The Riverfront Renewal Initiative reimagines New Milford’s Housatonic riverfront as a vibrant hub that connects the town center to its natural and cultural assets through the catalytic reuse of underutilized brownfield sites. By transforming these neglected areas, the project introduces new spaces for recreation, housing, and cultural engagement, establishing a flexible, sustainable framework for growth over the next decade. 

New Milford’s industrial history and the physical separation between the town center and the Housatonic River posed significant obstacles to redevelopment. Transforming brownfield properties into community-oriented spaces required balancing environmental remediation with the town’s vision for arts, culture, recreation, and sustainability. This effort demanded a strategic and inclusive approach to ensure the riverfront’s potential could be fully realized as a catalyst for economic and social renewal. 

Our vision for the project breathes life into the Housatonic waterfront with thoughtfully designed public spaces and improved access. Railroad Plaza becomes a welcoming gateway, drawing pedestrians from Bank Street into a repurposed district anchored by mixed-use buildings. A proposed amphitheater blends cultural vibrancy with natural beauty, stepping gracefully into Young’s Field Park, now proposed as a dynamic recreational space with several different uses. A pedestrian bridge extends downtown to the Native Meadows Preserve, linking the area through boardwalks, public art, and restored landscapes that invite exploration. 

Collaboration was central to every stage of the planning process. WXY led efforts to engage residents, property owners, and stakeholders through visioning workshops, public meetings, and design charrettes. Input from regional and state partners, supported by the Connecticut BAR Grant program, ensured that community priorities shaped the plan’s actionable strategies, uniting diverse perspectives behind a shared vision. 

This initiative transforms neglected brownfield properties into active public spaces that reconnect New Milford to the Housatonic River. By introducing new cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities, the plan revitalizes the riverfront while enhancing ecological health and walkability. The project creates a vibrant district that balances natural beauty with urban vitality, inspiring long-term investment and strengthening the community’s identity for generations to come.