Author: marinaadmin

From the Spring 2023 edition of Sound Outlook Newsletter, published by DEEP

Regular readers of Sound Outlook know that public access to the shores of Long Island Sound is one of the cornerstones of the State’s Coastal Management Program. Public access is defined as a water-dependent use in the Connecticut Coastal Management Act, and highest priority and preference must be given to locating water-dependent uses in shorefront areas. Most often, the provision of coastal public access areas is achieved through the municipal coastal site plan review process.

In May of 2010, back when DEEP was DEP, the then-Office of Long Island Sound Programs (now the Land and Water Resources Division) reviewed a municipal coastal site plan application for the redevelopment of Steel Point in Bridgeport. The project represented a unique opportunity to showcase Bridgeport’s vision to reestablish its connection to Bridgeport Harbor, promote more sustainable development practices, and maximize water-dependent use of suitable waterfront property. The General Development Plan proposed for the property included development of a marina, a general public access walkway, public fishing, and a mix of non-water-dependent uses such as retail and restaurants that would invite the public to the water’s edge.

Throughout the subsequent redevelopment of Steel Point, the Office of Long Island Sound Programs/Land and Water Resources Division continued to work closely with the applicant and the City of Bridgeport to ensure that the DEEP-related components of the project moved forward in an efficient manner, and that consistency with coastal management policies was appropriately achieved. To that end, we are happy to report that the Steelpointe Harborwalk public access walkway is one of the newest additions to the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide. 

The Steelpointe Harborwalk runs along Bridgeport Harbor from The Bass Pro Shops, and loops in front of Boca Oyster Bar. Bicycles and skateboards are not allowed, but leashed dogs are welcome. This site is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

When you take a stroll along the Harborwalk, or any of the over 350 public access sites on the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide, you can take comfort in knowing that Connecticut’s Coastal Management Program is working continuously to bring additional public opportunities to enjoy Long Island Sound.

Click here to view the full Sound Outlook newsletter.

The vision of a LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY neighborhood on Bridgeport’s East Side peninsula known as Steelpointe Harbor continues to take shape. Soon, residential buildings will join the marina, retail, and restaurant establishments there as well as a burgeoning marine industry across the harbor.

The harbor’s developer, Bridgeport Landing Development (BLD) has announced a new partnership with Flaherty & Collins, an Indiana-based multi-family housing sector developer. Through this relationship the first 420 market rate apartments on the Steelpointe waterfront will begin construction as soon as the final City and State reviews are completed.

Flaherty & Collins’ development projects are located primarily in the Midwest with a few East Coast properties; however, this will be their first project in the Northeast. BLD is delighted to be working with this highly respected established company now in the Bridgeport market. The overall cost of this first residential phase is estimated to be 200 million dollars.

“This is a truly unique and exciting project and partnership for us,” said Ryan Cronk, principal of Flaherty & Collins Properties. “Between the City of Bridgeport and RCI, we’re really building something transformative at Steelpointe Harbor… This is just what this burgeoning area needs.”

The residential buildings will have waterfront views, with high-end and modern amenity options and an outdoor pool and deck, with outdoor kitchens, gathering spaces, a structured parking area, as well as a dog park and pet spa.

The development will also include a fitness center, a spin studio, sauna and jacuzzi, an outdoor pickleball court.

This 420-unit project is only the 1st phase of market rate residential development on Steelpointe. As part of BLD’s commitment to affordable housing in Bridgeport, BLD agreed to build or help finance new affordable units representing 10 percent of their total market-rate units. Through its Affordable Housing Partnership with BNT, the first partnership of its kind by any developers in Bridgeport, BNT has been able to construct 50 affordable units funded by BLD in the West Side and the East End and is currently working on a project on the East Side. All this, prior to a single market-rate unit being built on Steelpointe. The last project, completed in 2021 was the creation of West Liberty Commons, with 18 new construction affordable townhouse units, for working-class residents.

As for the “Work” in the LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY in the Steelpointe model, businesses were added which would add to the repositioning of Bridgeport Harbor as a destination that also supported the nearby arena, amphitheater, and neighborhoods. When construction started in 2014, jobs were being created as the bulkheads needed to support the buildings at the site were getting built enabling the creation of retail sites which also employed of local workers.

National retailers who had not had a prior presence in Bridgeport, moved here. Included were Bass Pro Shops, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Chipotle. The project was also designed to create other marine industry opportunities. Bridgeport is now home to the Bridgeport Harbor Marina (BHM), one of only 3 deep water ports in Connecticut. With its annual Father’s Day Yacht & Charter Show showcasing how the old industrial image of decaying wood pilings, scrapyards, coal piles and steel mills have been replaced by new docks, private recreational vessels, ferries, and charter boats. Adding to the local employment base is BOCA. Owned and operated by a local Fairfield family, this acclaimed waterfront restaurant has become a popular gathering place overlooking the harbor and its waterside activity.

On the East Side of the harbor, BLD is creating Steelpointe East. The largest sail maker in the world North Sails, is there, so is Hornblower one of the Northeast’s largest ferry & tour boat operators. With Bridgeport Boatworks’ full service marine servicing company tending to both the recreational and commercial markets, their growth is dependent upon having an available workforce, specifically from the Bridgeport area whenever possible. When they couldn’t find the types of specialized workers they needed, they created scholarship programs to pay for training local workers and established internship programs reminiscent of Bridgeport’s manufacturing and industrial past, employers who are growing their businesses by working with the community to recruit from the nearby neighborhoods.

BLD’s commitment to a healthy City extends beyond the housing and businesses on the Waterfront. A few blocks over in the East End, BLD has been working to support the community by listening to what the neighborhood needs and finding creative solutions to help them accomplish their goals. With the help of other for and not for profit institutions, as well as local and state government, BLD is helping Ashlar Development create a grocery store in a neighborhood that has not had one in over 30 years. BLD is participating in the planning to rebuild an overlooked urban infrastructure while repositioning roadways to comply with the Safe Streets concept, calming the traffic, and making it more bike and pedestrian friendly. Continuing to address the needs of the community, BLD is currently finalizing the plans for a gas station, car wash and convenience store on Seaview Ave.

As for the “PLAY” aspect of the marina, waterfront recapture has been a priority making the harbor accessible to the community for the first time. A harbor walk has opened Bridgeport Harbor to the public and the new Bridgeport Harbor Marina has attracted boaters and visitors alike. Visitors come to eat on the water, shop and, bowl at Bass Pro, go downtown to catch a ferry to Long Island, or attend a boat show at the marina. As the Bridgeport waterfront continues to develop, it needs new residents and visitors who will patronize local attractions. Downtown Bridgeport, once the home to the likes of the Palace and Majestic Theaters where it was known in the theatre industry that you had to ‘go through Bridgeport’ to get to Broadway. Downtown is again alive with activities at the Amphitheater, the Arena, Stress Factory, Bijou and the Cabaret. BLD and the Steelpointe Harbor project is only one piece of a reemerging new Bridgeport.

City Council President Aidee Nieves said, “Steelpointe is just an anchor. We need to make sure development continues up the East Main Street corridor and into the rest of the neighborhoods.” Nieves told a reporter recently, that the goal is for residents and visitors at Steelpointe to also have reasons to travel further into the East Side and East End — and vice versa — making it all one “vibrant neighborhood” and “making sure there are no ‘invisible barriers’ created.”

What was once only dreams and pretty pictures is now becoming a sustainable reality. Bob Christoph Sr. and Jr., the people behind BLD, are seeing their years of hard work pay off much to the delight of people who come to LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY at Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport.

“Bridgeport Harbor Marina is proud to be the location for the first ever The Klein Cup Regatta. The event will be held in benefit of The Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation and take place across two days at the beginning of October” state Robert Christoph Jr.

The Inaugural Klein Cup Regatta will take place at Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport, CT on Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. The competing yachts are all former entrants in the Louis Vuitton Cup or the America’s Cup.

The public is invited to enjoy racing each day from sightseeing boats, as well as pre- and post-racing family activities on the dock. After each day’s races, attendees can join the teams for parties on the dock with food and music. On Sunday, there will be the prize giving with the Klein Cup awarded and a charity auction. The regatta and the auction will benefit The Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation, which preserves and runs the famous Klein Auditorium on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport. The Klein Cup Regatta is presented by The Klein in cooperation with the 12-Metre Yacht Development Foundation.

Click here to learn more.

Bridgeport, CT (April 21, 2022) – Bridgeport Boatworks and Hornblower Marine announced today the launch of six scholarships supporting students at Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus. The scholarships, totaling $15,000.00 and valued at $2,500.00 per student, will be dedicated to local Bridgeport residents and will continue to establish the Bridgeport waterfront as a maritime industry leader and job center.

The announcement was made at the launch of Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus welding program. Porter and Chester to Initiate New Welding Program

In April 2021, Bridgeport Boatworks announced that it had entered into a long-term lease agreement with Hornblower Group, a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation and the operator of NYC Ferry, Statue Cruises, and ferry and vessel operations across North America and the UK, for a vessel maintenance, upgrade, and retrofit facility at the Boatworks. Under that partnership, Hornblower expects to create 45-60 employment positions at the facility while Boatworks anticipates 20 new employees will be recruited as the facility becomes a more robust regional hub for industrial maritime needs.

Harry Boardsen, Owner of Bridgeport Boatworks, stated, “We are investing in our local community and the people in them who will be our workforce in the very near future. We are thrilled to be a part of a developing water-related culture.”

Hornblower Chief Operating Officer of Ferry and Transportation Services, Scott Thornton stated, “We are thrilled to continue our expansion in Bridgeport while strengthening our partnership with Bridgeport Boatworks to build upon the city’s historic maritime culture and ensure the maritime jobs of the future are accessible to local residents and students.”

“The fact that many of our skilled trades students will have the opportunity to apply for these generous scholarships supported by leaders in the Maritime Industry is fantastic! Not only will our welding students have access to the dollars, they will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and the possibility of a great career,” said Jim Bologa, President and CEO of Porter and Chester Institute.

Courses through the Porter & Chester Institute welding program will begin on March 21, 2022. Program information and scholarship application guidelines can be found at www.porterchester.edu

About Boatworks
Bridgeport Boatworks is New England’s newest Yacht and Commercial Shipyard. The third property in a family of Connecticut waterfront operations, Bridgeport Boatworks ownership and management staff are seasoned in yard ownership, management, and development. Bridgeport Boatworks prides itself on its growing reputation as a world-class Shipyard facility providing outstanding customer service. For more information visit www.bridgeportboatworks.com

About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in world-class experiences. The corporate entity of Hornblower Group is comprised of American Queen Voyages®, City Experiences, and Journey Beyond. Seaward Services, Inc., a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance, and repair of government and privately owned vessels, is also a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, operating and maintaining U.S. Navy Ranges and port facilities, including local oil spill response. Today, Hornblower’s footprint spans 112 countries and territories, and 125 U.S. cities, with offerings including water-based experiences, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, ferry, and transportation services, and full-service support via Hornblower Marine at Bridgeport Boatworks in Connecticut. Hornblower Group is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional corporate offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Dublin, Ireland; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; London, United Kingdom; New Albany, Indiana; New York, New York; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information visit www.hornblowermarine.com.

About Porter & Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute (PCI), a private sector, a post-secondary technical institution with nine campuses throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, featuring eleven different career programs, supports committed students in achieving the technical and professional skills essential for their chosen career through industry-modeled, student-centered education and training. For more information, please visit PCI at www.PorterChester.edu or call (800) 870-6789.

Press Contacts:
Michael DeiCas / Hornblower Group / michael.deicas@hornblower.com
Ann Baldwin / Baldwin Media ann@baldwinmedia.net or (860) 985-5621

Maybe it hasn’t sunk in yet, but Bridgeport’s Steelpointe Harbor has attracted the world’s finest and largest sailmaker. The company that has produced the sails for every America’s Cup winner since 1987 is dropping anchor at the Seaview Avenue site. While that is tremendous news for the city and the Steelpointe developers, Rodrigo Meireles, Global Manufacturing Manager of North Sails says North Sails is also thrilled. He comments, “It’s a great place, one of the best places on Long Island Sound to have a sales and distribution point.” About the developers he said, “The Christoph’s are making a marine destination on the sound.” North Sails is moving their manufacturing, local sales and service as well as their global headquarters for North Technology Group from Milford, Connecticut where they had been for the last 40 years.

The new manufacturing loft is 310 by 100 feet with no columns. North Sails is sharing the building with Bridgeport Boatworks, a boat and yacht service facility which has also attracted one of the world’s finest on the water, Hornblower Cruises. North Sails, which also specializes in sail repair, is happy to be adjacent to Bridgeport Harbor Marina, a facility that’ll make it convenient for some of their boating customers to bring sails to their facility or have sails delivered right to their boats. North Sails hopes to have the majority of its Bridgeport operations running by June 30 where they will ship nearly 100 sails a week to locations around the world.

North Sails is benefiting from a recent surge in demand for sails, in part because of the pandemic, and expects a continued upward trajectory. The company also expects to have all administrative offices moved in by August. Once in, North Sails hopes to be involved in the community through maritime education opportunities. Steelpointe Developer Bob Christoph says adding the world’s leading sailmaker to the Steelpointe portfolio makes the harbor into one of the East Coast region’s most sought after marine destinations. North Sails, along with Bridgeport Harbor Marina, the Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show, Bass Pro Shops, Hornblower, and Bridgeport Boatworks has made Steelpointe Harbor attractive to other marine industry services and suppliers as well as boat cruisers from up and down the coast.

Bridgeport Boatworks and RCI officials were beaming recently as Connecticut’s Governor and local officials all descended on the Boatworks helipad to announce the inclusion of the Hornblower Group to Bridgeport Harbor. And why not? The promise of a major international ferry company coming to Bridgeport has serious positive ramifications. If you’re wondering how could this happen 60 miles from the Big Apple you need only revert to Bridgeport’s original Harbor plan.

Decades ago, when City leaders targeted the East Side Peninsula, now named Steelpointe Harbor, as an ideal spot for redevelopment — they predicted correctly that its location on the harbor could attract water related development. The East Side and the East End of the harbor leading to Pleasure Beach had for years been significant sites for industry and neighborhood jobs for those who lived there. And it was the city’s vision and past history that helped attract RCI Marine, a prominent marina and waterfront developer.

The RCI Group, now headquartered in Bridgeport, is a fully integrated, multi-dimensional real estate organization nationally recognized for its premier marina, residential and waterfront developments. It’s projects and operations have been located throughout the Midwest and the Eastern seaboard of the United States. The RCI Group is widely regarded in the eastern United States and the Caribbean for providing a full, first class array of real estate services to a select group of developers specializing in the creation of unique, luxury, multi-dimensional marine related waterfront destinations.

Their Vision for Steelpointe Harbor on the East Side and the Seaview Avenue RCI sites on the East End of Bridgeport Harbor embraces the harbor’s assets utilizing the waterfront to attract visitors, consumers, boaters and the commercial boating industry. Working with the natural resource, they began by creating a state-of-the-art marina, restaurant and retail operation that has now been joined by Bridgeport Boatworks, a full service shipyard that is already making waves and ready to grow.

Fast forward to now, on April 5th, 2021, Gov. Ned Lamont, Rep. Jim Himes and Mayor Joe Ganim held a news conference with Bridgeport Boatworks announcing a new agreement with Hornblower Group that will provide new opportunities to the community. The regional press’ turnout just further proves how important this growth is for both Bridgeport and Connecticut as a whole and the support behind this project.

The Hornblower Group is the world’s leading provider of water-based experiences with headquarters in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and London. The group’s expansive portfolio reflects almost a century of sector expertise and innovation, which over time has continually redefined the marine hospitality industry, establishing a portfolio of distinctive award-winning brands across multiple categories including Hornblower Cruises & Events (Dining & Sightseeing), American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruises Lines (Overnight) and NYC Ferry, HMS Ferries and Seaward Marine Services (Transportation). Hornblower also operates the official ferry boat service to Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Memorial Museum on behalf of the National Park Service as well as Hornblower Niagara Cruises on behalf of the Niagara Parks Commission.

So it is quite the coup for Bridgeport Boatworks to have drawn this international company for a vessel maintenance, upgrade, and retrofit facility at the Boatworks facility in Bridgeport Harbor. The development, planned for operation by third or fourth quarter of 2021, is slated to bring new jobs and advance Boatworks as an important hub for regional maritime services. The facility will feature a 720-ton travel lift for hoisting large vessels — among the largest lifts in New England and will complement the 75-ton and 200-ton lifts already operating at Boatworks.

Hornblower expects to create 45-60 employment positions at the facility while Boatworks anticipates 20 new employees will be recruited as the facility becomes a more robust regional hub for industrial maritime needs. Boatworks plans to invest $8 million to improve and expand the facility’s infrastructure.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said, “It is great that new, value added jobs are coming to Bridgeport, and that Connecticut is advancing as a regional maritime hub for industry.”

Hornblower Chief Operating Officer of Ferry and Transportation Services, Scott Thornton stated, “We are pleased to bring our expansive, industry-leading fleet — from the East Coast and eventually the Midwest — for service and maintenance to this new port facility, Bridgeport Boatworks. We look forward to partnering with the City of Bridgeport to establish and build upon its reputation as a global maritime hub.”

Boatworks sits on the Seaview Avenue site managed by RCI Group. Robert Christoph Jr., President of Operations of RCI Group, said, “Hornblower is an industry leader which has recognized the significance of having a first-class facility in Bridgeport and we are happy that they have joined us with a substantial operation in Connecticut.”

Harry Boardsen, Owner of Bridgeport Boatworks, stated, “We look forward to Hornblower as a tenant, as they will strongly advance the Boatworks’ prospects as a preeminent regional maritime facility.”

The commercial and retail industry on Seaview Avenue perfectly complements the Bridgeport Harbor Marina on Steelpointe along with Bass Pro Shops a retailer of boats and boating and fishing supplies among other products. In fact, the Bridgeport Harbor with a new fuel dock, an oyster fishing company, Bridgeport Port Jefferson Ferry, and other nearby retailers, entertainment and recreational facilities have created a synergy of activities and venues that is sure to make the city into a visitor hub once the pandemic wanes.

Even right at this moment you can enjoy gourmet seafood and drinks-at Boca Oyster Bar overlooking the beautiful harbor waterfront while you dine. The 2nd Annual Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show, an event that RCI Group and their partner Showpiece Shows have developed together, draws in thousands of industry leaders and boating enthusiasts, further putting Bridgeport on the map as go to destination for marine life activities. The next show will be Fathers Day weekend, June 17-20.

Harry Boardsen of Boatworks said recently that, “As soon as I signed the lease with Bobby I called Hornblower knowing we could be their consolidated service center. Now we forsee further development and expansion with new bulkhead work and docks. We got a lot more to go in business and job growth. This location has more capacity for new equipment and services and we will be expanding.”

Bridgeport Boatworks is the New England’s newest Yacht and Commercial Shipyard. Boatworks launched in 2018. The third property in a family of Connecticut waterfront operations, Bridgeport Boatworks ownership and management staff are seasoned in yard ownership, management and development.

RCI is creating a Lifestyle brand and series of complementing facilities on both sides of the harbor. Overall, the development at Steelpointe Harbor aims to bring residents and visitors back to the waterfront through designated live, work, and play spaces.

What’s important to note is that the recent Hornblower announcement will soon be followed by more exciting news for Bridgeport Harbor and its developers. All of that expects to serve as a stimulus for future water related growth around the harbor and adjacent neighborhoods of the city.

About Hornblower Group

Hornblower Group is the world’s leading provider of water-based experiences with headquarters in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and London. The group’s expansive portfolio reflects almost a century of sector expertise and innovation, which over time has continually redefined the marine hospitality industry, establishing a portfolio of distinctive award-winning brands across multiple categories including Hornblower Cruises & Events (Dining & Sightseeing), American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruises Lines (Overnight) and NYC Ferry, HMS Ferries and Seaward Marine Services (Transportation). Hornblower also operates the official ferry boat service to Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Memorial Museum on behalf of the National Park Service as well as Hornblower Niagara Cruises on behalf of the Niagara Parks Commission. For more information visit www.hornblower.com

About Boatworks

Bridgeport Boatworks is New England’s newest Yacht and Commercial Shipyard. The third property in a family of Connecticut waterfront operations, Bridgeport Boatworks ownership and management staff are seasoned in yard ownership, management and development. Bridgeport Boatworks prides itself on its growing reputation as a world class Shipyard facility providing outstanding customer service. For more information visit www.bridgeportboatworks.com

About RCI

The RCI Group, headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a fully integrated, multi-dimensional real estate organization nationally recognized for its premier residential and waterfront developments. It’s projects and operations have been located throughout the Midwest and the Eastern seaboard of the United States. With five decades of experience, the RCI Group excels in real estate development, property acquisition, asset management, property management, leasing and ownership. Today, the RCI Group and its related companies are widely regarded in the eastern United States and the Caribbean for providing a full, first class array of real estate services to a select group of developers specializing in the creation of unique, luxury, multi-dimensional marine related waterfront destinations. www.rcimarine.com

Make no doubt about it 2020 was a year like no other as the coronavirus closed down businesses and cancelled events. It could not, however, stymie the forward momentum at Steelpointe Harbor. Fireworks, wildly successful boat shows, waterside dining, community investments, charitable giving and corporate expansion were all part of the 2020 Steelpointe Harbor experience. Showpiece Shows the developers’ entertainment division armed with tenacity, hutzpah, and technology would not be deterred and put on a pair of very safe and successful boat shows.

With only a short delay the first-ever Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Boat Show launched on Father’s Day weekend. Thousands attended the first ever show at the site as they passed through automated temperature checks to safely enjoy boats, boating accessories, classic cars and much more at a social distance.

The second Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show to be held at Bridgeport Harbor Marina in 2020 was held in September. Azimuth Aviation and Three Wing Aviation kicked off the event flying over Bridgeport’s East Side and landing four helicopters next to the Lighthouse Building on Steelpointe Harbor. Bridgeport Landing Development (BLD) President of Operations Bob Christoph Jr. was the first ever to land a helicopter on the peninsula. The Steelpointe Harbor Boat Show quickly became the tristate destination.

Equally successful was the re-opening of the Boca Oyster Bar after the government approved public dining again. Boca provided spacious patio dining on Bridgeport Harbor, and again served patrons from its raw bar, exquisite seafood menu, and a variety of appetizing offerings.

2020 was the first full year for the Bridgeport Harbor Marina which drew interest from boaters throughout the East Coast. Visitors, however, didn’t only come by sea or land but also by air as BLD has partnered with Three Wing Aviation out of Sikorsky Memorial Airport that has built a reputation for providing the highest standards of safety and customer service to clients. If boats or airflight isn’t your thing BLD held numerous opportunities for the car lovers either at the boat shows with Black Horse Garage or at a summer parking lot event that drew a number of high style performance vehicles.

Across the Harbor, Bridgeport Boatworks boasts Travelifts, repair services, a paint shop, and outside as well as heated inside winter storage. Their newest feature is a 620-ton travelift which will accommodate future expansion and tenants at the site. More on that to come in 2021. Also, at the boat yard, all boaters will have access to a newly constructed high-speed gas and diesel fuel dock for even the mega yachts. DockMaster Robert De Nigris says, “The fuel station serves marina tenants and transients alike and is a great convenience.”

As for the retailers, well Bass Pro Shops lead the way with record sales of camping supplies during the virus shutdown for those looking to find outdoor entertainment and recreation.

2020 business success was not confined to the harbor as blocks away BLD also invested in an important community development which is bringing a commercial development project to the East End including a grocery store and pharmacy to the food desert community. Community projects also included the investment in a Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) project that includes 50 workforce housing units in Bridgeport.

BLD has also contributed to community efforts. On May 7th, 2020 the Connecticut Food Bank held 32-ton mobile drive-through food pantry for Bridgeport area residents to help alleviate hunger in the community caused by the pandemic. A line of cars to receive free meals wrapped around the entire block of Bass Pro Shops. That giving spirit continued throughout the year through contributions to organizations such as Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Beardsley Zoological Gardens, East End Pop-up Market, Hall Neighborhood House, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, turkey and toy giveaways and many other contributions to groups such as the NAACP and the St Patrick’s Day Parade. BLD and Showpiece Shows even hosted a Sandlot game on the property for local kids from various diverse communities.

Considering all that BLD accomplished with its partners in 2020 it was fitting that they took in the new year with its annual Fireworks display, certainly a sign of great things to come.

The second Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show to be held at Bridgeport Harbor Marina in 2020 was held in September with an exhilarating amount of fanfare. The turnout was as incredible as the weather. Guests were yet again in awe of the boats, yachts, aircraft, and vehicles on display at Steelpointe.

Azimuth Aviation and Three Wing Aviation kicked off the event flying over Bridgeport’s East Side and landing four helicopters next to the Lighthouse Building on Steelpointe Harbor. Ken Smith, an accomplished pilot and General Manager of the Three Wing Aviation Group assisted with the landing of the helicopters. They joined the yachts and boats of all types that had arrived at the marina over the previous several days. The Showpiece Shows’ Steelpointe Harbor boat show quickly became the destination that everyone in the tristate area visited and enjoyed that beautiful September weekend.

 

 
The Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show was strategically organized to showcase and economically benefit the businesses in the city as much as possible. Essential event services were supported by local Bridgeport businesses and residents. “We sold out the Holiday Inn Hotel here in Bridgeport,” shared President of Operations for Bridgeport Landing Development, Robert Christoph Jr., “We’re excited to say that the positive economic impact on local business as well as the visibility this event brings to Bridgeport is really great, especially considering the effects Covid has had on struggling hotels.”

The event kicked off Thursday September 24, 2020 with a News12 interview with Robert Christoph Jr. and Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show’s promoter, Jennifer Jones. The interview revealed what to expect for the next three days at the second Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show of 2020.

 

 
Keeping the need for a safe environment in mind, the event was designed to be both fun and safe. Mandatory temperature screening prior to entering, touchless check in, as well as following proper social distancing requirements were all part of the organization of the show. Masks were available for patrons when they arrived, and hand sanitizer stations were plentiful.

 

 
Beyond the alluring display of boats, the show featured a variety of classic, luxurious, and sophisticated cars from the nearby Black Horse Garage on the east end. There were stylish and timeless examples from the likes of Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Dodge, Genesis, Ford, BMW and more showcased. Patrons were in awe and bestowed compliments as they walked through the display of lined up new and classic cars, with shining wheels, glistening paint, and sparkling chrome.

 

 
The glorious weekend weather helped create the ideal Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show experience. Talented performers played their hearts out as patrons sang along, while enjoying cold drinks and delicious food from the likes of Two Roads Breweries, Fire Engine Pizza and vendors including the marina’s own premier restaurant, Boca Oyster Bar. Matt White and Tyrone Wells highlighted the artists who performed from a stage moored out in the harbor. They wowed the audience with their entrances while performing their acts on the decks of Zeelander Yachts. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that had to be seen firsthand.

 
By all the comments from both the visitors and vendors, the event was a huge success and drew an enthusiastic crowd of boaters, yacht fanatics, and community members to the state-of-the-art docks at Bridgeport Harbor Marina. The Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show will return in June of 2021 and promises to exceed expectations once again.

By News12

A Bridgeport boat show is set to bring luxury yachts and more to the city this weekend.

The Steelpointe Yacht and Charter Show runs from today through Sunday at the Bridgeport Harbor Marina.

Aside from boats, the show will also feature rare cars, private jets, and helicopters.

Due to pandemic precautions, the show is invitation-only, but tickets are still available.

Attendees will be required to have their temperatures taken when they arrive. Masks and hand sanitizers will also be given out, and staff will clean up throughout the event.

View full article on News12.com >