Matt Lesser

STATE SEN. MATT LESSER VOTES TO APPROVE PLAN FOR $4 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ROCKY HILL, WETHERSFIELD

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser voted to approve the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Plan which includes $2 million in federal funding to renovate the Rocky Hill Housing Authority, as well as $2 million to renovate the Harvey Fuller Senior Housing in Wethersfield.

The Rocky Hill Housing Authority consists of 40 units built in the 1970s. These funds, if given final approval by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will allow the Housing Authority to replace the original 1970s windows in all 40 units, install new flooring in 35 units, replace the roofs of 7 buildings, bring ADA units up to code, create 9 new ADA parking spaces and 2 Electric Vehicle charging ports, as well as other necessary plumbing and electrical updates.

“These funds are critical to offering folks safe, clean and affordable housing options,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m eager to see these federal funds receive their final approval so we can provide necessary updates to these housing developments that are home to some of our most vulnerable residents.” Senator Lesser recently visited the Rocky Hill Housing Authority to meet with residents and staff, where he heard about the need for these upgrades.

“I’m excited to see this money finally come to fruition after a long and arduous grant writing process led by Executive Director Susan Moore and her entire housing authority team. Our investment in these homes will provide longevity in affordable housing stock that has a five year waiting list for entry. This is the start of what I hope will be a continued investment into more of this type of housing so that we can expand access and reduce wait times,” said Rep. Kerry Wood.

“On behalf of the Chairperson, the Board of commissioners and the Executive Director, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who assisted us in obtaining the CDBG funds. The 2 million dollars will be utilized for necessary ADA accessibility modifications in the apartments as well as in the community and building structure renovations. Sustainability and safety is our first and foremost priority for our older adult and disabled population who reside at RHHA.” said Susan Moores Carotenuti, Executive Director of the Rocky Hill Housing Authority.

“I would like to thank Senator Matt Lesser, Representative Wood, The Board of Commissioners and Executive Director Susan Carotenuti for all their hard work in obtaining the rehabilitation grant for the 36 Willow Road Project” said Ken Goldberg, Chair of the Rocky Hill Housing Authority.

The Small Cities CDBG Program’s goal is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate-income. The CDBG Program is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is under the cognizance of the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH). The funds will need approval from HUD within 45 days of submission of the state plan.

The plan was approved Thursday by a vote of the Housing, Commerce, and Appropriations Committees. Lesser serves as a member of Appropriations and as Vice Chair of Housing.