Milford's Aerosol Techniques Factory

When I arrived at the former Aerosol Techniques factory, I was filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Meeting a group of new friends for a day of urban exploration in Connecticut, we had a lineup of intriguing abandoned sites on our agenda. Our itinerary included the hauntingly beautiful Seaside Sanatorium, a former hospital, along with a few other potential spots that we were less certain about.

We chose the factory as our starting point, mainly because it offered easy access and was conveniently situated next to a Lowe's hardware store. Walking along a well-trodden path, our group made a seamless transition onto the property. The sense of camaraderie was palpable as we embarked on our adventure with eager enthusiasm.

The factory grounds, long deserted, were a canvas for countless graffiti artists. Every inch of the building was adorned with vibrant and eclectic street art, each piece telling its own story. This rich color and creativity set the perfect stage for our impromptu photo shoot. We unleashed a few Enola Gaye-colored smoke grenades, adding a dramatic flair to our portraits. One of us even posed with a loaded firearm, a stark contrast against the bright, swirling blue smoke – a moment of raw, edgy intensity.

Former Owens-Illinois Plastics

Our exploration was more than just a visual feast; it was an experience that engaged all the senses. The smell of the metallic smoke mingling with the musty scent of the abandoned factory, the echoes of our footsteps on the concrete floors, and the tactile feel of the graffiti-covered walls all contributed to the atmosphere.

Satisfied with our escapades and the collection of striking photographs we had taken, we decided it was time to move on. With a sense of accomplishment and a hint of melancholy for the decaying beauty we were leaving behind, we exited the factory grounds. Our adventure was far from over, and we eagerly looked forward to the next location on our list, ready to uncover more forgotten places.

For 27 years now, the 176,000-square-foot concrete behemoth at 265-269 Old Gate Lane in Milford, Connecticut, has been a symbol of unrealized potential. This prime commercial property, located at a bustling intersection, has seen more than its share of misfortune.

Once, a frozen food company had plans to transform the building into a warehouse and distribution center, but legal entanglements led to the deal's collapse. The former owner’s bankruptcy left mortgage holders out in the cold, and the property has spent over a decade mired in bankruptcy court. In the late 1980s, back taxes soared to nearly $2 million, and a lengthy legal battle finally concluding in 2012 left the site open for new development opportunities that never materialized.

Aerosol Techniques, the last company to operate there until the mid-1990s, produced propellants for products like hairspray and insecticides. Owens-Illinois Inc., another former occupant, molded liquid plastic into PET soft drink bottles and other containers. Despite its industrial past, the property fell into disrepair, with overgrown land and persistent illegal dumping issues. The building's cavernous interior became a playground for skateboarders, paintball enthusiasts, and even the homeless, who found shelter within its walls.

The factory has been a vibrant, albeit chaotic, community space. Graffiti artists transformed its walls into a colorful gallery, while birds nesting in the rafters left their mark on the floors below. The site has also hosted Koenig Corp, a wholesaler of professional equipment, adding yet another layer to its storied history. Despite efforts to clean up and maintain the area, the building remains a relic of industrial ambition and missed opportunities.

However, the dilapidated structure faces more than just an uncertain future—it also requires significant environmental remediation. The property’s past operations involved the intake of tanker cars loaded with industrial chemicals, delivered via rail to the building’s twelve loading docks for the production of plastic soda bottles and aerosol sprays. This legacy has left a toxic footprint that complicates any redevelopment efforts.

Currently owned by Old Gate Partners LLC, the property has yet to attract any serious buyers or redevelopment proposals. Adding to its woes are substantial tax and sewer liens, which have been purchased by Fairfield County developer Robert D. Scinto. These liens, valued at over a million dollars with an 18 percent interest rate since 2011, must be settled before any substantial progress can be made.

The environmental issues are a significant barrier. Any potential developer faces the costly and complex task of cleaning up the site to make it safe for new use. This burden, combined with the financial entanglements, has left the property languishing in a state of neglect. Despite its prime location and considerable size, the building remains a monument to industrial decline and regulatory hurdles, a ghost of economic aspirations yet to be fulfilled.

While the past has left the site with challenges, it also holds a promise for the future. If the environmental and financial issues can be resolved, the property could be reborn, transforming from a symbol of decay into something new. Until then, it stands as a testament to the complex interplay of industrial legacy, environmental stewardship, investor, and economic viability, waiting for a visionary who can unlock its potential.

Sources:

1. Juliano, F. (2012, February 6). Old Gate Lane building may see development. ctpost.

2. McCready, Brian. (2011, December 7). Major developer buys up liens on vacant industrial site in Milford. New Haven Register.

3. 10-K Transcript. (1977). United States: (Page 309953)