Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim held a press conference Wednesday on the site of the old Bridgeport Health Department building on East Main Street.

Moments later, demolition workers began tearing down the three-story building.

"What's important about this demolition is that it comes on the heels of a string of new developments in the city, showing that Bridgeport is growing at a rate that surprises even me," Ganim said, flanked by fellow city leaders and community stakeholders.

"Some are calling for this site to be the new Bridgeport Police Department - but a lot has to happen before we know what's next for this lot. It could potentially become affordable housing," Ganim said.

Demolition is expected to continue through Thursday, he said.