Brownfields

Success Story

The Beam

New London, Conn.

A former 5-acre commercial, residential, and partial solid waste disposal area
in New London that remained stagnant for several decades is now an
apartment complex. Known as The Beam, this 197-unit building provides
much-needed housing as it helps revitalize New London. The vision for this
project was brought to life through support from the city, community, and
private partners.

Photo of The Beam mid-construction
(photo credit: US EPA)

EPA Grant Recipient:

City of New London

Priming the Property for Redevelopment

The City of New London has been one of Connecticut's most distressed
communities for several years. This redevelopment plan envisioned new
workforce housing and technology companies to support existing
manufacturing businesses. The site is considered a key component of the
neighborhood surrounding Fort Trumbull State Park, and it once hosted small
businesses including a restaurant, automotive shop, gas station, and dry
cleaners. As the economy took a downturn, vacant parcels remained, waiting
for the right development opportunity.

Starting in 2011, the city used $200,000 in EPA funding to assess site
conditions and determine the extent of contamination. Coal ash, bottles,
urban fill, and bulky waste were found throughout the site. Contaminants
included petroleum products, volatile organic compounds, poly-aromatic
hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. In 2014, the city's redevelopment agency
received $400,000 from EPA to clean up the site. With this funding, they were
able to remove a great deal of waste materials, underground storage tanks,
and other contamination from the municipal storm drainage "ditch" and
close the large solid waste area. Thanks to the EPA funding these actions
made the site safer and easier to redevelop.

&EPA

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

Grant Types:

Assessment
Cleanup

Current Use:
Housing

Former Uses:

Waste Disposal
Automotive Shop
Dry Cleaners

Photo of The Beam mid-construction
(photo credit: US EPA)

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Simulated photo of projected project completion
(photo credit: US EPA)

New London has been planning this redevelopment since 2014. After two
prior redevelopment plans fell through due to high cleanup costs and poor
market conditions, the third time was the charm. After overcoming many
hurdles, the city's redevelopment agency and the private developer worked
together to complete the cleanup and move ahead with construction. The
overall vision of the site kept the best interests of the local community in
mind, and direct federal support from Brownfields grants as well as private
investment from Opportunity Zone funding were both important parts of the
capital stack.

Located across the Thames River is the US Naval Submarine Base New
London. Contributing to the project's success, a nearby company that makes
submarines relocated and expanded its headquarters, causing an increase in
market demand for housing. The Beam will now help provide workforce
housing for people working at important local businesses.

Today

Engineered with precision, The Beam holds a present market rate value of
$30 to $40 million and will officially open for lease in the spring of 2023.

Some of New London's favorite attractions, including the historic Fort
Trumbull State Park and Ocean Beach Park, are a short walk away from the
apartments.

Today, the city is also home to America's Tall Ship, the US Coast Guard Sail
Training Ship Eagle, and Thames River Heritage Park. The Beam will add a
breath of fresh air to the seaport city while energizing the local economy and
bringing together new faces to experience the pleasures that New London
has to offer. The modernness of The Beam will attract young people in search
of safe and affordable spots to live, along with empty nesters with disposable
income looking for new and lively housing options. Not only has this project
transformed what was once a dangerously contaminated parcel, but it
provides hope and reassurance for both small business owners and long-time
residents that their city is looking up and growing.

"The result is the repurposing of a
parcel that has been vacant and
blighted for more than two decades
into much needed housing that will
help attract the talent necessary to
support New London's burgeoning
defense, offshore wind, and healthcare
industries. The resulting residential
growth will, in turn, support the city's
small businesses. The partnership
between EPA and the city will have far
reaching benefits across the city for years
into the future."

-New London Mayor
Michael Passero

January 2011	October 2016	September 2017	April 2023

Site	Cleanup Start	Redevelopment	Grand Opening

Assessment	Completion

For more information:

Visit the EPA Brownfields website at www.epa.gov/browrtfields or contact
Dorrie Paar at 617-918-1432 or Paar.Dorrie@epa.gov

EPA 901-F-23-002
February 2023

for informational use only - no endorsement intended

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