A Bridgeport business location that has been around for decades that ceased operations more than a year ago following the death of its owner may soon see new commercial activity. Recently, the property was purchased and the new owner is looking to develop it sooner rather than later.

 

The site of the former Tom Davis Garden Center, which closed after the death of the owner Tom Davis in January of 2016, has a new owner. Eric Cochran, who operates Triple L Commercial Properties (with a Salem Address), said he purchased the property with plans to develop the site. And the reason, he said, for the purchase was an easy one.

 

“The location of that particular parcel was the big thing,” said Cochran. “There’s not many pieces of property that have become available in recent years along Route 50 in Bridgeport. You’re talking a piece of land that’s right along the road and sees a whole lot of traffic each day.”

 

Cochran does not plan to re-open the garden center that was in operation since the late 1980s. Many of the pieces of the former business have been removed, including the greenhouse on the site that was recently sold and was being dismantled this week.

 

“Right now, there’s less than an acre that we have,” said Cochran. “That’s likely going to change.”

 

The change could come about this summer. He said his tentative plans involve leveling the lot, installing a retaining wall and doing other earth work that should leave one full acre to develop on. Cochran said there are trees and dirt on the property that can be removed to increase the size of the lot for development purposes.

 

“I’ll take the dirt to our other business (Neel’s Fencing Commercial Division) in Bridgeport,” said Cochran.

 

Cochran said he’s done a little bit of fishing to see if anyone is interested in the property. He said he’s also been contacted out of the blue by others.

 

“I’ve had about five contacts, couple of people contacted me about buying or leasing it for the purposes of putting restaurants on the location,” said Cochran. “I have no idea how they found out about the property, but they were national brands. There’s nothing serious at this time, but there’s interest from those that have contacted me and from those that I’ve contacted.”

 

Cochran said nothing is concrete on a couple of fronts. He’s not yet sure he’ll start leveling the lot this summer or what will end up going there once done. He is sure of one thing.

 

“I’m very excited about this,” said Cochran. “Bridgeport is thriving and I’d like to be able to add to it, particularly along that section of Route 50.”