For years, the City of Bridgeport has looked into acquiring the piece of property that sits on the corner of Virginia Avenue and Main Street. In fact, at one time appraisals were done and the city asked the property owner to provide an asking price to see if it would be feasible.

 

As it turned out, it wasn’t.

 

“The previous asking price was so high, and it was something we actually discussed within the last year or two at a City Council strategic planning session, that there was no interest,” said Haws. “I would say, at least at this point in time, that the city isn’t interested unless there’s a drop in the asking price that would make it a reasonable investment.”

 

The property in question for a large number of recent years was the home to a Getty Gas Station. Since that time, others have used it for a gas station, and once the pumps were removed, others have tried to make a go of the location. Most recently, it was home to “Mr. Stop Pre-Owned Auto Sales.” While workers there said the location was good, access issues led them to relocate to Anmoore.

 

Of course, one may wonder why the city has shown any interest in acquiring a piece of property on Main Street in an area that has almost exclusively housed commercial establishments. Haws said it’s simple and it’s a reason that’s been in place since he’s been city manager.

 

“The big concern, and it’s been the case for as long as I’ve been here, is that it’s a portal into our downtown area,” said Haws. “We’re concerned, and have been, about the appearance that the lot in question has to visitors coming into the downtown as that property continues to transition from one business to another. The thought by past Councils is that by purchasing it and doing something creative with it we could enhance the entire gateway into the downtown corridor.”

In the past, Haws said there has been discussion to take the entire lot and perhaps demolish the existing building and make it into a nice park area with an entrance theme that would have additional parking on this side of Main Street. It could also be used as a center point for the city’s existing trail system.

 

“We’ve even looked at revamping the property and leaving the building to be utilized for some type of city service,” said Haws. “Right now, we’re not acting at all on the matter.”

 

That, he said, could change. One big thing would have to happen.

 

“If the price came down and the owners were willing to sell, I’m sure Council would at least entertain looking at it,” said Haws. “There’s no harm in revisiting an issue if the circumstances have changed.”

 

Unfortunately, Council didn’t have a chance to discuss the matter at its most recent strategic planning session. The item was not on the agenda due to the announced relocation taking place roughly at the same time the meeting was set to take place.

 

“I’d never say never,” said Haws when asked if it could happen. “Right now, though, it’s a long way from happening if it happens at all. We’ll see what the future holds soon enough.”