Month: February 2017
Sen. Gerratana E-news: Small Business Funding Alert
Sen. Moore E-news: Free Film Screening of “13th”
Osten Welcomes News of State Funding to Remediate Baltic Mill Site in Sprague
Osten Welcomes News of State Funding to Remediate Baltic Mill Site in Sprague
Sprague, CT—State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) Tuesday welcomed the news that Sprague is one of 14 towns and cities across Connecticut that will be awarded state grant funding totaling $6.9 million to assess, remediate and revitalize brownfields and restore blighted properties back to productive use.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that Sprague will be awarded a $2 million state grant to abate, demolish and remediate a 16-acre former mill site located in the center of the village of Baltic, commonly referred to as the “Baltic Mill.”
“This property at the heart of our town has the potential to have an extremely positive impact on our community, and I am very pleased that the state continues to see the merit in helping towns revitalize former mill sites,” said Sen. Osten. “This project will not only improve the aesthetics of our town for those who reside here, but will spur economic and social growth along our stretch of the Shetucket River.”
The funding will be administered to Sprague through the State Department of Economic and Community Development.
The town has been actively working to market the property, located at 29 Bushnell Hollow Road, to potential buyers and developers since 2011.
According to a report from SECTOR, the Baltic Mills Complex was at one time the largest textile mill in the United States.
The complex was established between 1890 and 1920. In 1999, it was nearly entirely destroyed in a fire which left just one of the several buildings standing.
The town of Sprague acquired the property through a tax foreclosure in 2007, with the goal of turning the property over to an investor who will develop a mixed-use design for the site that is in keeping with the appearance of a downtown turn-of-the-century mill village and contributes to the economic and social growth of the surrounding community and businesses.
The entire site and surrounding village/mill housing is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Senate Majority Leader Duff: Norwalk Wins State Grant to Clean Up SoNo’s Ryan Park
Senate Majority Leader Duff: Norwalk Wins State Grant to Clean Up SoNo’s Ryan Park
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today hailed the news that Norwalk has been selected to receive a $2 million state grant to remediate the 2.2-acre Ryan Park in South Norwalk. The park, which has been closed since contamination was discovered that was not addressed when the park was built on former industrial land.
“South Norwalk has a long history of landfill practices and industrial uses that have left a residue of contaminants evidenced in soil and groundwater testing at this site,” said Senator Duff. “This funding will make the Ryan Park safe for our children’s health and serve as a wonderful addition to the Washington Village redevelopment.”
“Continued investment in the Washington Village area contiguous to Ryan Park is more than just encouraging; the state’s ability to address brownfield s in urban districts is paramount for economic development,” said State Rep. Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk). “I want to thank the Governor and DECD for this funding. We will continue to work to remediate brownfields in Norwalk supporting the overall continued growth in health in the city.”
Norwalk’s grant is part of $6.9 million of funding awarded to 14 towns and cities to assess, remediate, and revitalize brownfields across the state. The projects comprise 424 acres of redevelopment as part of ongoing, unprecedented efforts to restore and put blighted properties back into productive uses.
Under today’s round of announcements, $5.6 million is being awarded for the remediation and redevelopment of five properties, totaling 32 acres. An additional $1.3 million is being awarded for assessments that will be completed toward the future revitalization of eight properties, covering a total of 392 acres. All of the grants are awarded through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
Students Visit State Capitol
Students Visit State Capitol
Senator John Fonfara met with students from a Bulkeley High School and the Connecticut River Academy during their visit to the State Capitol building on February 28.
Senator Fonfara explained the legislative process to the students as they gathered inside the Senate Chamber and then challenged them to come up with an issue and debate amongst each other, just as senators do. One student came up with the idea of extending the school year from 180 days to 200 days.
After a back-and-forth debate, the students then used the voting machines in the Senate Chamber to cast their “vote” on the school day debate.
Senator Gerratana E-News: Pop-Up Pizza Meeting; Helping Connecticut’s Most Vulnerable Citizens
Flexer Survey 2018
Please let me know what you think
As your State Senator, I value your opinion and want to hear your thoughts on the most pressing issues being voted on in our legislature. This survey is an opportunity for you to voice your opinion on these issues – some of which I am still undecided on. By completing this questionnaire, you’re offering invaluable information that will enable me to vote not only in your best interest, but in the state’s best interest as well. Please let me know what you think about the issues listed below:
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Flexer Survey 2017
Please let me know what you think
We have a lot of important work to do over the next two years in Connecticut. We need to continue to build our economy and grow jobs, provide the best public education for our children, and preserve a secure retirement for seniors. I encourage you to contact me about state issues that are important to you. Please let me know what you think about the issues listed below:
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