East Hartford Delegation Announces Bond Funding For Housing Development And Preservation, Local Upgrades
Today, the East Hartford delegation, including State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford), State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford) and State Representative Henry Genga (D-East Hartford), proudly announced the town will receive more than $3 million in state funds as the State Bond Commission approved allocations at its meeting today.
The funds will be used for projects including support and development of new housing and protection of existing affordable housing, renovations and improvements at East Hartford schools and repairs at Rentschler Field.
“Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission deserve credit for their support of our community, and I thank them for their consideration,” said Sen. Anwar. “These funds will play important roles in our community, making East Hartford’s schools more up-to-date for students to better learn in, supporting both existing affordable housing and new single-family housing, and helping Rentschler Field meet higher quality standards. I’m excited to see these projects advance and progress.”
“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued commitment to our community and their investment in these projects. This funding will help us improve existing multi-family housing and assist with the development of new single-family housing ensuring that East Hartford remains a community welcoming families to begin their home ownership journey,” said Majority Leader Rojas. “The support for the renovation of the auditoriums at East Hartford Middle School and lecture hall at East Hartford High School will have immense benefits for our students and the many community groups that utilize those spaces. Having never been renovated before, this funding will ensure these spaces can have a long lasting impact on our community.”
“I am proud to have worked alongside the East Hartford delegation, local officials, and the State Bond Commission to secure critical funds for the preservation of affordable apartments at Veterans Terrace on Columbus Street and Circle, which is in the 11th House District. This project will continue the progress made at Veterans Terrace to update and upgrade housing, bringing new life and energy to this important neighborhood,” said Rep. Currey. “I am also pleased to see funding that will make key upgrades and improvements to East Hartford schools and to Rentschler Field. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the entire State Bond Commission for supporting critical investments in our residents and community.”
“These projects will have a wide-ranging impact on our community – developing more affordable and single-family housing will provide individuals with economically viable living options, the renovations in East Hartford Middle and High School will ensure that the quality of our student’s learning spaces matches the quality of their education, and the repairs to Rentschler Field will help maintain its status as a destination venue for various acts and performances. I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support of East Hartford,” said Rep. Genga.
“I am glad that we can partner with the Town of East Hartford and other local partners on these projects, particularly because they will help increase the allotment of affordable housing units in the town and make much-needed upgrades to the town’s school facilities,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.
During the State Bond Commission’s July 29 meeting, it approved funding allocations for East Hartford including:
- $1 million to aid the preservation of 51 affordable apartments on Columbus Circle and Columbus Street in East Hartford
- $258,162 for the demolition of the former McCartin Elementary School to make the site available for the development of single-family housing
- $600,000 for improvements and upgrades to the East Hartford Community Auditorium at East Hartford Middle School
- $293,081 for auditorium and lecture hall improvements at East Hartford High School
- A portion of $1 million to support repairs at Rentschler Field, including repairs and refurbishment to back-of-house facilities and repair work in the stadium bowl.
Press Conference To Announce Bonding To Be Allocated To Two Projects In Cromwell
Press Conference To Announce Bonding To Be Allocated To Two Projects In Cromwell
Tomorrow, Friday, July 29, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) along with other local town officials will hold a press conference to highlight state bonding set to be approved early Friday morning. The state Bond Commission is set to approve funding, that Senator Lesser secured, to expand Pierson Park in Cromwell and to expand the sidewalks near Town Hall.
$1.5 million is set to be allocated to replace the old public works building, create a multi-use facility, and to expand Pierson Park. Pierson Park is home to the co-op Cromwell and Portland High School Football Team and this funding is critical to help provide the resources needed for the team.
Also, $750,000 is set to be allocated to expand the sidewalks for easier access to the Town Hall, town library, and senior center.
WHO:
Senator Matt Lesser
Deputy Mayor Steve Fortenbach
Town Manager Anthony Salvatore
Superintendent Enza Macri
Athletic Director Kelly Maher
Coach Randell
Football Players
WHAT:
Press conference to announce bonding set to be allocated to Pierson Park and sidewalks in Cromwell.
WHEN:
Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Pierson Park in Cromwell
Located directly next to the Police Department at 5 West Street, Cromwell CT 06416
New Britain Legislators Laud Funds For The Human Resource Agency
New Britain Legislators Laud Funds For The Human Resource Agency
Representatives Manny Sanchez (D-New Britain, Newington), Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain),
Peter Tercyak (D-New Britain) and Senator Rick Lopes (Berlin, Farmington, New Britain) are
pleased to announce the inclusion of funding for the Human Resource Agency (HRA) of New Britain for
security upgrades by the State Bond Commission when it meets next week on Friday, July 29th.
The Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. is a multi-service non-profit organization dedicated
to increasing economic self-sufficiency among individuals and families residing in greater New Britain,
Bristol, and surrounding towns. Programs include a wide variety of services including early childhood
education, employment and training, energy and housing, and health and wellness.
“This is a project that has been a priority for HRA since 2017. I am pleased that through my advocacy,
and with the help of the delegation, I was able to secure the necessary funds,” Rep. Manny Sanchez
said. “This is an important project that, when completed, is designed to increase safety by serving as a
physical barrier from potential danger while supporting a healthy learning environment. I thank the
House leadership, Governor Lamont and his team for prioritizing and placing this item on the agenda.”
“The Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. is a life-changing non-profit that has connected
countless residents to job training, health services, and other vital community supports. Thank you to
Rep. Manny Sanchez for leading the delegation’s efforts to secure these funds and to Governor Lamont
for his support of the HRA’s mission serving residents across the New Britain area,” said Sen. Rick
Lopes. “These funds will further the HRA’s ability to serve its clients, while creating a safer space for
both staff and clients.”
“HRA has a long history of enriching lives through the many vital programs and services they offer New
Britain and the greater area,” Rep. Robert Sanchez said. “These funds will go a long way toward
enhancing services and addressing the unfortunate necessity of helping to ensure the safety of program
providers, participants and those seeking services. I commend my colleague Rep. Manny Sanchez for
being instrumental in securing this funding and Governor Lamont and House leaders for considering this
item.”
“The Human Resource Agency has made a crucial impact to our community. Everyone familiar with
them can attest to the great work they have done. I am thrilled that they will receive this much needed
funding,” Rep. Peter Tercyak said.
Funding in the amount of $1,100,000 is included in item 52-O of the agenda. Among the security
enhancements is a lobby redesign that will create a hub to improve and monitor traffic coordination,
limit access to the building, create a more user-friendly central program application room for clients,
secure windows on the ground floor, and increase line of vision for security personnel.
Duff Statement on Passing of Former Norwalk Mayor Bill Collins
Duff Statement on Passing of Former Norwalk Mayor Bill Collins
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement regarding the passing of former Norwalk Mayor and State Representative Bill Collins:
“I’m saddened to hear the news of Bill Collins’ passing. Bill is not only our former State Representative and Mayor, but he is a friend and neighbor.
“Bill helped inspire me to public service when I wrote to him as an eight year old about the future of Duffy Field, now Veterans Park. The fact that he actually answered me back speaks volumes about his character. I still have his letter hanging in my office, which always reminds me to help the next generation into public service.
“Bill was a visionary leader who began the revitalization of Washington Street, supported the vision of The Maritime Aquarium and made sure the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion was saved. He made long-term decisions for the betterment of Norwalk even if they weren’t always popular at the time.
“Bill’s legacy with the city he loved and the people he represented will live on for generations. I will miss him, but Bill will always have a special place in my heart.”
West Hartford Legislative Delegation Helps Secure Funding For Important Projects
West Hartford Legislative Delegation Helps Secure Funding For Important Projects
Today, West Hartford leaders including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Representatives Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford), Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford) and Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) and West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, as well as Governor Ned Lamont, announced that as much as $8.905 million in state bond funding supporting important West Hartford projects was placed on the State Bond Commission’s agenda for its July 29 meeting, indicating the funding will be released to support these community events.
Roughly $1.5 million of the funds will support rehabilitation of Park Road from Quaker Lane South to Prospect Avenue with pedestrian and bicycle improvements; $4 million will support the preservation of 65 affordable apartments; $1.91 million will contribute to construction of operational lanes on I-84 through West Hartford; and the Noah Webster House Museum will receive $415,000. The Bond Commission is also expected to release $1.08 million to support an extension of the Trout Brook Trail, which is hoped to eventually stretch 3.5 miles across West Hartford.
“I am pleased to see bonding dollars on the next meeting agenda to significantly support West Hartford’s future – especially the completion of the Park Road Rehabilitation project and renovations to the Noah Webster House Museum,” said Rep. Farrar. “Park Road is a vibrant West Hartford business and residential neighborhood, and this project will help make the area more walkable, bikeable, and safer for all. The Noah Webster House is one of West Hartford’s historical treasures and this funding will help preserve this landmark and our town’s history,” said State Representative Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford). “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for investing in West Hartford.”
“These state investments will improve quality of life for West Hartford residents and this will happen without putting more pressure on our local budget and property taxes,” said Sen. Slap. “I am grateful to the Lamont administration for partnering with us and for understanding that property taxes alone cannot support important local projects. Mayor Cantor’s leadership helped to make this happen, as well as a legislative delegation that works collaboratively. I look forward to the bond commission officially approving these investments next week and continuing to strengthen our town.”
“Whether running, biking, or walking, West Hartford residents enjoy our community’s outdoor spaces,” saidRep. Gilchrest. “I’m so appreciative to the Governor and Bond Commission for supporting these projects and contributing to a healthier and safer community.”
“I want to thank Gov. Lamont and my colleagues in the West Hartford delegation for working collaboratively on these important investments in West Hartford,” said Rep. Exum. “From the affordable housing for seniors to the improvements to Park Road, these projects will improve quality of life in our town and strengthen our economy.”
“I am glad that we can partner with West Hartford to advance these projects that will bring a number of improvements to the town,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the Bond Commission. “Keeping our roads safe for commuters, pedestrians, and bicyclists is a critical component of what makes a community a livable place to do business and raise a family. In addition, these affordable housing investments offer tremendous benefits to the success of our state and our local communities.”
“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the West Hartford legislative delegation for working with the town to identify important projects that will make West Hartford an even better place to live, visit, work, play and retire,” said Mayor Cantor. “This is a great example of all levels of government working together to support our local residents with projects that improve the quality of life with state funding. Therefore, these meaningful projects will be paid for through state funds and not the town’s property taxes. My sincere appreciation for this assistance.”
The State Bond Commission agenda for July 29 lists $1.5 million in funds for the Park Road rehabilitation project, which will include repaving the roadway, review and potential implementation of bicycle lanes, replacement of sidewalk surfaces, addition of traffic calming sidewalks and additions of business directories and a community event board. This will provide a clear and distinctive identity for Park Road, make visiting West Hartford easier and provide a gateway from Park Road to Hartford’s Park Street and Parkville, representing significant economic opportunities for hundreds of small businesses.
An additional $4 million in funding will be used to provide a grant-in-aid to assist with the preservation of 65 affordable apartments on Starkel Road in West Hartford under the Flexible Housing Program, which provides quality, affordable housing for Connecticut residents supporting homeownership and mixed income developments.
In the agenda, $1.912 million in funding will be committed to the construction of operational lanes on Interstate 84 through West Hartford, part of a larger initiative to support and renovate state transportation infrastructure.
The Noah Webster House Museum will receive $415,000 in grant funding, according to the agenda, for renovations and improvements to the property.
The Bond Commission is expected to release an additional $1.08 million in funding to further develop the Trout Brook Trail, with funds supporting construction of a 2,900-foot stretch of multi-use trail connecting existing and future sections in an eventual 3.5-mile completed trail. The trail will provide not only recreational benefits but provide for local commuting and a foot-traffic connection to three different business districts in town.
Senator Haskell Announces $1.05 Million In State Bond Funding For Westport, Ridgefield Projects
Senator Haskell Announces $1.05 Million In State Bond Funding For Westport, Ridgefield Projects
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced that $1.05 million in state bond funding is scheduled to be approved and released at the Bond Commission’s scheduled meeting on July 29 supporting community projects in the 26th District. Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park will receive $750,000 in funding to support storage resources while Ridgefield will receive $300,000 to support accessible playgrounds at two elementary schools.
“I’ve visited Sherwood Island State Park with Governor Lamont on multiple occasions, and it’s clear he understands the regional importance of this beautiful coastal resource. It’s no surprise that he’s stepped up to support infrastructure improvements at Sherwood Island, ensuring the park is prepared to welcome visitors for generations to come,” said Sen. Haskell. “I also want to thank my colleague Rep. Berger-Girvalo, who fights tirelessly on behalf of the Ridgefield Public Schools. I always have her back in that fight, and I was thrilled to support her work to fund accessible and fun playgrounds for Ridgefield’s elementary school students.”
According to the State Bond Commission’s agenda for its July 29 meeting, the state will release $750,000 for work at Sherwood Island State Park for the renovation of a storage facility and addition of a new equipment storage building. Additionally, Ridgefield will receive $300,000 to support accessible playgrounds at Ridgebury and Barlow Elementary Schools.
Sen. Cabrera Applauds Bond Funding for Replacement Generator at Griffin Hospital
Sen. Cabrera Applauds Bond Funding for Replacement Generator at Griffin Hospital
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) applauded the state’s Bond Commission for including $1.3 million in funding to provide a grant-in-aid to Griffin Hospital in Derby for the replacement of an emergency generator
“I’d like to thank Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria for initiating this request and the rest of the delegation for their involvement and bipartisanship,” said Sen. Cabrera. “In the event of a bad storm or incident that could knock the power out, we all want the peace of mind of knowing if we have a loved one in the hospital, or if we’re in the hospital, that the outage won’t compromise the care received.”
Griffin Hospital, on 130 Division Street in Derby, serves more than 130,000 residents in its 160-bed facility, per the hospital’s website. Griffin Hospital is the only hospital to be named to FORTUNE Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for ten consecutive years, the only Connecticut hospital recognized four times by the Joint Commission as a ”Top Quality Performer” on key quality measures, and a recipient of The Leapfrog Group’s “A” Grade for Patient Safety for six consecutive periods, also per the hospital’s website.
The state’s Bond Commission is slated to meet to approve the funding on July 29.
Senator Osten Welcomes State Bonding For Sheltering Arms Renovations, New Bath House At Salt Rock State Forest
Senator Osten Welcomes State Bonding For Sheltering Arms Renovations, New Bath House At Salt Rock State Forest
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) announce today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $3 million in renovations for the Sheltering Arms residential care home in Norwich, and another $550,000 for a new bath house at Salt Rock State Forest in Sprague, when it meets next week in Hartford.
“I’m always working to ensure that eastern Connecticut gets its fair share of state bonding every year, and Sheltering Arms and Salt Rock State Forest are two valuable regional assets that I know will benefit from this infusion of state funding,” Sen. Osten said. “I’ve visited Sheltering Arms a dozen times, and I know what a fantastic job they do keeping their residents healthy and happy. And anyone who has ever visited or camped at Salt Rock on the Shetucket River knows how important a renovated bath house will be. So these are two great investments in eastern Connecticut that I was happy to advocate for and help secure.”
The State Bond Commission is poised to approve a $3 million grant for Sheltering Arms for building renovations, updated mechanical and electric systems, and updates to bedrooms, bathrooms, and elevators. Sheltering Arms originally opened in 1877 at a different location; it has been in its present location since the late 1920’s. The 30-room residential care community for men and women over 60 years of age offers a less restrictive alternative for seniors who could benefit from supervised retirement living.
“I want thank Cathy profusely for her efforts in securing this funding; it will have a huge impact on Sheltering Arms,” said Jennifer Granger, President and CEO of United Community & Family Services (UCFS), which operates Sheltering Arms. “The building was built in 1927; this bonding will allow us to modernize the property and make it nice for the community. There have been some renovations over time, but the layout of the rooms and bathrooms has remained the same. One of the goals of the $3 million is to create more rooms with their own bathrooms. That’s especially important, considering the recent pandemic and the need for strict infection control.”
“This funding is not only beneficial for our current residents, but for future residents as well,” said Katherine Ramos, Vice President of Eldercare Services at Sheltering Arms. “This funding will modernize and enhance the home and bring it into the modern age.”
The State Bond Commission is also set to approve $550,000 for a new bath house at Salt Rock State Forest. Covering 149 wooded acres in a rural setting that was once farmland, Salt Rock offers walking trails, river and fishing access and a campground with 71 tent and recreational vehicle sites, some of which have utilities. There are also showers, restrooms, two in-ground swimming pools (which open in mid-June), and a dumping station
Senator Lesser Releases Statement on Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Senator Lesser Releases Statement on Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, is releasing a statement after insurance companies in Connecticut asked the state Insurance Department to approve rate hikes for health insurance plans that start in 2023.
“The jaw-dropping rate hikes proposed by health insurance companies underscore why I’ve been beating the drumbeat for health care reform, including a public option. The industry is simply not meeting the needs of Connecticut’s families and small businesses. It’s increasingly clear that Connecticut’s health insurance industry needs to be rescued from itself.”
Senator Lesser also said, “These rate requests show that my colleagues, including almost every Republican, who believed the industry that reform wasn’t needed and who fought the Public Option were hoodwinked.
Connecticut’s economy is only as strong as the health of our small businesses. But the small group insurance market – which serves Connecticut’s small businesses – is broken.
I will continue to fight for real reform. I also expect to work closely with Attorney General Tong and the Office of Health Care Advocate to ensure that these proposals receive the scrutiny they deserve before a single rate increase is approved.”
Rate increases requested by insurance companies range as high as 34.6% for small group (small business) customers of ConnectiCare and 23% for small group (small business) customers of CIGNA, Oxford and UnitedHealth.
Ellington Delegation Announces Bond Funding Supporting Town
Ellington Delegation Announces Bond Funding Supporting Town
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Jaime Foster (D-Ellington) announced the State Bond Commission included $443,856 in state bond funding in its agenda for its July 29 meeting supporting projects in Ellington. Specifically, the funds will aid park improvements as well as a municipal charging station.
“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for dedicating funds to Ellington,” said Sen. Anwar. “Improving our parks will aid local recreation and provide a stronger quality of life in our community, while a municipal charging station in town is an important resource to aid clean vehicle technology and clean air for our region.”
“We’ve worked hard to support community groups and municipal leaders to make improvements to our towns,” said Rep. Foster. “These park improvements can be transformative and allow the town to capitalize on existing funds, equipment and plans.”
The Bond Commission agenda for the July 29 meeting lists $443,856 in state funding to be released to Ellington. Those funds are listed to be used to support park improvements as well as the installation of a municipal charging station for electric vehicles.