By D.M. Livingston

Published Oct 2025

WATERBURY, CT— A proposed 11-year tax abatement for KayBar, the developer behind a major housing and commercial project in Waterbury, has been put on hold as questions from city officials and residents continue to surface.

The plan, which would reduce property taxes for KayBar over more than a decade, was introduced as a way to encourage large-scale investment and revitalize underused property. But before any deal moves forward, city leaders are pressing for clarity on how the abatement would impact Waterbury’s finances and whether the community would see the promised benefits.

What’s at Stake

Supporters argue that abatements help attract investment, create jobs, and eventually expand the city’s tax base once the incentive expires. Skeptics counter that giving up 11 years of tax revenue is a steep price, especially when local schools, public safety, and infrastructure face ongoing budget demands.

City Hall & Local Government – Waterbury CT

Key Questions Being Asked

• Revenue Impact: How much would Waterbury lose in property taxes during the abatement period?
• Community Benefit: Beyond construction jobs, what guarantees exist that residents will benefit directly?
• Accountability: What happens if the project stalls or doesn’t deliver as promised?
• Precedent: Could offering this abatement open the door to more developers demanding the same?
• Fairness: How does the city justify offering breaks to large outside developers while smaller local businesses rarely see such deals?

Balancing Growth and Responsibility

For now, the KayBar proposal remains paused while officials evaluate the risks and rewards. City leaders must decide whether the long-term promise of new development is worth the short-term sacrifice in tax revenue.

The discussion around KayBar’s abatement is not just about one project—it’s about how Waterbury defines growth, fairness, and fiscal responsibility in the years ahead.