Black Rock, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Black Rock is a neighborhood in the southwestern section of the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut
. It was part of the Town of Fairfield
before the State of Connecticut granted the land to Bridgeport. It borders Fairfield
and the Ash Creek tidal estuary on the west, the West Side/West End of Bridgeport on the north and east, and Black Rock Harbor
and Long Island Sound
on the south.
Black Rock comprises census tract
s 701 and 702 and part of census tract 703. It includes two historic district
s.
The Black Rock neighborhood has a mix of residential and commercial properties, with most of the retail stores being located along Fairfield Avenue, the main thoroughfare, which connects Black Rock to Fairfield and downtown Bridgeport. Fairfield Avenue is in a state of transition with older businesses being replaced by upscale restaurants, cafes, espresso bars, gourmet ice cream shops, and art galleries. The Black Rock Branch Library renovation and expansion were completed in 2009. The library has been expanded from its original 6000 square feet (557.4 m²) to 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²). Additionally, the entire facility has been modernized, with the installation of 12 public access computers, free Wi-Fi throughout the building and the construction of two large program rooms and a smaller conference room. The library is also fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
While businesses in Black Rock are located primarily along Fairfield Avenue, most of the 2,628 properties in Black Rock are for residential use. Residences comprise 86% of properties in Black Rock, 10% is commercial, and only 4% are industrial or other property classes.
The residential areas lie on either side of Fairfield Avenue with less density closer to the waterfront. The area of least density is a section called St. Mary's-by-the-Sea and consists of Resident AA zoned properties which require a minimum lot of 11,250 SF, although most lots are larger than the minimum. Grovers Hill is the highest elevation in Black Rock and some of the most expensive properties in Black Rock are located on this hill with views of Long Island Sound. There are also direct waterfront properties, including two condominium complexes on the Sound and two on the Ash Creek tidal estuary. St. Mary's-by-the-Sea also has a 9 acres (36,421.7 m²) public park along the Sound with half a mile of sidewalks and an area for bird watching.
Before Black Rock was incorporated into Bridgeport, there was also the community of Stratfield which has also been absorbed into modern Bridgeport. Stratfield was originally known as Pequonnock and was located about midway between Black Rock and the original settlement of Bridgeport. The cemetery known as Stratfield Burying Place is located here and has many of Black Rock's early settlers interred there.
in the neighborhood that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. One was listed in 1979 and includes houses and other structures. The district is known as Black Rock Historic District
. The other is Black Rock Gardens Historic District
. It has 12 buildings built for workers during World War I
.
"Living in St Mary's-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: The Saltwater Smell Means You're Home" (May 23, 2010), “Living in Black Rock, Connecticut: A Community with Spirit and an Edge” (August 8, 2004) and “If You’re Thinking of Living In St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: At Peninsula’s End, a Waterside Enclave” (June 9, 2002).
Black Rock is likely to become even more desirable when the Fairfield Metro train station construction is completed (estimated completion date is 2012. Because technically the train station will be located in Fairfield, not Bridgeport, it is not to be called the Black Rock train station despite its proximity to the town line. The access road to the train station will connect to Brewster Street in Bridgeport. Black Rock is also convenient to I-95 for commuters to Stamford or New Haven.
Black Rock has a rich history dating back to its heritage as a colonial seaport. In the late 19th century and early 20th century wealthy merchants built beautiful homes in Black Rock. One of these homes with 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) of land and 16 rooms "("The Chimneys") is located on Old Battery Road. Old Battery Road is located on Grovers Hill, one of the highest elevations in Black Rock, which also affords views of the Sound. Grovers Avenue, Penfield Place, Beacon Street, and Anchorage Drive are also have direct waterfront properties and deep water docks.
The S. S. Norden Club (founded 1902), Captain’s Cove Seaport, Black Rock Yacht Club, Fayerweather Yacht Club, Harborview Market, & the Arts & Entertainment District on Fairfield Avenue offer culture, dining, and recreational activities. Black Rock is an artsy and eclectic community where newcomers are quickly integrated into the neighborhood as they join together on community projects and events.
, both of which run just north of the area. Black Rock will soon be served by a new train station on Metro-North's
New Haven Line, located just across Ash Creek
in Fairfield. The station is currently called "Fairfield Metro Center
" but it may be renamed "Black Rock."
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
. It was part of the Town of Fairfield
Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield is a town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is bordered by the towns of Bridgeport, Trumbull, Easton, Redding and Westport along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 59,404...
before the State of Connecticut granted the land to Bridgeport. It borders Fairfield
Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield is a town located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It is bordered by the towns of Bridgeport, Trumbull, Easton, Redding and Westport along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 59,404...
and the Ash Creek tidal estuary on the west, the West Side/West End of Bridgeport on the north and east, and Black Rock Harbor
Black Rock Harbor
Black Rock Harbor is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut on the Long Island Sound. The Black Rock Harbor Light on Fayerweather Island marks the entrance to the harbor on its east, while St. Mary's by the Sea forms its western beachhead. Seaside Park runs along the northeastern part of the harbor....
and Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, located in the United States between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York to the south. The mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, empties into the sound. On its western end the sound is bounded by the Bronx...
on the south.
Black Rock comprises census tract
Census tract
A census tract, census area, or census district is a geographic region defined for the purpose of taking a census. Usually these coincide with the limits of cities, towns or other administrative areas and several tracts commonly exist within a county...
s 701 and 702 and part of census tract 703. It includes two historic district
Historic district (United States)
In the United States, a historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided...
s.
The Black Rock neighborhood has a mix of residential and commercial properties, with most of the retail stores being located along Fairfield Avenue, the main thoroughfare, which connects Black Rock to Fairfield and downtown Bridgeport. Fairfield Avenue is in a state of transition with older businesses being replaced by upscale restaurants, cafes, espresso bars, gourmet ice cream shops, and art galleries. The Black Rock Branch Library renovation and expansion were completed in 2009. The library has been expanded from its original 6000 square feet (557.4 m²) to 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²). Additionally, the entire facility has been modernized, with the installation of 12 public access computers, free Wi-Fi throughout the building and the construction of two large program rooms and a smaller conference room. The library is also fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
While businesses in Black Rock are located primarily along Fairfield Avenue, most of the 2,628 properties in Black Rock are for residential use. Residences comprise 86% of properties in Black Rock, 10% is commercial, and only 4% are industrial or other property classes.
The residential areas lie on either side of Fairfield Avenue with less density closer to the waterfront. The area of least density is a section called St. Mary's-by-the-Sea and consists of Resident AA zoned properties which require a minimum lot of 11,250 SF, although most lots are larger than the minimum. Grovers Hill is the highest elevation in Black Rock and some of the most expensive properties in Black Rock are located on this hill with views of Long Island Sound. There are also direct waterfront properties, including two condominium complexes on the Sound and two on the Ash Creek tidal estuary. St. Mary's-by-the-Sea also has a 9 acres (36,421.7 m²) public park along the Sound with half a mile of sidewalks and an area for bird watching.
History
Black Rock was settled about the same time as Fairfield, which was many years before Brigeport even existed. As Bridgeport grew to be the largest city in Connecticut, Black Rock was absorbed into its city limits.Before Black Rock was incorporated into Bridgeport, there was also the community of Stratfield which has also been absorbed into modern Bridgeport. Stratfield was originally known as Pequonnock and was located about midway between Black Rock and the original settlement of Bridgeport. The cemetery known as Stratfield Burying Place is located here and has many of Black Rock's early settlers interred there.
Historic districts
There are two historic districtsHistoric district (United States)
In the United States, a historic district is a group of buildings, properties, or sites that have been designated by one of several entities on different levels as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects and sites within a historic district are normally divided...
in the neighborhood that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. One was listed in 1979 and includes houses and other structures. The district is known as Black Rock Historic District
Black Rock Historic District
The Black Rock Historic District is a historic district in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut.It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979...
. The other is Black Rock Gardens Historic District
Black Rock Gardens Historic District
Black Rock Gardens Historic District is a historic district in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut.It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 and at that time included 12 contributing buildings....
. It has 12 buildings built for workers during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
.
Lifestyle
Black Rock attracts artists, academics, young professionals, and retirees who desire to live in an affordable waterfront community on Long Island Sound. This Fairfield County community has been the focus of three articles by the New York Times over the past few years,"Living in St Mary's-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: The Saltwater Smell Means You're Home" (May 23, 2010), “Living in Black Rock, Connecticut: A Community with Spirit and an Edge” (August 8, 2004) and “If You’re Thinking of Living In St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: At Peninsula’s End, a Waterside Enclave” (June 9, 2002).
Black Rock is likely to become even more desirable when the Fairfield Metro train station construction is completed (estimated completion date is 2012. Because technically the train station will be located in Fairfield, not Bridgeport, it is not to be called the Black Rock train station despite its proximity to the town line. The access road to the train station will connect to Brewster Street in Bridgeport. Black Rock is also convenient to I-95 for commuters to Stamford or New Haven.
Black Rock has a rich history dating back to its heritage as a colonial seaport. In the late 19th century and early 20th century wealthy merchants built beautiful homes in Black Rock. One of these homes with 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) of land and 16 rooms "("The Chimneys") is located on Old Battery Road. Old Battery Road is located on Grovers Hill, one of the highest elevations in Black Rock, which also affords views of the Sound. Grovers Avenue, Penfield Place, Beacon Street, and Anchorage Drive are also have direct waterfront properties and deep water docks.
The S. S. Norden Club (founded 1902), Captain’s Cove Seaport, Black Rock Yacht Club, Fayerweather Yacht Club, Harborview Market, & the Arts & Entertainment District on Fairfield Avenue offer culture, dining, and recreational activities. Black Rock is an artsy and eclectic community where newcomers are quickly integrated into the neighborhood as they join together on community projects and events.
Transportation
Fairfield Avenue is Black Rock's primary artery. Black Rock is also accessible from exits 24 and 25 on I-95 and from Route 1U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut
In the U.S. state of Connecticut, U.S. Route 1 is a major east–west state highway along Long Island Sound. It has been replaced by Interstate 95 as a through route, which it closely parallels, and now primarily serves as a local business route...
, both of which run just north of the area. Black Rock will soon be served by a new train station on Metro-North's
Metro-North Railroad
The Metro-North Commuter Railroad , trading as MTA Metro-North Railroad, or, more commonly, Metro-North, is a suburban commuter rail service that is run and managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority , an authority of New York State. It is the busiest commuter railroad in the United...
New Haven Line, located just across Ash Creek
Ash Creek (Connecticut)
Ash Creek is a tidal creek and intertidal wetland in Fairfield County, Connecticut that serves as a border between the city of Bridgeport and the town of Fairfield. It is the last salt water estuary in the area, extending from Long Island Sound and up the Rooster River.-History:The area was known...
in Fairfield. The station is currently called "Fairfield Metro Center
Fairfield Metro Center
Fairfield Metro is a planned commercial development and regional commuter rail station situated on in the town of Fairfield, Connecticut. At present, the station is scheduled to open on December 5, 2011.-Name:...
" but it may be renamed "Black Rock."
Community Council
The Black Rock Community Council (BRCC), founded in 1976, is the oldest and largest community membership organization in the area. The Council’s mission is to promote projects that will enhance the quality of life of Black Rock’s residents and businesses, including recreational, educational, and business development initiatives. Some of the Council’s activities include:- The Black Rock Day Road Race, Parade & Picnic
- The Black Rock Newsletter
- Beautification Efforts
- Lighthouse Preservation
- Little League Sponsorship
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Community Forums
- Public Safety/Block Watches
- Black Rock Business District Initiatives
- Scholarships
- Community Planning
Development
Fairfield Avenue in the Black Rock is going through significant revitalization which includes restaurants, art galleries, and a new library with WI-FI capabilities. The neighborhood's nearby waterfront, the location of the commercial corridor and the new commuter rail station have all had a positive effect on the area.Bodies of Water
- Black Rock HarborBlack Rock HarborBlack Rock Harbor is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut on the Long Island Sound. The Black Rock Harbor Light on Fayerweather Island marks the entrance to the harbor on its east, while St. Mary's by the Sea forms its western beachhead. Seaside Park runs along the northeastern part of the harbor....
- Cedar Creek
- Ash CreekAsh Creek (Connecticut)Ash Creek is a tidal creek and intertidal wetland in Fairfield County, Connecticut that serves as a border between the city of Bridgeport and the town of Fairfield. It is the last salt water estuary in the area, extending from Long Island Sound and up the Rooster River.-History:The area was known...
- Rooster RiverRooster RiverRooster River is a river in Fairfield County, Connecticut that lies on and serves as the border between Bridgeport and Fairfield. It has flooded on numerous occasions and so has its own flood control project....
- Long Island SoundLong Island SoundLong Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, located in the United States between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York to the south. The mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, empties into the sound. On its western end the sound is bounded by the Bronx...
- Burr Creek
Notable residents
- John RatzenbergerJohn RatzenbergerJohn Deszo Ratzenberger is an American actor, voice actor, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his role as Cliff Clavin in Cheers.-Early life:...
, actor - Christopher ShaysChristopher ShaysChristopher H. Shays is an American politician. He was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives and represented the 4th District of Connecticut....
, Former Fourth District Congressman - David WalkerDavid M. Walker (U.S. Comptroller General)David M. Walker served as United States Comptroller General from 1998 to 2008, and is now the Founder and CEO of the Comeback America Initiative.- Career as Comptroller General :...
, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and author of Comeback America (published January 2010) - Sidney WoodSidney WoodSidney Wood was an American tennis player.Wood was born in Black Rock, Connecticut. He won the Arizona State Men’s Tournament on his 14th birthday, which qualified him for the French Championship and led to him earning a spot at Wimbledon He attended The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania,...
, tennis player
External links
- http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/realestate/23Living.html"Living in St. Mary's-by-the-Sea, Connecticut" by C. J. Hughes in The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
Real Estate section, May 23, 2010] - Black Rock Community Blog
- Black Rock Community Council
- Fayerweather Yacht Club
- Black Rock Yacht Club
- Black Rock Yacht & Athletic Club