Enfield Site May Get Millions

ENFIELD, CT — A long-discussed redevelopment project in Thompsonville could be getting a major boost from the state.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to consider a proposed $9.36 million loan to HGRE LLC for the redevelopment of a former industrial site at 33 North River Street, according to state records. The property is the site of the proposed Enfield Station project.

State records describe the project as the conversion of a former industrial site into a high-density residential neighborhood. The overall project cost is listed at about $53 million, including the proposed state loan, a $4 million brownfield grant and about $39.7 million in non-state funds.

State Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, said in a release Thursday that the funding would help move a significant redevelopment project forward.

“Redeveloping long-vacant industrial properties is an important step toward strengthening Enfield’s economic future,” Kissel said. “This proposed investment would help move a significant redevelopment project forward and continue efforts to revitalize key areas of our town.”

The Town of Enfield identifies the project as Enfield Station, a planned redevelopment on North River Street in Thompsonville Village. The town says the project is expected to bring more than 150 new units of riverfront housing to the area.

The site has also been part of a brownfield cleanup effort. State records say the 3.24-acre property was once home to the power plant for Bigelow Carpet Manufacturing.

The state previously announced a $4 million grant for cleanup work at the property. That remediation work is intended to help clear the way for a roughly 160-unit multifamily residential development, according to state environmental records.

Records from the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority identify HGRE LLC as a joint venture between Honeycomb Real Estate Partners and GRAVA Properties. The authority described Enfield Station as a mixed-income, transit-oriented development in Thompsonville.

Environmental review records note the project is near the Connecticut River and that portions of the site are in the 100-year flood zone. The project is expected to need additional flood-related approvals before work moves forward.

The Town of Enfield has said construction is expected to begin in 2026 after brownfield cleanup work.

The Bond Commission item is listed as a proposed loan, meaning the funding still requires formal approval.