By D.M. Livingston
Updated OCT 25, 2025

Waterbury, CT- As the Waterbury Board of Aldermen prepares to vote next week on another multimillion-dollar property acquisition, questions continue to mount surrounding the City’s proposed purchase of the historic Sacred Heart Complex. City Hall has signaled interest in converting the shuttered campus into a rehabilitation center, though officials have offered few specifics—leaving the public to wonder whether the facility would serve individuals battling addiction, criminal offenders, or the homeless population.

In advance of the vote, The Waterbury Times will conduct an on-site investigation of the Sacred Heart Complex to evaluate its current state, potential uses, and the stakes for taxpayers. This investigation is part of TWT’s growing commitment to transparency, accountability, and fact-driven reporting on City spending.

Zimmerman Voices Sharp Opposition

Alderwoman Kelly Zimmerman, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of the proposal, says the administration has failed to provide residents with a clear plan.

“People in Waterbury deserve to know exactly what their tax dollars are going toward,” Zimmerman told The Waterbury Times. “Before we purchase another property, we need a full, honest explanation of its intended use—and more importantly, whether it’s what the community actually wants.”

Zimmerman argues that the City should prioritize neighborhood investment, infrastructure upgrades, and school-based resources before committing additional funds to large-scale property acquisitions.

Growing Public Tension About City Purchases

The Sacred Heart proposal follows a string of recent property deals in Waterbury that have raised eyebrows among fiscal watchdogs and residents alike. Opponents argue that recurring purchases without transparent long-term plans contribute to growing public mistrust.

Supporters of the acquisition, however, say the site’s size and location make it a valuable asset for addressing pressing social challenges, including substance use and homelessness—issues that have intensified statewide.

TWT Investigation Airing This Sunday

To bring clarity and context to the debate, The Waterbury Times will release a full investigative segment titled:

“Inside the Purchase: The Sacred Heart Complex”
Streaming Sunday
on the brand-new Waterbury Times YouTube Channel
@thewaterburytimes

The investigation will feature on-camera interviews, on-site footage, public records, and an extended conversation with Alderwoman Zimmerman.

As the vote approaches, the question remains:
Is the Sacred Heart Complex the City’s next smart investment—or another costly commitment without a clear plan?

The Waterbury Times will continue to follow the story closely.