March 19, 2014
Waterbury legislators today welcomed the long-awaited announcement of the demolition and redevelopment of the long-vacant Southern New England Telephone (SNET) building adjacent to the Waterbury branch of Metro-North Railroad.
The announcement comes after years of discussions between the City of Waterbury, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, and the Waterbury Delegation.
"I am very excited about finally having shovels in the ground on a project that I have been working on for an extensive period of time," said Sen. Hartley. "With the razing of this building, we will soon be in a position to offer upgraded and secure parking for the Waterbury rail line and to complete a major facelift of our Waterbury train station. I have been pleased to work with the delegation to accomplish this major renovation."
"This project will go a long way to making Waterbury the vibrant commuter hub we have been working hard on for many years," Representative Berger (D-Waterbury) said. "I look forward to a train station with the capacity to accommodate the increased use we hope to see."
"Giving commuters and travelers alternatives to our congested highways is a start toward a more sustainable future," Representative Cuevas (D-Waterbury) said. "I am very pleased this demolition and expansion is finally getting underway"
"When the Waterbury legislative delegation comes together as a team, we can get much accomplished," said State Representative Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury). "This project is a great example of coming together for Transit Oriented Development."
"It has been a long time coming but this is the first step in the improvement of our train station and the services we provide to or constituents and travelers," Representative Noujaim (R-Waterbury) said. "The future looks very bright."
"Redeveloping the train station area has been a priority for the entire Waterbury delegation and I'm happy demolition of the former SNET building is scheduled to begin," Rep. D'Amelio (R-Waterbury) said. "Creating a transportation hub will serve the community in many positive ways and will be a boost for the local economy."
"Future improvements to this site will help to increase ridership and draw additional attention to the importance this rail line plays to the economic growth of the city and downtown in general," said Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary. "We extend our gratitude to Governor Malloy and Commissioner Redeker for helping move this project forward."
"The demolition of the SNET building is a remarkable and visible demonstration of the partnership between the city, the DOT and the legislature," said DOT Commissioner James Redeker. "It represents the end of years of hard work to put together a vision and funding strategy for the station, but it also signifies the beginning of the renewal and revitalization of the station and parking in Waterbury."
Funded by state bonding, the building at 333 Meadow Street will be demolished beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday March 19, 2014. Once the building is demolished the site will be leveled with the adjacent rail parking area. Starting in the fall, the site will be redeveloped into a landscaped parking area adding an additional 50 parking spaces. Renovations will be done to the baggage area within the Waterbury Republican American Newspaper Building which will create restrooms and additional ridership amenities.