Today, the Housatonic River is prone to flooding, and its shores are dotted with abandoned factory complexes where industry used to flourish. A new resiliency plan by WXY, the New Milford Riverfront Renewal Plan, will help shore up the banks of the Housatonic while also offering a roadmap for better utilizing abandoned brownfield sites that flank the river, recharging the local economy.

The masterplan will encompass 60 acres along the Housatonic River. It will start around Young’s Field and Bridge Street, and incrementally move northward. It will create access from commercial thoroughfares, crossing over railroad tracks to a lawn of playgrounds and recreational fields. The New Milford Riverfront Renewal Plan is the result of a lengthy community engagement process with local stakeholders and business owners in Connecticut. WXY is known for such collaborative undertakings: Take for instance the New York City office’s work at the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, or with New York City Public Schools.

WXY has been awarded the contract to proceed with the masterplan. The town council recently approved $449,550 for the commission. WXY will spearhead the plan and serve as lead urban designer.