New Britain Legislators Applaud Over $1 Million Approved for Improvements to YMCA Facility in New Britain
Today, State Senator Rick Lopes, State Rep. Robert Sanchez, State Rep. Manny Sanchez, and State Rep. Peter Tercyak, members of the New Britain legislative delegation, welcomed the approval by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission of over $1 million for improvements to the New Britain-Berlin YMCA’s facility on High Street in New Britain. The planned energy efficient window replacement and air conditioning upgrades would support health safety, the ability for youth and adults to utilize the facility, and cost-savings on gas and electricity for the YMCA.
“The YMCA is an essential resource for people of all ages, especially kids, in our area. I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for recognizing how these upgrades to the Y’s facility would allow YMCA to save on energy costs and direct those savings into supporting their work,” said Sen. Lopes. “Also, I want to recognize CEO John Benigni, Executive Director Marci Moskal and all the staff at the YMCA for advocating for this funding and the countless hours of activities and services they provide year-round to children and their families.”
“At the Y we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being for all, and inspiring action in our communities. The savings from this project will allow the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA to change more lives and continue to not turn anyone away for inability to pay,” said John Benigni, CEO, Meriden-New-Britain-Berlin YMCA.
“We work every day to make a positive impact in the lives of our community members. Now we can take even better care of our members and do more for our community. Thank you for helping us make a difference,” said Marci Moskal, Branch Executive Director, New Britain and Berlin YMCAs.
“The YMCA is such an important part of our community. Thank you to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for making this investment to provide necessary improvements to the New Britain Y,” said Rep. Tercyak.
“For many years, the New Britain-Berlin YMCA has provided much-needed services to young people and families in the region, and by partnering with the organization to ensure that their facilities remain in a good-state-of-repair, we can help make sure that they can continue providing these services for many years to come,” Governor Lamont said.
The energy efficient window replacement and improvements to the air conditioning would both enhance the quality of the facility and ability for people to utilize programs offered by the YMCA.
The YMCA’s New Britain location on High Street provides children and families numerous recreational services including basketball, fitness classes, swimming, and racquetball and child care programs for preschool and school age children. However, the facility has windows that are broken or don’t stay closed. This has at-times caused basketball and volleyball players having to come to play wearing multiple-layers and for children to wear winter jackets in the gymnasium during the winter season due to it feeling as cold inside as it is outside.
Further, the air quality upgrades would help residents in the YMCA’s Hart House Member-In-Residence program experiencing health conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. Also, the upgraded air conditioning and fixing of windows would lead to cost savings on heating during the winter and running controlled air through the residency during the summer.
The Hart House Member-In-Residence program, located at the High Street facility, provides a safe and affordable housing environment to adult men in need. The drug and alcohol-free environment is conveniently located to grocery, pharmacy, and public transit locations. One former resident offered in a testimonial, “…amazing how a safe, healthy place can help clear a person’s head and help them move past mistakes and make better life decisions.”
Senator Needleman Encouraged as State Bond Commission Agenda Includes Funding for East Haddam Track & Athletic Complex
Senator Needleman Encouraged as State Bond Commission Agenda Includes Funding for East Haddam Track & Athletic Complex
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s latest agenda containing $1.4 million in funding to support building a track and athletic complex in the Town of East Haddam. Sen. Needleman has fought for the funding since he was elected to the Senate and previously toured Nathan Hale-Ray High School to learn about the project and how beneficial it will be to the East Haddam community. The Commission will potentially finalize the allotment during its March 31 meeting.
“I’m grateful that Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission recognize the importance of ensuring our students and communities have every chance to succeed and welcome this funding to support their athletic pursuits,” said Sen. Needleman. “For years, I’ve worked with East Haddam leaders in support of this project. BOE Chairman Marc Piscotti and Superintendent Brian Reas have been incredible advocates for the students and this project. Improving the soccer field and adding amenities like a running track and a concession stand will not just give East Haddam athletes better opportunities to succeed in competitive endeavors, but will help bring the community together in support of our great local programs. I’m excited to visit and cheer on Hale-Ray when the project is complete!”
“I would like to recognize and thank Senator Needleman for all his effort and work over the past three years to help East Haddam get funding for our Track and Athletic Complex,” said East Haddam Board of Education Chairman Marc A. Pisciotti. “Last year, Senator Needleman visited the Nathan Hale-Ray High School, met the staff, coaches and student athletes to hear their thoughts and saw where they currently practice. He’s been a consistent advocate for these young athletes and these funds will provide a safe, healthy outlet for all our students and our community.”
The State Bond Commission’s agenda for March 31 contains $1.4 million in funding for the athletics complex project at Nathan Hale-Ray High School. The project intends to convert an existing lighted field into an improved soccer field with a six-to-eight-lane running track, areas for jumping and throwing events, irrigation and a concession facility with restrooms and storage areas. In addition to the improved amenities for student-athletes, the enhanced complex can also serve to draw members of the community to athletics competitions and even provides resources for potential hosting of local or regional athletics events.
Sen. Needleman, Gov. Lamont, State Leaders Support State Bond Commission Funding of Important LGBTQ+ Site in East Haddam
Sen. Needleman, Gov. Lamont, State Leaders Support State Bond Commission Funding of Important LGBTQ+ Site in East Haddam
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) gave his support to the State Bond Commission’s announced release of $1.5 million to support renovation and visitor improvements at the Palmer-Warner House, originally built in 1738. According to Connecticut Landmarks, the historic site was first the home of John and Mehitable Warner in the 1700s; it gained new relevance when Frederic Palmer, a preservation architect, purchased it in 1936. For decades, the property served as a safe space for Palmer’s friends and family, many of whom were members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Palmer-Warner House is a reminder of the hard-fought advances earned by the LGBTQ+ community and stands as living memory of the love and support so many experienced there,” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s an important part of local history not only because of its beauty and age but the storied selflessness represented by its later residents. I am proud that East Haddam will continue to have this storied landmark to remind us of the hard work put in by so many to push for inclusion and respect, and how those gains can be reversed if we are not careful.”
“Ensuring the Palmer-Warner House remains maintained and in a good state of repair will allow this historic property to serve as a landmark in East Haddam for many years to come, and I am glad that the state is able to partner with them on this project,” Governor Ned Lamont said.
“With this investment in the Palmer-Warner House, Connecticut Landmarks will be able to continue to preserve the home of Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger and develop the infrastructure necessary for people to visit the site to learn about under-recognized history in their lives, their communities and the history of the property,” said Connecticut Landmarks Executive Director Aaron Marcavitch. “We will be able to tell a relevant 20th-century story of LGBTQ history and community through a beautiful 18th-century house and welcome visitors from throughout the region to experience it. Connecticut Landmarks is grateful for the support of our state senator, state representatives and the East Haddam community.”
Joe Grabarz, former state legislator and current Connecticut Landmarks Stewardship & Collections Chair, noted that “the ongoing preservation and development of the Palmer-Warner House is a critical goal of the organization. We welcome and thank our state legislators for seeing the importance of this important site for the history of Connecticut.”
“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the entire State Bond Commission for recognizing this project’s importance in preserving a piece of our state’s LGBTQ+ history. With very few accounts chronicling the ordinary lives of the LGBTQ+ community available across Connecticut, this is a revolutionary project that uncovers just some of that hidden history and offers local communities a chance to celebrate the contributions they have made. I am proud to have supported funding for this necessary project that will keep this history alive and accessible,” said State Representative Jeff Currey (D – East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor).
“I am so excited to hear that Connecticut is helping to preserve this incredible LGBTQ+ cultural and historic site,” said Patrick J. Dunn, Executive Director of the New Haven Pride Center. “The role the Palmer-Warner House played as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ folks is an important part of our shared history. I look forward to the plans to renovate and grow the opportunities for the engage with this hub for LGBTQ+ culture and arts.”
The $1.5 million in slated improvements for the property include historically appropriate renovations to the building’s exterior, an environmentally friendly parking lot, development of the barn into a visitor center, and work to make the site more accessible under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Connecticut Landmarks will receive the grant funding.
When the Warner family built the house, they used it to farm and grow their family, according to Connecticut Landmarks. In later generations, the Warner family became renowned local blacksmiths, and many of their pieces were collected by Frederic Palmer and adorn the house. Frederic Palmer and his mother Mary Brennan Palmer later purchased the property. Palmer was responsible for acquiring, renovating and preserving a number of Connecticut Landmarks properties, and he lived at the Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam with his partner Howard Metzger until his death in 1971. Metzger remained in the house until his own passing in 2005. They welcomed friends and family to their home, and were active members of the East Haddam community. Their stories span the 20th century and connect to larger arcs of LGBTQ history, which Connecticut Landmarks will invite visitors to learn about at the site.
Sen. Needleman, Gov. Lamont Encouraged as Essex Library Receives Support for ADA Improvements, Window Replacement
Sen. Needleman, Gov. Lamont Encouraged as Essex Library Receives Support for ADA Improvements, Window Replacement
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was encouraged by the State Bond Commission’s release of funding supporting improvements to Essex Library. Sen. Needleman also serves as First Selectman of Essex. During its March 31 meeting, the Bond Commission voted to approve $73,293 that will support the library improving Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and support window replacement.
“Our libraries are bastions of knowledge and education, and I’m so glad Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission are lending their support,” said Sen. Needleman. “Ensuring all residents can access the library is vital to aid every resident, and window replacements will help the library improve efficiency and reduce energy costs.”
“Many Essex residents utilize the town’s library for a large number of educational and civic reasons, and by partnering with them on this project to upgrade the facility we can ensure that the library can continue functioning for many years to come,” Governor Ned Lamont said.
As part of a grant-in-aid to Connecticut libraries for construction, renovations, expansions, energy conservation and handicapped accessibility, Essex Library will receive $73,293 supporting ADA improvements and window replacement, as approved by the Bond Commission on March
Hartford Legislators Celebrate $2.5 Million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford
Hartford Legislators Celebrate $2.5 Million for the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford
The Renovated Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club Will Serve 1,000 Members Every Year
Today, state Senator Doug McCrory and state Representative Joshua Hall, members of the Hartford legislative delegation, celebrated the approval of $2.5 million by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford (BGCH) to support the major renovation of the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club.
The substantial investment by the state is a boost for the planned 18,000 sq. ft. renovation of the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club, which upon completion, would allow the BGCH to significantly expand its programs and services in the northwest part of Hartford. The renovated BGCH is projected to increase its total youth service hours by 30%, or equivalent to 250,000 more hours supporting youth from the neighborhood area.
“The Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club helped raise me into the man I am today and I’m excited to help pass on to Hartford’s youth the same life-changing opportunities I had growing up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford,” said Sen. McCrory. “The Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club will be a safe, welcoming space for our young people to hang out with friends, get help with their schoolwork, and discover new hobbies and interests. Years from now, countless people will look back at how the facility was a game-changer in their life. I’m thankful to the governor for recognizing the generational impact this project will have.”
“We are extremely appreciative to receive this bond to make renovations to the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club, helping us continue our mission of serving the youth of Hartford,” said Sam Gray, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. “Our Clubs provide a safe place for the kids and teens to grow and learn with caring mentors and high-impact programming after school and during the summer.”
“I am pleased that the state has provided funding to support renovations for the Northwest Boys and Girls Club and I am excited for the new opportunities that will be created for our youth. The Boys and Girls Club is a great organization where our youth learn, grow, and become leaders in the community,” said Rep. Hall.
“Renovating the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys and Girls Club in the Northwest section of Hartford will enable a whole host of new amenities to be provided to young people who live in the area, including new classroom space, a computer center, homework help areas, a gymnasium, rooms for arts and crafts, and much more,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford provides so many good services to the community, and I am glad that the state can partner with them on these renovations so they can continue providing their invaluable services for many years to come.”
The Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club is planned to contain classroom space, a computer center, areas to help students with homework, and a learning center. In addition, the facility would be a hub for recreational activities and exercise by hosting a full-service gymnasium, rooms for youth to partake in the performing arts and arts & crafts, and supervised children’s programming at the nearby Cronin Park. Even more, all-purpose areas would be available for use by community groups from the surrounding neighborhoods.
The BGCH serves 10,000 youth per year. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as caring, productive and responsible citizens. To advance the BGCH’s mission, the organization offers various programs, including homework assistance, their financial literacy Money Matters program, and the youth exercise and healthy eating Triple Play program. According to the BGCH, the youth development organization gives out over 100,000 nutritious meals and snacks per year to the young people in their care. More information about the BGCH can be found at www.bgchartford.org.
Hartford Legislators, Blue Hills Civic Association Welcome $3 Million to Support Job Training, Youth Services
Hartford Legislators, Blue Hills Civic Association Welcome $3 Million to Support Job Training, Youth Services
Today, state Senator Doug McCrory, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, and state Representative Joshua Hall, members of the Hartford legislative delegation, applauded the approval of $3 million by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission to renovate and expand the Blue Hills Civic Association’s administrative office and training center. The upgrades to the 6,000 sq. ft. facility and addition of 1,500 sq. ft. would allow the community action organization to serve over 2,000 residents per year. The enlarged building would house a training and learning center, a teen center, administrative offices, and multipurpose spaces.
The Blue Hills Civic Association has empowered hundreds of people living in north Hartford’s neighborhoods through school-year and summer youth employment programs, access to internship and career readiness opportunities, helping formerly incarcerated individuals receive employment assistance, and supporting youth-led community organizing to improve public safety.
“It is unquestionable the generational impact that the Blue Hills Civic Association has had on Hartford’s communities, particularly the city’s future leaders and changemakers,” said Sen. McCrory. “The benefits of this sizeable investment in the BHCA will be felt both in terms of expanding their facility and programs offered, but also in the lives of the community members they serve. I’m grateful that the governor and the members of the State Bond Commission also see the profound positive effect the BHCA has had on Hartford residents.”
“The Blue Hills Civic Association is committed to uplifting Hartford families. I am so pleased we can support their mission with this investment of state funding,” said Speaker of the House Ritter. “I want to thank Sen. McCrory, Rep. Hall and my colleagues from the Hartford delegation who worked so hard to see this through.”
“I am pleased that funding has been secured for the Blue Hills Civic Association. The impact this will have on families in the North End will reach far and wide. It’s investments in a program like this that will continue to uplift and build the surrounding community,” said Rep. Hall.
“On behalf of the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) I want to express our sincerest gratitude to State Senator Doug McCrory and State Representative Joshua Hall, who have championed BHCA’s cause regarding the betterment of our community for many years. I also want to thank House Speaker Matt Ritter, who listened to the voices of our residents and supported his colleagues in this endeavor,” said Executive Director Vicki Gallon-Clark of the BHCA. “Many thanks to Governor Ned Lamont and members of the State Bond Commission, who approved the $3 million dollars in funding to expand our facility in North Hartford.”
“This funding lays the foundation for a comprehensive training / retraining center and will allow us to partner with area educational institutions and local employers. As a result of these partnerships, BHCA will be able to create innovative programs, equip residents with the necessary skills to obtain employment in high growth fields, leading to viable career paths with sustainable wages – tying into BHCA’s organization’s mission and vision of creating stable and attractive neighborhoods and thriving economies,” continued Executive Director Vicki Gallon-Clark.
“The renovation of the Blue Hills Civic Association’s facility will enable this valuable organization to expand its services to the people of Hartford’s North End,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission. “I am glad that we can partner with the association to make this happen, and I appreciate Senator McCrory’s ongoing advocacy for this project.”
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $870,000 in State Bonding for Brass City Charter School
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $870,000 in State Bonding for Brass City Charter School
Today, state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) welcomed the approval by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission of $870,000 to fund the installation of an elevator adhering to ADA standards at Brass City Charter School, which serves children from Waterbury between pre-K to grade 8.
“Brass City Charter School is an outstanding learning institution committed to helping the children in their care reach their full academic goals, while instilling in a deep value for giving back to the community,” said Sen. Hartley. “I am thankful to Governor Lamont for lending his support to this funding, which will make needed upgrades to the school. Also, I want to recognize state Representatives Ron Napoli and Geraldo Reyes who have been active partners with me in supporting Brass City Charter School.”
“These state funds will help ensure that Brass City Charter School can continue providing so many young people in Waterbury with an excellent level of services and educational opportunities,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission. “I am glad that we can partner with the school to make this happen, and I appreciate Senator Hartley’s ongoing advocacy for this project.”
Brass City Charter School was founded in 2013 by a group of Waterbury educators and residents. The school, educators, and staff are dedicated to educating the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally – through a challenging, but nurturing education curriculum. Further, the school takes a long-term outlook that a high-quality education is key to future employment success, developing a well-rounded personal character, and breaking cycles of poverty in a community.
More information about Brass City Charter School’s values and programs can be found on their website.
Sen. Osten Welcomes $7.5 Million in State Bonding for Rham, Franklin And Lisbon
Sen. Osten Welcomes $7.5 Million in State Bonding for Rham, Franklin And Lisbon
State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today thanked the State Bond Commission for approving a combined $7.5 million in public infrastructure projects at RHAM High School and in the towns of Franklin and Lisbon.
The bonding includes $2 million to purchase of a backup electrical generator to be installed at RHAM High School in Hebron, thereby allowing the 256,000-square foot facility to be used as a regional emergency shelter during adverse weather events and other catastrophes. Sen. Osten had submitted a bill last month in the Appropriations Committee seeking the funding.
Other Eastern Connecticut bonding projects include $5 million to extend public sewer lines in Franklin approximately one-half mile from Route 32 at Murphy Road to Baltic Road. Another $500,000 will be spent to install sidewalks at the Strawberry Fields residential area located off Route 169.
“Hebron has libraries and churches and town offices that can provide temporary shelter for people in certain circumstances, but it’s not optimal and it’s not for the kind of long-term need that we would find with a blizzard or a hurricane. The high school is safe, modern, centrally located, and all it needs is a generator to turn it into a regional emergency shelter,” Sen Osten said. “The other investments for Franklin and Lisbon are the type of financial attention that the state should always be paying to the small towns that are home to hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents who pay their taxes and raise their families and run their businesses and who can and should benefit from the state investment of our limited bonding dollars.”
Senator Lesser Announces Rocky-Hill Glastonbury Ferry Ready for 2022 Season
Senator Lesser Announces Rocky-Hill Glastonbury Ferry Ready for 2022 Season
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) is announcing that the nation’s oldest continuously operating Rocky Hill – Glastonbury ferry is ready for the 2022 season. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will operate this year from April 1 to November 30. Due to the high water level, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will remain closed this weekend, with its opening date to be determined.
“I’ve been thrilled to champion our ferries – and grateful that the mighty ferryboat Cumberland will again be shuttling between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury on the nation’s oldest ferry operation,” Sen. Lesser said.
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America which began service in 1655. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched service in 1769.
Both ferries will operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles are welcome on both ferries.
Looney, Winfield Welcome State Bonding for New Haven
Looney, Winfield Welcome State Bonding for New Haven
HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senator Gary Winfield announced that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve bonding for renovations at the Montessori School on Edgewood to expand pre-school offerings and improvements at the Farnam Neighborhood Center, and renovations at the New Haven Animal Shelter.
“I would like to thank the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for approving these projects for New Haven,” said Senator Looney. “This state bonding will help us put more kids in early childhood classrooms, bring much-needed improvements to a community center, and provide an overhaul to our animal shelter that is in need of repair.”
“New Haven’s children, community members, and animal community will all benefit from this round of state support,” said Senator Winfield. “Thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for this infusion of state funding.”
“These state funds we are approving for New Haven will help ensure that infrastructure for several valued resources in the city remain modernized and in a good state of repair, and I am glad that we can partner with them on these projects,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.
“These community institutions provide important services and supports to New Haven’s children and families, and the state’s investment will help each of them expand their mission and work,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “I appreciate the State’s approval of these projects for the Elm City.”
The State Bond Commission is expected to approve:
- $2 million for improvements to the parking lot, building and pool in accordance with ADA requirements at the Farnam Neighborhood Center and Camp Farnam.
- $2 million to the Montessori School on Edgewood for the renovation of 1377 Ella T Grasso Blvd to expand pre-school offerings.
- $500,000 for renovations and improvements to the New Haven Animal Shelter including new HVAC, entry way and walkway improvements, and interior fixes. The full details of the restoration can be found here.
The Bond Agenda is set to be approved on Thursday, March 31.