High on BNT’s agenda for neighborhood revitalization is the necessity of redeveloping the abandoned and often-contaminated lots left behind when businesses and manufacturers depart from the city. When ignored, these blighted sites have led to distressed neighborhoods, increased crime and environmental degradation.

As a solution, BNT joined forces with a collaboration of residents, community organizations, private entities and government agencies to form the Park City Brownfields Redevelopment Partnership whose goal is to transform these brownfields into lasting community assets.

East End Brownfields
BNT is currently working on three sites in the East End. Contamination issues have been resolved and the community has contributed their input into plans to develop housing and open space.

Wentfield Park
BNT’s first, and most notable, brownfield redevelopment was historic Went Field Park in Bridgeport’s West End. Once home to the Barnum circus winter camp, Went Field Park later endured years of soil contamination and neglect. In the late 90’s, a group of concerned residents began lobbying for funds to clean up the park; BNT assisted with the receipt and management of grants that were utilized to cleanup residue contaminants, redesign the park layout and playground, create playing fields, and implement environmental education efforts. As awareness of Went Field Park’s condition increased and the rehabilitation effort progressed, it brought attention to the plight of other brownfields throughout the city. The need for unification and coordination of resources became apparent, spurring the creation of The Park City Brownfields Redevelopment Partnership.

In May of 2002, the New England Office of the Environmental Protection Agency recognized the Partnership’s efforts in Went Field Park by awarding them an Environmental Merit Award. Improvements at Went Field continue with the impending conversion of the park’s firehouse into an environmental education center. When completed, the facility will be equipped with computers donated by SNET, and be available for use by Bridgeport’s high school environmental science programs, as well as for environmental job training. The rehabilitated building will also include equipment storage space for the Bassick High School football team which utilizes Went Field’s new playing fields.