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Mayor, counsel outline library gift, Opera House designs and city ownership of Ansonia Copper & Brass
Summary
Officials told aldermen the city received a $200,000+ donation from the estate of Robert Obuchan earmarked for the Ansonia Library, presented preliminary Opera House rehabilitation designs and confirmed the city now owns both halves of the Ansonia Copper & Brass property and plans demolition and training uses for a condemned church on State Street.
City leaders used the July 9 Board of Aldermen meeting to update residents on a series of capital and redevelopment matters, including a surprise estate donation to the library, progress on Opera House designs and a recent acquisition of Ansonia Copper & Brass.
Corporation Counsel John Marini said the city received a wire transfer of more than $200,000 from the estate of Robert Obuchan, a former Ansonia resident who left proceeds of his home sale to benefit the Ansonia Library. "The city has received about a week and a half ago by wire over $200,000 in donated money for Mr. Robert Obuchan to the Ansonia Library," Marini said. He said the funds could be used for capital improvements to the library and community room and that the city would work on a public recognition of the gift.
Marini also reported that three‑dimensional designs for a rehabilitated Opera House are ready for review and that the state historic preservation office (SHPO) is supportive; the city will schedule a special event to present designs to the board and the public. "SHPO... really loves this project," Marini said, describing the rehabilitation as helpful mitigation related to demolition at the Ansonia Copper & Brass site.
Marini said the city now owns both halves of the Ansonia Copper & Brass property — roughly 60 acres following foreclosure — which allows the city to move forward with redevelopment planning. He also described plans to demolish a condemned church on State Street (adjacent to the armory) and said staff are evaluating using the tear‑down as a training opportunity for the fire department; no demolition date was set.
Board members suggested using gift funds for visible restorations (for example, restoring the library clock or naming a space in honor of Mr. Obuchan). No formal votes were required on these informational items; staff said they will return with proposals and more-detailed recommendations for capital improvements and recognition.
