MIDDLETOWN — Environmental testing along the shoreline is expected to continue through the spring as part of Middletown’s plan to clean and stabilize the riverfront, officials said. The city is using part of a $12 million Community Investment Fund grant it received in 2022 to begin the geotechnical and design work needed to clean up a trio of River Road properties. The funding covers site work and demolition of the area and kicks off the Return to the Riverbend project along the Connecticut River. This phase of the project “is in order to finalize a Remediation Act Plan and design two concepts for shore stabilization,” said Middletown Economic and Community Director Christine Marques. “These activities have commenced and will continue through the spring.” The 10-year Return to the Riverbend vision includes the sweeping redevelopment of 220 acres of land in Downtown Middletown — from Harbor Park to where Silver Street meets River Road, along approximately two miles of waterfront. Highlights include new parks and walking trails; a pedestrian bridge that crosses Route 9; multi-family housing, and events and commercial space. Multi-phase construction is expected to span 10 years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/middletown-ct-return-to-riverbend-project-21344887.php