For those thinking residential growth in Bridgeport is slowing down, you may want to consider this. The Meadow Creek development situated along Meadowbrook Road is still growing.

 

In fact, in recent weeks the massive development has acquired another building permit. This time, Meadow Creek filed for a $1.157 million building permit for another 20-unit facility.

 

“They keep putting buildings up and people keep utilizing them,” said Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr. “The even better news is that they’re talking to the Planning Commission about putting another 20-unit facility in, which could be mean 40 more units by the end of the year.”

 

The new permit brings the total investment at the development to right at $25 million. In 2016, Meadow Creek had $13.88 million in construction followed by $5.79 million last year. Already this year the number is at $4.16 million. That came out to $23.8 million, said Kerr, prior to the above permit.

 

So what’s making it work? A familiar Bridgeport name explains why he thinks things are going so well.

 

“One of the big things is the location because it’s in Bridgeport and I think the amenities we offer are something desired and we are adamant on keeping the properties maintained,” said Northern Regional Property Manager for Meadow Creek Rand Spellman.

 

Spellman, the former Community Development Director for Bridgeport, was on the ground floor and working for the city when the project got started. He knows how things are operating internally and what the view is externally as well.

 

“It’s great to see the attention to detail that’s done to keep the properties spotless, especially the public amenities. We have a pool, a fitness room and things are on the way,” said Spellman. “The difference is keeping amenities up to speed because we’re not the only ones doing that, but many times developments don’t keep their amenities updated and clean.”

 

Spellman said the development will be adding a dog park in the fall. Other plans call for a gazeebo area as well as places to publicly grill out and a fire pit.

 

As for another permit this year, Spellman said it’s highly possible and likely. However, he said another one would push the site to the 299-unit limit approved by Bridgeport back when the process began under his guidance.

 

Does that mean the development is complete at that point? There is room for a limited amount of additional growth.

 

“We may request a site development plan for an additional 12 units,” said Spellman. “We have purchased additional land from the Division of Highways, some right of way that would allow us to expand by that amount. After that, I think we would be out of space.”

 

Spellman said the units, which can be leased or purchased individually, are going well. He said the sites are leasing at 100 percent.

 

“We have a wait list for what’s already up. We have a unit available in August that has plenty of pre-leased units,” said Spellman. “On the purchasing side, we’re at about 50 percent so it’s going extremely well.”

 

Kerr didn’t dispute that. She said it’s been one of the most active developments in the city since her short time in her new position since moving over from city clerk.

 

“I think it’s definitely a combination of things, including the amenities offered and that they’re kind of a standalone community. They are definitely part of Bridgeport, but they’re also just a bit out of the main area of Bridgeport. It’s like they’re in the city, but outside of a city, which people find desirable I believe,” she said. “That may not sound like it makes sense, but whether it does or it doesn’t, whatever they’re doing is working.”