Success Village Apartments Interest Penalty Refund

At a glance

What: Council votes to refund interest penalty ($437,277.30) on delinquent property taxes owed by Success Village Apartments (SVA) residents, following Governor Lamont's signing of SB1 (712-page bill).
Where it stands: Approved unanimously on June 1, 2026. Town of Stratford already issued its portion of refund; WPCA agreed to credit Bridgeport's portion; Bridgeport vote enabled final relief to residents.
Why it matters: Residents paid common charges in good faith, trusting funds would cover taxes and utilities. Former Board president embezzled/misappropriated funds, leaving residents victims of fraud despite their compliance. Refund recognizes this injustice and provides some financial relief.

Former Board president Ty Bird misappropriated funds that residents' common charges were designated to pay for taxes, sewer (WPCA), and utilities.
Residents paid common charges in full; residents also obtained $6 million loan to cover unpaid bills created by embezzlement.
Residents' total interest penalties assessed due to non-payment: approximately $1.1 million.
Governor Lamont signed SB1 in May 2026, authorizing Bridgeport, Stratford, and WPCA to refund the interest penalty portion (not principal).
Stratford issued full refund; received check for their portion on June 1, 2026.
WPCA agreed to credit Bridgeport's portion: $187,000.
Bridgeport portion: $437,277.30.
Council Member Pereira emphasized residents remain innocent victims; common charges supposed to fund taxes/sewer per lease terms; principal taxes fully paid; refund strictly covers statutorily-required interest penalty only.
Council Member Newton (former senator and representative from Success district) supported refund; noted residents have endured rising costs, financial instability beyond their control.
Residents cited in public comment: Willie Medina (SVA member), Kayla Medina (resident, Core A address).

City Council regular meeting minutes, June 1, 2026: https://www.bridgeportct.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/CC_CC_2025-2026_20260601_Minutes.pdf
SB1 (Connecticut legislative bill authorizing refund): signed by Governor Ned Lamont, May 2026.

Approved unanimously. Governor Lamont signed bill; Stratford already issued refund; Bridgeport vote enabled final relief.