HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of state funds for the City of New Haven and Town of Hamden for the development of new housing and infrastructure improvements.
“The need for affordable, quality housing is rising due to the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut residents. The redevelopment of the Antillean Manor Co-op will improve quality of life and ease financial hardship for residing families,” said Sen. Looney. “The clearing of snow and repair to roads is a concern of every neighborhood. I’m pleased cities and towns will receive assistance in paying for these necessary municipal services. Plus, the state’s investment will benefit the continued improvement of local transportation infrastructure. Thank you to Governor Lamont and members of the bond commission who approved these funds that will support the short and long-term needs of our area’s residents and businesses.”
Antillean Estates will receive $3.1 million in a zero-interest loan to raze the existing Antillean Manor Co-op in New Haven and build in the same place a new 31-apartment unit development for low-income residents. Five one-bedroom apartments will be reserved for individuals or families at 25% area median income. The remaining 11 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom, and one four-bedroom apartments will be set aside for families at or falling below 50% of area median income. The existing long-term housing payment assistance contracts ensure residents will not experience an increase in rent and will continue to pay no more than 30% of income toward rent payments.
A project to replace a bridge carrying Ferry Street over the Amtrak train line will be awarded $7.3 million in total funds. The close to $6 million in federal funding was made possible by the federal government matching the state’s contribution of almost $1.5 million toward the project.
New Haven will receive $1,254,250 and Hamden will get $672,164 in Town Aid Road grants. The grant funding helps municipalities cover costs for snow removal, road repairs, and tree-clearing on public streets. The formula that determined the grant amounts New Haven and Hamden would receive were set in the 2020-21 budget passed by Democratic legislators in the state Senate and state House of Representatives.