Black Rock (Bridgeport)
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| Black Rock | |||
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| Municipal | City of Bridgeport | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NECTA | Bridgeport-Stamford | ||
| Region | Greater Bridgeport | ||
| County | Fairfield County | ||
| Population (2006) | |||
| - Total | estimated 9,000 | ||
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) | ||
| ZIP code | 06605 | ||
| Area code(s) | 203 | ||
| FIPS code | 09-08000 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0205720 | ||
| Website: http://www.ci.bridgeport.ct.us | |||
Black Rock is a neighborhood located in the southwestern section of Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. It borders the town of Fairfield and the Ash Creek tidal estuary on the west, the West Side/West End of Bridgeport on the north and east, and Black Rock Harbor and Long Island Sound on the south. It includes a historic district and was once a thriving Colonial seaport. The neighborhood consists of all of Census Tracts 701, 702 and part of 703. There are approximately 9,000 residents in this community.
One of the greatest economic advantages for the Black Rock neighborhood is its location. Black Rock has great natural beauty and the benefits of coastal living, with the amenities of an urban environment. It is within commuting distance to Manhattan via I-95 or the Metro North train, and there is easy access from downtown Bridgeport to the ferry to Long Island and Amtrak.
The Black Rock neighborhood has a mix of residential and commercial properties, with most of the retail stores being located along Fairfield Avenue, the main thoroughfare, which connects Black Rock to Fairfield and downtown Bridgeport. Fairfield Avenue is in a state of transition with older businesses being replaced by upscale restaurants, cafes, espresso bars, gourmet ice cream shops, and even a martini bar. Developers are attracted to the combination of its waterfront location, the new train station, the growing affluence of the residents, and the increasing property values. The Black Rock Public Library is currently under renovation and expansion and is expected to be completed in 2008. More than 30 local businesses participate in the marketing and management of the "Black Rock Restaurant & Entertainment District".
Although, there is little available land left to be developed, several new condominium complexes have recently been built or are in the planning stages of development. Most of the 2,628 properties in Black Rock are for residential use (86%), 10% is commercial, and only 4% are industrial or other property classes.
The residential areas lie on either side of Fairfield Avenue with less density closer to the waterfront. The area of least density is a section called St. Mary's-by-the-Sea and consists of Resident AA zoned properties which require a minimum lot of 11,250 SF, although most lots are larger than the minimum. Grovers Hill is the highest elevation in Black Rock and some of the most expensive properties in Black Rock are located on this hill with views of Long Island Sound. There are also direct waterfront properties, including two condominium complexes on the Sound and two on the Ash Creek tidal estuary. St. Mary's-by-the-Sea also has a nine acre public park along the Sound with half a mile of sidewalks and an area for bird watching.
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[edit] Lifestyle
Over the past decade, Black Rock has been attracting artists, academics, young professionals, and retirees who yearn to live in a waterfront community on Long Island Sound, but require home prices that are more affordable than other shore towns. This Fairfield County community has been the focus of two articles by the New York Times over the past few years, “Living in Black Rock, Connecticut: A Community with Spirit and an Edge” (August 8, 2004) and “If You’re Thinking of Living In St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: At Peninsula’s End, a Waterside Enclave” (June 9, 2002).
Black Rock is likely to become even more desirable when the Black Rock train station construction is completed (estimated completion date is 2010), although the commute to Manhattan at present only involves a ten minute car ride to the Fairfield train station to catch the one hour and ten minute express train to Grand Central. Black Rock is also convenient to I-95 for commuters to Stamford or New Haven.
Black Rock has a rich history dating back to its heritage as a colonial seaport. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s wealthy merchants built beautiful homes in Black Rock. One of these homes with 3 acres of land and 16 rooms is currently on the market for $5.5 million on Old Battery Road. Old Battery Road is located on Grovers Hill, one of the highest elevations in Black Rock, which also affords views of the Sound. Grovers Avenue, Penfield Place, and Anchorage Drive are also sought after for their direct waterfront properties and deep water docks. The majority of homes in Black Rock without water views sell for less than $500,000, which is significantly less than homes in other Fairfield County areas. With a population of less than 9,000 and an area of less than one square mile, there are only about 40-60 homes for sale each year.
Business 2.0[1]cited Bridgeport as one of the top three best places in the U.S. to invest in real estate, anticipating that real estate in Bridgeport will rise 63% in value over the next five years. Black Rock combines the beauty of a shoreline community with the sophistication of an urban setting. Residents enjoy walking along the park at St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea and kayaking or walking along Ash Creek.
The Black Rock Arts Center, Captain’s Cove Seaport, Black Rock Yacht Club, Fayerweather Yacht Club, Harborview Market, & the Arts & Entertainment District on Fairfield Avenue offer culture, dining, and recreational activities. Black Rock is an artsy and eclectic community where newcomers are quickly integrated into the neighborhood as they join together on community projects and events.
[edit] Major development
Fairfield Avenue in the Black Rock is going through vast revitalization which includes luxury shops, upscale restaurants, espresso bars, and a state-of-the-art library with WI-FI capabilities. Because of these developments Black Rock is becoming attractive to downsizers from Greenwich to Fairfield, who now considered it their home.[citation needed] Bridgeport's proximity to New York City and the upcoming train station in Black Rock make it attractive to developers, although most development in Bridgeport is occurring in the downtown area.
Bridgeport recently finalized three deals that cover over 3 billion dollars in redevelopment for the city. The first one will be Steel Point Harbor which will create a mix use of luxury condos, yacht club with a marina, sport bars and more on 50 acres of waterfront land totaling a whopping $1.5 billion dollars. Another development will build five high rise luxury condos which on completion will sell for over $700,000 for a two bedroom unit overlooking the Long Island Sound. Last but not least, is the proposed development by former NBA basketball player Magic R. Johnson to construct a $600 million dollar project next to harbor yard off I-95. When completed, it is likely to have luxury condos, sports bar, 24 hour night life and some units of affordable housing.
The City's downtown is also going through a vast revitalization including the City Trust building, Bijou Theater and restaurant and the Arcade Shopping unit. Earlier this year a brand new state of the art bus terminal was built and hope to offer high speed ferry services from Bridgeport / Stamford into Manhattan.
[edit] Notable residents
- Joseph Celli, oboist
- Jin Hi Kim, Korean-born komungo player and composer (former resident)
- John Ratzenberger, actor
- Christopher Shays, Fourth District Congressman
- Sidney Wood, tennis player
- Jack Collins, former president of the National Home Infusion Association
[edit] See also
- Fairfield Metro Center is the proposed new train station
[edit] External links
- "A Community With Spirit, and an Edge" by Lisa Prevost, an article (part of the "Living In" series) in The New York Times Real Estate section, August 8, 2004
- Black Rock Art Center
- Black Rock Entertainment District
- Black Rock Community Blog
- The Fairfield Metro Center
- Photos of Black Rock
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