Redevelopment Plan

Redevelopment Plan

In order to comply with federal regulations, the first task of the newly-created Redevelopment Agency was to develop a master plan for Danbury's future. To that end, and with funding from the federal government, the agency engaged New Haven consulting firm Technical Planning Associates. The firm’s report addressed the current condition of the city, preparing for future economic growth, and urged work in several areas, including flood control, modernizing downtown, traffic and parking, and protecting neighborhoods against further deterioration.

One result of this plan was Danbury's application for an urban renewal grant to fund the removal of over 120 major buildings in the center of the city and the relocation of over 100 families. In August, 1959, the federal government approved the project. Of a projected cost of $5.4 million, the federal and state governments would provide $3.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, with the city to pay approximately $0.9 million.

The project involved the removal of all but one building from the areas along White, Elm, River, Rose, and Crosby Streets, which were flooded by the overflow of the Still river in the 1955 storms. Additionally, Crosby street was to be extended across Main Street to connect with Elm street near River Street. River Street was to be relocated to the west. Bridge Street was to be closed off and a new street opened up east of the Still River to connect Crosby and White. Only commercial structures were to be permitted in the area once demolition had been completed.

Federal regulations required that displaced families be relocated. Most of these families were eligible for federal subsidized housing, such as Laurel Gardens, which were built by the Danbury Housing Authority.

Next was the appraisal process, which would form the basis for compensating property owners for the city’s takeover. If the owners and the Redevelopment Agency could not agree on a purchase price, condemnation proceedings would be instituted, and the courts would determine the purchase price.