Natural Wonder and the Chords will be performing on McLevy Green tomorrow, June 20^th, from 6-8 pm for our third Downtown Thursday concert of the year! Believe it or not, Mother Nature has decided to spare us and it is not supposed to rain. We would love to see you all there! These two great bands bring you the best of R&B and soul, Natural Wonder and The Chords! This concert will be the first doubleheader of the 2013 season on the longest Thursday night of the year! Feel free to bring dinner, coolers, lawn chairs, and blankets to picnic during this incredible concert! See you all tomorrow!

Mystic Bowie will now be playing at Two Boots in Downtown Bridgeport due to the rain. He will still play from 6-8 pm as he would for a typical Downtown Thursday concert. This is not a show you want to miss! We would love to see you all there! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call DSSD at (203) 908-3622.

Please come join us tomorrow (June 13^th) for our 2^nd Downtown Thursday featuring Mystic Bowie! Since the 1980s, Mystic Bowie has been keeping the art of music alive – entertaining audiences from New York to Japan with his vibrant music and high-energy performances. Feel free to check out Mystic Bowie’s music before the event at his website, http://www.mysticbowie.com/. This is going to be a really fun event for people of all ages. Tiago’s will even be there serving drinks! Feel free to bring your family, friends, and even your pets (as long as they are leashed). Also, bring coolers and food to picnic on McLevy Green during the concert. DSSD looks forward to seeing you there!

Yesterday (June 6^th), DSSD put on its first Downtown Thursday of the summer season. Despite the inclement weather, Downtown Thursday was a success! Even though it was drizzling, Darik and the Funbags were still able to get the crowd moving, dancing, and pumped up! Darik and the Funbags was a great band to start the season off with. They played a variety of music from multiple genres, allowing everyone of all ages to get on their feet and start dancing. Their energy and enthusiasm attracted many people to stop by McLevy Green and have a good time (even Mayor Finch!).  Tiago’s also did a great job of serving drinks, which our spectators took full advantage of.  It was a great first Downtown Thursday considering our circumstances.

Make sure to stop by McLevy Green next week from 6-8pm for our second Downtown Thursday where Mystic Bowie will be performing!

The following is an advisory issued by the Emergency Operations Center of the City of Bridgeport, 7:40pm, May 19, 2013:

To allow for an easier commute and to assist with minimizing traffic congestion during peak commute hours businesses are encourage to follow these tips:

• Allow employees to work at home, if possible.

• Encourage carpooling to minimize the amount of vehicles on the roadways.

• Stager employee start times, if possible.

• Reach out to employees and ask to come to work at least an hour earlier to avoid delays

Service Plan:

Connecticut Commuter Service Plan in effect for Monday, May 20, and until further notice on the New Haven Rail Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad today released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line, in the wake of the May 17 derailment in Bridgeport. The service plan requires buses in some locations.  Customers should understand that their commuting times will be considerably longer in many cases.

The following is effective Monday, May 20, and until further notice.

AM Peak to Grand Central

•  A shuttle train operating approximately every 20 minutes between New Haven and Bridgeport Station

• Between Bridgeport and Stamford Stations, two bus shuttles will operate:

• Express service from Bridgeport to Stamford Station with regular train connections to Grand Central Terminal

• Local service between Bridgeport, Fairfield Metro, Fairfield and Westport Stations (no bus service from Green’s Farms and Southport Stations)

• Limited train service from Westport Station

•  Regular train service from South Norwalk Station to Grand Central Terminal

AM & PM Reverse Peak/Off-Peak Service

•  For the AM/PM Peak: Limited train service between Grand Central Terminal and Westport Station

• For the Off-Peak: Regular train service between Grand Central Terminal and Westport Station

• Loop bus service with connections between Bridgeport, Fairfield, Fairfield Metro and Westport Stations (no bus service from Green’s Farms and Southport Stations)

• Express buses between Bridgeport and South Norwalk

• A train shuttle operating approximately every 20 minutes between Bridgeport and New Haven Stations

PM Peak to New Haven

• Regular train service from Grand Central Terminal to South Norwalk Station

• Express bus service from South Norwalk to Bridgeport Station

• Limited train service from Grand Central Terminal to Westport Station

• Local bus shuttle service between Westport, Fairfield, Fairfield Metro and Bridgeport Stations (no bus service from Green’s Farms and Southport Stations)

• A train shuttle operating approximately every 20 minutes between Bridgeport and New Haven Stations

Regular train service will operate on the New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury Branches.

For train schedule information, please refer to the schedules page at www.mta.info<http://www.mta.info/> or the Connecticut DOT website, www.ct.gov/dot<http://www.ct.gov/dot>.

Customers should know before they go:

• Travel times will be significantly longer than normal and trains will be significantly crowded

• Metro-North representatives will be at major New Haven Line (NHL) stations to assist customers

• NHL Customers east of South Norwalk are encouraged to seek alternative ways to get to and from work or stagger their work schedule

• If possible, customers are advised to use the Harlem Line as an alternative.  NHL rail tickets will be cross-honored

• ConnDOT will cross-honor NHL pre-paid rail tickets (as a temporary Bus/Rail uniticket) on I-95 Corridor Bus Service

• Metro-North will cross-honor Amtrak tickets

• Sign up for free email or text message service updates at www.mta.info<http://www.mta.info/>

• Visit our website for periodic service updates

• Listen to the radio and television news: During any emergency, this is the fastest way to find out how train service is affected. We will continuously provide information to the media

• Call our Travel Information Center by dialing 511 and saying “Metro-North.” The Travel Information Center will be fully staffed, and there will also be a taped message describing our current service conditions. Please be aware that the volume of calls at the Travel Information Center will dramatically increase during an emergency, and you may experience delays getting through.

• At your station, listen closely for public address announcements

We ask that everyone remain patient in this difficult time and please adhere to all emergency instructions.

Stay Safe-

BPT EOC

On Monday, May 13th, The Connecticut Post published an article highlighting the many projects and activities that will help to revitalize downtown Bridgeport. Please click on the link below to read the entire article.

http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Downtown-on-the-brink-of-redevelopment-4509941.php#ixzz2TAtpSTAU

With the redevelopment of three downtown blocks planned for later this year, the mood in the city’s economic office switches between downright optimism and cautious relief.

Two years from now, I’m confident we’re not going to have the perception problem we have now,” said David Kooris, director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development, standing at the corner of Main and Golden Hill streets….

(from The CT Post)

The City of Bridgeport and Greater Bridgeport Regional Council are hosting a public forum today to discuss the feasibility of a BikeShare Program in downtown Bridgeport. This forum will take place throughout the day at the headquarters of Create Here Now Bridgeport at the Reads Artspace Building on Broad Street.

The City has initiated its downtown paving project.  As described to me by the City:

Milling is complete.  The City should complete all paving  by early next week (week of May 4th – 11th).  At a minimum the first “binder” course of pavement will be down this week providing a smooth riding surface for vehicles.  Paving operations will occur between 7am – 4pm each day.

The Bridgeport DSSD has partnered with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), City of Bridgeport and Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County to implement Create Hear Now Bridgeport (CHN). CHN was created to foster the Creative Economy in downtown Bridgeport by linking owners of vacant retail storefronts with emergin entreprenuers. CHN is headquartered at the Reads Artspace and has fostered multiple businesses in the historic Arcade. Please see the enclosed weblink with a story from the Fairfield County Business Journal regarding CHN.

http://westfaironline.com/53943/creativity-bubbling-at-bridgeports-arcade-mall/

City to Begin Downtown Road Improvement Project

BRIDGEPORT, CT (April 10, 2013) – On Monday, April 15 crews will begin preliminary work on John Street, North Frontage Road, and Lafayette Boulevard in preparation for the Downtown Road Improvement project. This preliminary work is not expected to impact car or pedestrian traffic.

“With Downtown continuing to grow and attract thousands of visitors to our sports and entertainment venues, it is important that we continue to improve this neighborhood’s infrastructure,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “We are improving three high volume roads without interrupting traffic flow or having a major impact on our road improvement budget thanks to assistance from the STP Urban Program.”

The pavement reconstruction project will entail a milling of existing surface and repaving the entire roadway from curb to curb. Milling and paving is expected to begin by the end of April. To accommodate the traffic flow in downtown, construction work will occur during the evening hours.

The $1.4 million projected cost will be paid partially (80%) through Federal funds from the STP Urban Program. The City share for the project is 20%.

The City has recently reconstructed the pavement of both State Street and Main Street in Downtown. In the coming months, the City will start an Urban Enhancement Initiative in downtown which will implement streetscape improvements including sidewalks, landscaping and water features near the train station.

Residents, business owners and employees who work in Downtown are encouraged to log on to the City’s website,www.bridgeportct.gov, follow the City of Bridgeport on Twitter
(www.twitter.com/CityofBptCT) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Bridgeport-CT-Government/348103748292)
for road closure updates.

###

Mayor Finch has issued a hot weather alert and Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) has opened a cooling station at the Main Bus Terminal in downtown. Please read the following statement from Mayor Finch and GBT.

Hot Weather Alert – Bus Station to Open as Public Cooling Station

Take the Bus – Take A Break – Stay Cool!

 City, GBT to open main bus station terminal as cooling center on Wednesday June 20.

Mayor Bill Finch and Greater Bridgeport Transit officials urge City residents to come to the Greater Bridgeport Transit Main Bus Terminal at 710 Water St., to cool off on Wednesday, June 20, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The American Red Cross will provide cold water.

Residents are also urged to visit their local senior center or nearby library to stay cool. More information about how to stay cool in hot weather can be found on the City of Bridgeport web site OR see PDF below.

June 11, 2012

United Illuminating has undertaken a project to repair sub-surface utility vaults along John Street adjacent to the City Trust Building and near the intersection with Lafayette Boulevard. The work began during the weekend of May 19^th – 20^th and is now complete.  The City of Bridgeport will now publicly procure a contractor to pave the length of John Street (between West Ave and Water Street), North Frontage Road (Between Main Street and Lafayette Boulevard) and Lafayette Boulevard (between North Frontage Road and John Street) this month for construction.  The project will take approximately two months to complete once construction begins. The City and DSSD will provide an update regarding road/sidewalk closures when this work begins.

The weather was wonderful and the crown was eager on June 7th as we kicked of another season of free concerts on McLevy Green. The Stepkids and Echo & Drake delivered outstanding performances. See the entire schedule of concerts at DowntownThursdays.com

As summer nears, the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District and the City of Bridgeport prepare to welcome the 2012 edition of the Downtown Thursdays Summer Concert Series. This year the Concert Series increases the number of free shows from eight (8) to thirteen (13) and includes an expanded array of artists. The first show is June 7th and includes performances by both “The Stepkids” and “Echo and Drake”.

McLevy Green will serve as the concert venue and each show will begin at 5:30PM. This year’s Concert Series showcases the depth of musical talent in Bridgeport’s music scene. From Reggae, Jazz, Classic Rock, Motown and the Blues – Downtown Thursdays will entertain all variety of music fans.

After each show concertgoers may enjoy Bridgeport’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene. You may learn more at downtownthursdays.com.

We look forward to seeing you downtown this summer.

The Judicial Branch of the State of Connecticut has initiated a project that will result in a series of improvements to the sub-surface garage at Baldwin Plaza. The project, which begain this week, will result in the closure/excavation of the plaza. The State anticipates that renovations will continue until mid-September 2012. The project will result in the closure/excavation of the plaza. The State and contractor have committed to ensuring the plaza returns to its original condition.

The contractor is now building a fence around the plaza and will likely store project materials on the site. The contractor has assured the City will have controls in place to mitigate noise pollution and dust. Work will take place primarily during the course of the work day.

Monday, May 14^th marks the beginning of the annual What’s Cooking in Bridgeport Event. Restaurants from throughout Bridgeport are participating including almost twenty restaurants within downtown. What’s Cooking begins with Desserts First in the Arcade. What’s Cooking will serve as a great opportunity for downtown to show-off its many culinary delights.

To learn more about What’s Cooking you may visit the official website for the event at http://whatscookingbpt.com/dining/.

I look forward to seeing you downtown!!!

The DSSD is working with the Mayor’s Office to organize a district-wide cleanup on April 22, 2012. All volunteers will meet at McLevy Green to begin the cleanup. This cleanup will coincide with Earth Day Events in downtown . The DSSD is looking for volunteers to assist from 10AM – 1PM that day. Please contact me at moore@brbc.org or Tim Hammill of the Mayor’s Office at Timothy.Hammill@Bridgeportct.gov  for more information regarding the day’s events.

The Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is excited to welcome the NCAA Men’s Division 1 Hockey Regional Final to Bridgeport this weekend. The DSSD and its partners – the City of Bridgeport, Webster Bank Arena, Fairfield University and Yale University – are hosting four of college hockey’s elite teams. These teams include the Union College Dutchmen, the Michigan State Spartans, UMass-Lowell River Hawks and Miami (OH) University RedHawks.

DSSD hopes you will bring your family and friends to enjoy the games beginning at 3:00PM on Friday afternoon (March 23rd). The Regional Final will occur at 6:30PM on Saturday afternoon (March 24th). 

The DSSD is hosting its first ever Downtown Hockey Party at 4PM prior to the Regional Final. The Downtown Hockey Party will take place underneath the Interstate-95 overpass at the southern tip of Main Street and the Plaza of the Webster Bank Arena. Please bring your family and friends to enjoy music, food, beverages and fun events for kids.

After the games, come to downtown to enjoy our many restaurant and entertainment offerings. Check them out by clicking on the Dining and Calendar links above.

I look forward to seeing you downtown this weekend.

Good morning -

Welcome to the President’s Blog of the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District. Below you will find an update regarding current and planned projects for downtown Bridgeport.

DSSD has created a preliminary schedule of downtown events for 2012. DSSD will post these events to InfoBridgeport.com shortly.

DSSD is utilizing the City’s Qalert system in order to notify the City of conditions within downtown. DSSD welcomes your comments and observations and will assist you in utilizing the Qalert system.

DSSD is in the preliminary stages of forming a Merchants Association within downtown. During the first half of February, DSSD and staff from the Community Capital Fund will schedule outreach meetings with downtown business owners to identify participants and the mission of the merchants group. If you are interested in participating or learning more please contact me at moore@brbc.org.

The DSSD is working with the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council (GBRC) to identify and map public amenities within downtown. These amenities include signs, tree beds and trash receptacles. Once complete, this information will assist DSSD and the City to coordinate maintenance projects within downtown. DSSD and the GBRC will then work to incorporate this information into the City’s Geospatial Information System (GIS).

The City’s Public Facilities is conducting on-going maintenance including the repair of potholes along targeted streets within downtown including Main Street, John Street, Fairfield Avenue and State Street.

The City Public Facilities Department is nearing the completion of the a public park located on the grounds of City Hall Annex near the vicinity of State and Broad Streets. Work on the park will soon end for the winter. The formal opening of the park will take place in the Spring 2012.

The City will initiate construction on the first phase of the Police Memorial during the second half of January 2012. This first phase will conclude by March 2012 (weather permitting).

The City Public Facilities Department is now finalizing the Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The City will forward this document to the City’s Common Council by the close of January 2012 for final review and approval.

The City’s Public Facilities staff is finalizing the design of new way finding signage and banners in the vicinity of the Bridgeport Ferry Terminal. Public Facilities staff anticipates the installation of the signage by March 31, 2012.

Good afternoon and Happy New Year!

The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District will produce a regular blog as part of InfoBridgeport.com in order to inform property owners, businesses, residents and stakeholders of projects and events that will impact daily life within downtown.

Wall Street has been closed in order to accommodate a gas line repair. Wall Street will reopen by Tuesday evening (January 3rd).

The City of Bridgeport’s Department of Public Facilities has completed the process to remove leaves from streets within downtown. Public Facilities staff may undertake additional leaf maintenance/removal into the first week of January.

City Public Facilities staff is coordinating additional tree planting within the downtown, specifically Public Facilities staff and SLM Northeast Horticultural Services will plant trees in the vicinity of the on/off ramps for Exits 2 and 3 from the Route 8/25 connector. Public Facilities staff has established a formal system by which property owners may request the City to plant a tree at their location through the Adopt-A-Tree Program. Property owners that wish to participate in the City’s Adopt-A-Tree Program may contact Mr. Steve Hladun at Steve.Hladun@bridgeportct.gov or visit http://www.bridgeportct.gov/ParksRecreation/Pages/AdoptATree.aspx to download the request form.

New park under construction in front of the City Hall Annex on Broad Street.

The City Public Facilities Department is nearing the completion of the a public open space located on the grounds of City Hall Annex near the vicinity of State and Broad Streets. Work on the open space will soon end for the winter. The formal opening of the public space will take place in the Spring 2012.

The City has now completed all paving for the current calendar year. The City has also completed the installation of new handicapped accessible ramps at intersections where paving has taken place.

The City will initiate construction on the first phase of the Police Memorial during the second half of January 2012. This first phase will conclude by March 2012 (weather permitting).

The City Public Facilities Department is now finalizing the Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The City will forward this document to the City’s Common Council by the close of January 2012 for final review and approval. More information can be found on the city of Bridgeport website here: http://www.slideshare.net/royerb1/sasaki-bridgeport-parks-master-plan-final-presentation