Stratford, CT – Yesterday, Wednesday, September 17th, marked a milestone moment for Stratford as the long-awaited conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso Regional Center property was finalized. After years of negotiations with the State of Connecticut and many discussions with the State’s Department of Administrative Services, the Town of Stratford now officially holds title to the property, paving the way for more than 100 units of affordable senior housing under the direction of the Stratford Housing Authority, LLC.
The Ella T. Grasso Regional Center, located in Stratford, closed in 2016. The Connecticut General Assembly approved its transfer to the Town in 2018 for the purpose of affordable housing development. Since then, Stratford has worked closely with the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM), to complete the conveyance.
Despite delays over the eight-year period, yesterday’s conveyance ensures the property will serve Stratford residents in need of affordable housing.
Mayor Laura R. Hoydick celebrated the achievement, stating: “This is a historic and significant moment for Stratford. The conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property allows us to move forward with plans that will directly benefit and support our seniors. With more than 100 units of affordable housing to be developed through an agreement between the Town and the Stratford Housing Authority, we are not just building homes; we are strengthening our community and honoring our commitment to provide dignity, security, and opportunity to those who have given so much to Stratford.”
As part of the original Connecticut State delegation that initiated the conveyance in 2018, Representative Joseph Gresko expressed his gratitude for the completion of the conveyance, remarking, “After nearly eight years, I am proud to have shepherded the conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property through the State Property Review Board. Working in partnership with Mayor Laura Hoydick and the Attorney General’s Office, we were able to bring this long process to a successful fruition. This milestone reflects true collaboration and will provide lasting benefits for the Stratford community.”
Representative Ben McGorty added his appreciation for the outcome, saying, “I’m grateful to see the conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property finalized after so many years. This was a long process, but through teamwork and persistence, we were able to get it done for the benefit of Stratford.”
The Stratford Housing Authority will now lead the development effort, focusing on high-quality, affordable housing that reflects both community priorities and legislative intent.
Mayor Hoydick summed up the importance of the occasion, “This finalization represents the fulfillment of a vision nearly a decade in the making and signals a new chapter for the Ella Grasso property – one centered on service, community, and opportunity.”