Digital Ink'd

  For nearly a century, the city was known as the “Brass Capital of the World,” with a thriving industrial and manufacturing sector. But when the American brass industry declined in the 1970s, the city was hit hard by a series of economic challenges. Factories closed, jobs disappeared, and in their wake, large areas of land were left contaminated and abandoned. These brownfield sites, once bustling hubs of production, became symbols of the city’s struggle to adapt to a changing economy. By 2019, the city had made significant progress in cleaning up these sites, having remediated over 178 acres of land. Still, 140 acres of brownfields remained, with efforts underway to return them to productive use, offering hope for a new chapter of growth and development. One notable site is the former Bristol Babcock Facility, which operated from 1889 to 1989. The 6.6-acre property, with four buildings dating from 1895 to 1954, straddles the border between Waterbury and Naugatuck. The Bristol Babcock

On May 20, 2024, a 117-year-old former factory building experienced a partial collapse of its roof parapet, damaging five parked cars. The five-story building, vacant for two years, has been a concern for the local community, especially since scaffolding went up in 2022. Residents reported issues with the building’s condition since then. The roof parapet, now wrapped in plastic as a temporary measure, is awaiting further repairs. This isn’t the first time the building has had trouble. In 2022, the Department of Buildings fined the property owner $6,250 after part of the facade parapet fell onto the sidewalk, signaling ongoing structural problems. When the collapse occurred, over 100 firefighters responded to what they classified as a "major collapse matrix." This type of response involves both building experts and medical teams to assess the situation. Fortunately, no one was injured, and no one was trapped inside the building, which remains unoccupied. The Department of Buil

  Between the Hudson River and the 832-foot High Tor mountain, Haverstraw sits at a unique crossroads of natural beauty and historical significance. To the east lies the Hudson River, while to the west, High Tor State Park—part of the Palisades Interstate Park System—provides a scenic backdrop. To the north, the town stretches to Bowline Park, and to the south, it borders the Tilcon Quarry. The twin smokestacks of the Bowline Point power station stand in the distance, marking the town's industrial roots. During the American Revolution, Haverstraw played a key role. Soldiers used the high vantage point of High Tor as a lookout, lighting beacon fires to warn of approaching British ships on the Hudson River. Fast forward to the early 1900s, and the town was known as the "brickmaking capital of the world." With 42 factories producing 148 different brands of bricks, Haverstraw had everything needed for the trade—rich clay deposits along the riverbanks, fertile soil, and plenty