Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain, Berlin) and Representative Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin) today announced the approval of state funding to further the work of Berlin’s Façade and Landscape program. The funding will allow Berlin to continue improving commercial properties and pedestrian infrastructure around the train station, attracting new businesses and residents to the community.
“Easy access to rail and other forms of transportation are a great asset to the people of Berlin. The train station allows people to commute to work, and also helps attract visitors interested in our local shops and great restaurants,” said Senator Gerratana. “I have worked with my colleague, Representative Aresimowicz, to secure funding for this and many other projects around Berlin’s transit-oriented development zone. The Façade and Landscape Program has been responsible for great improvements throughout Berlin, and I’m glad we are able to support them as they continue their work.”
“Berlin has made great headway in the design and planning phase of the project to revitalize our downtown area and increase economic development,” said Representative Aresimowicz. “This grant will allow the town to turn those plans into reality, by moving forward with the construction phase of the project and taking the next steps to make Berlin’s downtown area an appealing place to both businesses—old and new—and community members.”
Berlin will receive $500,000 to fund additional projects under the Town’s successful Façade and Landscape Program, which was previously funded through STEAP. This program provides assistance to commercial property owners in the rail TOD zone, and core shopping districts to upgrade their facades and landscaping. The program will help retain and attract new businesses and encourage pedestrian activity in the vicinity of the rail station.
This funding is one of twenty projects around Connecticut that will be receiving state support. The funding comes from a competitive grant program under the state’s Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and relies on a combination of funding from the Responsible Growth Incentive Fund and the Transit-Oriented Development and Pre-development Fund.