Author: Devin James

SEN. OSTEN, REPS. WILSON AND RYAN WELCOME $4 MILLION STATE INVESTMENT TO REMEDIATE CAPEHART MILL, CREATE RIVERFRONT PARK

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 14, 2024

SEN. OSTEN, REPS. WILSON AND RYAN WELCOME $4 MILLION STATE INVESTMENT TO REMEDIATE CAPEHART MILL, CREATE RIVERFRONT PARK

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and state Representatives Derell Wilson (D-Norwich) and Kevin Ryan (D-Montville) today welcomed Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement that he has approved a series of state grants totaling $26.3 million to remediate and redevelop 130 acres of contaminated land in Connecticut, including $4 million for Norwich to clean up the former Capehart Textile Mill located in the Greeneville National Historic District and turn it into a riverfront park along the Shetucket River.

The state grant will be used to create a remedial action plan and an asbestos work plan, abatement, and demolition of buildings A & B, the skywalk, and 5th Street Bridge at the 6.05-acre former Capehart site.

“Like so many other vacant, blighted mill properties across the state, Capehart represents a part of Norwich’s historic manufacturing past. But now it’s an eyesore and a public safety hazard. We can turn it into a positive for the community, and that’s what this grant will help do,” Sen. Osten said. “The Norwich City Council has been working on this for some time, so I thank them and the governor for recognizing the opportunities that are available here to create local jobs and make something new and beautiful for our community to enjoy.”

“As the State Representative who lives directly in this district, a stone’s throw away from the mill, I’m sure this is an amazing and exciting time for all of the people from the Greenville area of Norwich,” Rep. Wilson said. This is a steppingstone in the right direction to rebuilding jobs and the community. I am excited to see Norwich continuing its revitalization efforts.”

“This forthcoming development marks a significant step for Norwich. The proposed remediation strategy encompasses the removal of current infrastructure and the creation of an area along the Shetucket River, further augmenting Norwich’s appeal for residents. This initiative has the potential to stimulate economic progression, address local employment needs, and furnish a much-needed recreational venue for our citizens,” said Rep. Ryan. “This investment represents a calculated step in the rejuvenation of Norwich, harnessing private capital and sustaining the city’s historic allure while attending to the modern needs of our residents.”

The grants announced today are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. These state investments are expected to leverage approximately $112.7 million in private investments, which is critical to bringing these 22 properties back into productive reuse.

The selected projects will boost economic development and job growth, as well as aid in the development of new housing. In total, the projects are expected to create approximately 1,285 jobs and 373 units of housing, including 148 affordable units. Approximately 58% of the overall funding is being awarded to projects in distressed municipalities.

“Nobody wants to have old, polluted, and blighted properties in their neighborhood that sit vacant for decades, especially when that land could be used to grow new businesses and create housing for people who need it,” Governor Lamont said. “This state program enables us to partner with municipalities and developers to bring these lifeless properties back from the dead.”

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STATE SENATOR CECI MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT BUMP STOCK DECISION

Posted on by Devin James

June 14, 2024

STATE SENATOR CECI MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT BUMP STOCK DECISION

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s action to strike down a federal ban on bump stocks, a firearm component that can be used to significantly increase the firing rate of a semiautomatic rifle:

“It was nearly seven years ago that bump stocks in the hands of an individual led to the deaths of 60 people and injuries of hundreds of others at a Las Vegas music festival in ten minutes. Just two years ago, a white supremacist used bump stocks on firearms to target Black victims in a Buffalo supermarket, killing 10 people in a few minutes’ time. The Supreme Court’s decision today will most likely lead to more tragedies. Technicalities about what constitutes a machine gun in relation to bump stocks, as argued by Justice Thomas, ignore that the shooter in Las Vegas was able to fire more than 100 bullets per minute using a bump stock. With this new decision, Congress needs to act and prevent these dangerous tools from being used to perpetrate future violence. But, as its leaders refuse to even call a vote on the issue, I fear the Supreme Court’s decision will lead to more gun violence across our country in years to come.”
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Maher Welcomes $200,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant For Gilbert and Bennet Wire Mill In Redding

Posted on by Devin James
June 14, 2024

Senator Maher Welcomes $200,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant For Gilbert and Bennet Wire Mill In Redding

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the announcement that Redding will receive a $200,000 planning grant for the Georgetown Neighborhood, with a specific focus on the revitalization and redevelopment of the former Gilbert and Bennet Wire Mill brownfield site.

This comes just weeks after Redding leaders celebrated a federal Environmental Protection Agency brownfields cleanup grant valued at nearly $2 million for the same site, a 44-acre property that has not been in operation for decades and could provide important resources to the local community.

“All of this support, including this most recent grant, provide Redding with the resources necessary to truly support its residents and redevelop this site for purposes including housing, business or outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m grateful that Redding is continuing to work toward these significant improvements.”

This $200,000 planning grant will support comprehensive planning of the Georgetown neighborhood, specifically revitalizing and redeveloping the brownfield site. It previously operated as a wire mill for more than 150 years and its soil is contaminated with hazardous materials and petroleum products from factory operations of the past.

The town also received a $200,000 remediation grant in June 2023, which was directed for studying of contamination levels at the site.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Celebrates $8 Million in State Aid for Bridgeport Redevelopment Projects

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Celebrates $8 Million in State Aid for Bridgeport Redevelopment Projects

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston welcomed the approval of a total of $8 million in state grants Friday to fund the remediation and redevelopment of two significant sites in Bridgeport, paving the way for future revitalization of the area including the development of a new soccer stadium.

The first $4 million grant will be used to fund demolition and remediation projects on the former 16-acre greyhound racetrack site at 255 Kossuth Street. This site is slated for development into a soccer stadium by Connecticut Sports Group, LLC, in a project that is eventually expected to include a hotel and community park.

A separate $4 million grant will help fund the completion of a remediation project on a nearly 3-acre site located at 141 and 173 Stratford Ave. This clean-up effort will clear the way for the development of public waterfront access, a boardwalk, and a community soccer field.

“These grants represent a tremendous opportunity to transform blighted areas into vibrant, functional spaces that will benefit the entire Bridgeport community,” Senator Gaston, D-Bridgeport, said. “The exciting development of a new soccer stadium will bring economic growth, job opportunities, and recreational spaces for our residents. I am thrilled to see the positive impact these initiatives will have and I extend my sincere thanks to Governor Lamont for his support in making this possible.”

The grants for Bridgeport were among dozens announced Friday by the governor. In total, the state aid amounted to $26.3 million, which will help fund remediation projects at 22 properties in 17 municipalities across Connecticut.

“Nobody wants to have old, polluted, and blighted properties in their neighborhood that sit vacant for decades, especially when that land could be used to grow new businesses and create housing for people who need it,” Governor Lamont said. “This state program enables us to partner with municipalities and developers to bring these lifeless properties back from the dead.”

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $345,000 IN REMEDIATION GRANTS FOR EAST HARTFORD

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 14, 2024

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $345,000 IN REMEDIATION GRANTS FOR EAST HARTFORD

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was ecstatic to hear that the Department of Economic and Community Development will provide three brownfield remediation grants to East Hartford totaling $345,000. The three grants will support assessment and planning in areas of town that would benefit from redevelopment, furthering reuse and environmental cleanup of important town sites.

“Remediating and cleaning brownfield sites and blight in our communities will directly support business and economic growth, support our environment and benefit residents through improved use of local resources,” said Sen. Anwar. “These grants will play a valuable role in the future of East Hartford.”

East Hartford’s new grants include:

  • $200,000 for a planning grant to examine the Burnside and Church Street Village Area in town, with the goal of addressing potentially contaminated structures and creating a comprehensive plan for the site’s future uses.
  • $95,000 for the assessment of the site located at 164 School Street, which is currently owned by United Steel. This assessment will support the company’s expansion of its operations, creating new tax revenue and a second shift, supporting growth of local tax revenue and local jobs.
  • $50,000 for environmental site assessments of the underused building located at 1016 Main Street to determine a remediation and development strategy for the property, which previously served to host multiple theaters in town.
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Senator Maroney Welcomes Remediation Grant For Former Country Club of Woodbridge

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 14, 2024

Senator Maroney Welcomes Remediation Grant For Former Country Club of Woodbridge

Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) welcomed the Department of Economic and Community Development’s announcement that Woodbridge will receive a significant grant to aid the assessment of a key property through the Brownfield Remediation and Development Program.

“It’s encouraging to know our local resources like this important property are receiving support from the state to support future uses,” said Sen. Maroney. “I’m looking forward to the findings of these planning efforts to support future housing or development.”

Woodbridge will receive $132,000 for a planning grant that will assess a 155-acre property, which formerly served as the Country Club of Woodbridge. The funds will help advance a comprehensive redevelopment vision for housing or mixed-use development in town.

Woodbridge leaders purchased the property in 2009 to prevent development there after previous owners went bankrupt. Last year, the town issued a Request for Proposal for a comprehensive plan regarding recommendations for the site’s use, with a master plan hoped to balance potential environmental protection, housing types, or passive recreational infrastructure based on residents’ wishes.
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SENATOR MARX, MAYOR PASSERO WELCOME NEW LONDON BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT

Posted on by Devin James

June 14, 2024

SENATOR MARX, MAYOR PASSERO WELCOME NEW LONDON BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) and New London Mayor Michael Passero welcomed an announced $200,000 grant that New London will receive through the Department of Economic and Community Development to support future remediation of six parcels in town.

“Redeveloping these sites will provide strong opportunities for our city to reuse key properties to benefit the city for decades to come,” said Sen. Marx. “I will follow this work closely as I’m excited by the prospect of cleaning up these locations and finding new ways to revitalize them.”

“This latest Brownfield Grant is yet another significant investment by the state in the redevelopment of downtown New London,” said Mayor Passero. “We are extremely grateful for the Governor’s partnership and the work of our state delegation that is helping to drive the great economic revival of our central business district.”

The grant, issued through the Brownfield Remediation and Development Program, will prepare environmental site assessments of six parcels on Bank Street and Meridian Street in New London to determine a remediation strategy for future revitalization of the properties.

Completing the work in question will enable New London to utilize an existing federal Environmental Protection Agency grant worth $1 million to aid remediation activities at the sites in question.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Portland Leaders Welcome $200,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 14, 2024

Portland Leaders Welcome $200,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Portland) and Portland First Selectman Ryan Curley supported the announcement that Portland will receive a grant valued at $200,000 through the state’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program to support the development of a new master plan for downtown, including work on three brownfield parcels in the region.

“This is excellent news, and encouraging to hear as I’ve been working in support of this project for some time now,” said Sen. Needleman. “Our state’s continued efforts to turn derelict and unused properties into new community resources will have transformative effects over time.”

“For years, Portland has made a concerted effort to rehabilitate key properties downtown,” said Rep. Carpino. “This is an important part of the puzzle, as the plan will allow us to put the pieces together.”

“This is amazing news for the Town of Portland and we are grateful to all of our partners at the state level for supporting this initiative,” said First Selectman Curley.

According to the Department of Economic and Community Development, Portland will receive a $200,000 planning grant to develop a new master plan for downtown. This plan will encompass the Riverfront Overlay Zone and Town Village District in Portland, including brownfield parcels at three locations on Brownstone Avenue.

Portland previously received a $750,000 grant in 2016 for remediation work adjacent to the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park in Portland at these three sites.
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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, FIRST SELECTMAN DENNLER WELCOME $1.126 MILLION BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT FOR COLCHESTER

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 14, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, FIRST SELECTMAN DENNLER WELCOME $1.126 MILLION BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT FOR COLCHESTER

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and Colchester First Selectman Bernie Dennler welcomed the news that Colchester will receive a grant valued at more than $1.1 million through the state’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program to support the remediation of a former mill site that will be turned into a park for passive recreation.

“This is excellent news, and encouraging to hear as I’ve been working in support of this project for some time now,” said Sen. Needleman. “Our state’s continued efforts to turn derelict and unused properties into new community resources will have transformative effects over time.”

“We are so grateful to the Department of Economic and Community Development and our state leaders for supporting the remediation efforts at Norton Paper Mill,” said First Selectman Dennler. “When complete, Norton Park will be a beautiful addition to the Westchester area that will celebrate Colchester history and provide passive recreation opportunities for people of all ages.”

According to the Department of Economic and Community Development, Colchester will receive $1,125,700 through this program to complete remediation of approximately 3,200 cubic yards of impacted soil at the former Norton Paper Mill Site. Once the work is complete, the property will be turned into a public park in town.

Colchester previously received a grant of $518,000 through the Remedial Action and Redevelopment Municipal Grant Program in 2016 supporting what is expected to become the Norton Park. The town acquired the property that year.

Earlier this year, the town also accepted two grants from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection supporting the park’s cleanup and redevelopment, as well as a contract to complete flood management certification before environmental remediation could begin.

The Norton Paper Mill operated from the 1880s to the 1960s, manufacturing a variety of paper products.
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SEN. FLEXER, REP. BOYD WELCOME STATE INVESTMENT IN POMFRET PUBLIC LIBRARY

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

SEN. FLEXER, REP. BOYD WELCOME STATE INVESTMENT IN POMFRET PUBLIC LIBRARY

POMFRET — State Senator Mae Flexer state Representative Pat Boyd (D-Pomfret) are welcoming State Bond Commission approval of more than a million dollars for upgrades to the Pomfret Public Library.

On Friday, June 7, the State Bond Commission approved $1,011,297 for alterations at the Pomfret Public Library to improve existing space with the addition of meeting and activity rooms. The state grant will pay for half of the total project cost of $2,022,594.

The Pomfret Public Library was built in 1739 and was the first public library in eastern Connecticut. The library receives more than 10,000 visitors a year and hosts a variety of programs every week that attract more than 2,000 attendees.

“A library is the heart of any community, and that has been true in Pomfret for almost 300 years. This more than million-dollar state investment will allow this dynamic library to expand the incredible opportunities that are available to everyone in the community, from toddlers to seniors,” Sen. Flexer said. “This project will be transformative for the Pomfret Public Library.”

“The Pomfret Public Library expansion is a critical investment in our community, helping to transform it into a modern community and library space,” said Rep. Boyd. “I want to extend my thanks to Governor Lamont and members of the State Bond Commission for considering the project and approving funding for it. A library with updated technology and amenities will provide a more connected and enriching experience to residents.”

“This project comes at a crucial time,” First Selectwoman Maureen Nicholson. “The need for connection is growing as we become more dependent on remote interactions. Pomfret’s Public Library provides a variety of opportunities for residents to meet and socialize in person in a time of growing isolation. With the space this addition will provide, our community will be enriched with greater opportunities and expanded spaces to come together. When we gather, our community fabric grows stronger, our residents feel connected, and our lives are enhanced.”

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