the Bigelow Boiler property on 198 River Street. This 4‑acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the building on the site will be rehabilitated for commercial/office use.” Reached in Hartford, James Watson, spokesman for the Connecticut State Office of Economic and Community Development, said, ​“It’s a great project and we support it.” Yes, but don’t forget to send the money.