New Proposals To Replace Mixmaster & Soulfest Celebration

September 3, 2025

The state is sharing new ideas to replace the Waterbury Mixmaster. Please keep scrolling to learn about the proposals and to see renderings of what our highways could look like in the future.

The community gathered for a wonderful celebration called Soulfest. I'll break down why this event was so inspiring and provides much-needed help to those in need.

I was proud to take part in an important event dedicated to stopping the violence in our city, especially among our younger residents. Read below to learn more about that initiative.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Proposals to Replace Waterbury Mixmaster
  • Soulfest Celebration
  • Coming Together to Stop Violence

 
 

Proposals to Replace Waterbury Mixmaster

The state unveiled two design options for the long-term replacement of the I-84/Route 8 interchange in Waterbury, known as the Mixmaster. This once-in-a-generation project aims to improve safety, ease congestion, and support mobility for decades to come, with input from local residents and businesses shaping the plans. 

As shown in the renderings below, the proposals are called the Modern Crossover Interchange and the Naugatuck River Shift. In both scenarios, crews would unstack and rebuild the Waterbury Mixmaster into a modern, resilient structure with an expected lifespan of more than 75 years. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about both proposals.
 

Soulfest Celebration

It was a delight to see so many members of our community coming together at Liberty Park for Soulfest, a vibrant resource fair showcasing the very best of Waterbury's arts, music, culture, and talent. The energy was inspiring, with people of all ages connecting, celebrating, and reminding us of the incredible potential our city holds for growth and unity.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Warren Leach, the founder of Ungroup Society and the driving force behind Soulfest. His dedication and unwavering commitment to Waterbury are unmatched. In addition to providing a fantastic annual event that brings neighbors together, Ungroup continues to serve as a vital resource, offering advice, networking opportunities, and direct support to residents throughout the city.

From the delicious food to the powerful performances on stage, Soulfest was a celebration of who we are and what we can achieve together. I hope everyone left feeling as inspired as I did, and I look forward to seeing you all again next year!

 

 

Coming Together to Stop Violence

It was an honor to participate in an important initiative focused on stopping violence, especially among children, teenagers, and young adults. Community Inreach sponsored the event at Tirado Park, and brought people together with music around the shared goal of breaking the cycle of violence while also promoting financial literacy and empowerment.

Our youth deserve the tools, guidance, and opportunities to build bright and successful futures. Events like put a spotlight on when we work together, we can create real change. Thank you to Community Inreach for your leadership and commitment to providing resources that make a meaningful difference.

Let's keep building momentum, strengthening partnerships, support young people, and working collectively to create a safer and stronger city.