About DSSD

What We Do

As the Business Improvement District for the Park City, the mission of the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is to promote the preservation and development of the downtown business district; make the area more attractive and accessible; and enhance the public perception of downtown Bridgeport through overseeing and managing its appearance, security, and cleanliness.  The DSSD is operated under the direction of a nine member Board of Commissioners representing property owners in downtown Bridgeport.

What is a Downtown Special Services District?

A Special Services District is one type of special taxing district Connecticut law authorizes. Under Connecticut General Statute, a municipality can form a Special Services District to promote the economic and general welfare of its citizens and property owners through the preservation, enhancement, protection, and development of the economic health of the municipality. Among other things, the district can (1) acquire and convey real and personal property; (2) provide any service that a municipality can provide, other than education; (3) recommend to the municipality’s legislative body that it impose a separate tax on property in the district to support its operations; and (4) build, own, maintain, and operate public improvements. Voters in the district must approve its establishment at a referendum. Learn more on the Connecticut General Assembly’s website.

Our Services

We bolster the sense of culture and community in the heart of Downtown through open space beautification, our friendly team of Ambassadors who keep the district clean and safe, and a diverse array of activities, including the Color It In program and the Downtown Farmers Market. Learn more about what we do in our 2020-2021 Annual Report here. 

Our District

The Downtown is bounded on the east by the Pequonnock River, by Route 8 on the west, by Interstate 95 to the south, and by East Washington Avenue to the north.