The sudden bankruptcy filing by Success Village, a co-op in Bridgeport and Stratford, has drawn criticism from local officials who claim it's a "stall tactic" to avoid addressing pressing health and fire code violations.

Bridgeport City Council President Aidee Nieves condemned the move, citing residents' reports of no hot water and other critical issues. Nieves expressed confidence that attorneys representing the city's interests will file motions to lift the stay.

Success Village Board Attorney Dennis Bradley countered that the filing aims to address decadeslong financial mismanagement, seeking federal court intervention to reorganize the community's finances.

Bradley stated that the current board, led by president Ty Bird, had no other recourse but to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy to help Success manage its debts.

Bridgeport Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez urged residents to report any issues with heat or hot water to the city.