A special state board has recommended spending $8 million to help clean up lower East Side properties where a developer wants to build minor and major league soccer stadiums, plus adjacent housing, retail and a hotel. Though that amount is, according to key legislators from Bridgeport, only about a quarter of the $30 million that was sought, it is being welcomed as a first sign of support for and faith in the overall project by state government. Last October, Andre Swanston unveiled a multi-phase proposal to bring professional soccer, along with housing and retail, to the former greyhound racing track site on the lower East Side. Moore called the $8 million “a start” for Swanston. She said the housing component in particular appeals to her. Swanston is pledging to build 1,000 units. As of early January Swanston had said having the minor league stadium built and open for the 2025 season was “ambitious but possible.” On Tuesday Connecticut Sports Group stuck with that timeline, stating that the site work should begin in the spring “to complete stadium construction by summer 2025.”
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/state-offers-8m-for-bridgeport-soccer-proposal-18921285.php