Press Release

CITY OF NORWALK ENJOYS A BIG LEGAL WIN

Recent Superior Court Decision Facilitates the Reed-Putnam Redevelopment Project --

BRIDGEPORT, CT, September 9, 2003 The Bridgeport-based law firm of Cohen and Wolf, P.C. successfully represented the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency in the defense of a lawsuit brought by the owner of two properties slated to be acquired pursuant to the Reed-Putnam Plan. The lawsuit had sought to prevent the City and the Agency from acquiring those properties by means of the power of eminent domain.

Superior Court Judge Chase T. Rogers ruled last week that the proposed taking of the two properties in the Reed-Putnam area for redevelopment purposes is reasonable, allowing the Citys $350 million plan to proceed.

This decision represents a significant legal victory for the City of Norwalk and the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency. The Reed-Putnam Plan constitutes the largest urban renewal effort in the Citys history and contemplates construction of 1.1 million square feet of office space; renovation of existing space; parking for the Maritime Aquarium; and major traffic and infrastructure improvements.

Attorneys Jonathan S. Bowman and Stewart I. Edelstein worked on this matter on behalf of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency.