Mayor David S. Cassetti delivers farewell after 12 years, cites blight cleanup and downtown gains

Mayor David S. Cassetti told the Ansonia Board of Aldermen on Nov. 20 that serving as mayor for 12 years "has been a privilege of my lifetime," and he used his final public official session to highlight long‑term projects that he said helped revive the city.

Cassetti pointed to renovations and new construction — including a new police station, a senior center and a riverwalk extension — and said private investment and targeted programs helped reduce blight. "Together, we rebuilt neighborhoods, attracted new businesses, cleaned up blight, and restored pride to our community," he said.

The mayor credited city staff, department heads and successive boards for the progress, and singled out project and grants administrator Sheila Ali and corporation counsel John Marini for their work. He described the city’s blight remediation program as a revenue source that has supported operations and helped keep the mill rate lower than it otherwise might have been.

The board and participants responded with thanks and personal remarks. Corporation counsel John Marini praised Cassetti’s leadership and said the city is positioned to support the incoming administration; several aldermen echoed those sentiments during the meeting’s public official session.

Cassetti closed by thanking his family, city staff and residents and saying he will remain a neighbor and advocate for Ansonia. The board proceeded with routine business after the remarks.