Doug McCrory

Sen. McCrory Welcomes $5.5 Million for Supporting Hartford’s Youth, the Connecticut Convention Center, and Community Investment Projects

Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) celebrated the approval of $5.5 million by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission to support several initiatives and organizations in Hartford. The collective funding will enhance recreational and enrichment opportunities for Hartford’s youth, upgrades to city attractions, economic development, and neighborhood historic preservation.

In particular, $500,000 each has been approved for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and the YMCA of Greater Hartford. For the YMCA of Greater Hartford, the state funding will support capital improvements and upgrades at their Wilson-Gray YMCA location on Albany Avenue.

The state funding approved for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford (BGCH) will support the renovation of the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club. The renovated Boys & Girls Club in the northwest part of Hartford is planned to include a computer center, host a full-service gymnasium, and all-purpose areas available for community groups to use.

“We build a stronger city when we make across-the-board investments in community supports. Thank you to Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission membership, and my partners in the Hartford legislative delegation and numerous community advocates for the collective effort to bring this tremendous state funding to Hartford,” said Sen. McCrory. “I’m especially excited for the investment that we are making in Hartford’s young leaders. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and the YMCA of Greater Hartford go above and beyond to support recreational opportunities for our kids and helping them learn new skills.”

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and the YMCA of Greater Hartford provide invaluable services to the community, and I am glad that we can partner with these two organizations on this state funding, which will ensure that they continue to have the resources needed to provide youths with much-needed educational and recreational opportunities,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.

“Each grant will help these community-based organizations move their important mission forward which will not only enhance the quality of life in the neighborhoods they are located, but benefit all residents throughout the City,” Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said. “I’m grateful for the work and support of my colleagues in the Hartford legislative delegation throughout the process to secure this important funding.”

“We are excited to receive this funding to make improvements to the Joseph D. Lapenta Boys & Girls Club,” said Sam Gray, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. “Our Clubs are needed now more than ever, and upgrading our Clubs gives the youth of Hartford a safe place to call their second home.”

“Senator McCrory is a longtime friend and advocate of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, understanding firsthand the impact our organization has on young lives throughout the area. I sincerely want to thank him and Governor Lamont for securing this funding for the Wilson-Gray YMCA, funding which will cover the cost of much-needed infrastructure improvements and help enhance our mission of building healthy minds, bodies and souls here in Hartford,” YMCA of Greater Hartford President and CEO Harold Sparrow said today.

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is dedicated to advancing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. In 2018, the YMCA of Greater Hartford served over 108,000 children and families through educational and personal development programs. They are the largest provider of day and residential camping in the Hartford region, with 4,000 kids participating each summer. Further, they are the biggest provider of child care in Connecticut. More information can be found at www.ghymca.org.

The BGCH is dedicated to enabling all young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as caring, productive and responsible citizens. The organization serves over 10,000 youth per year through various programs including homework assistance and their financial literacy Money Matters program. More information about the BGCH can be found at www.bgchartford.org.

Additional investments approved by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for the Hartford area include:

• $1 million to finance repairs and refurbishment of back-of-house facilities at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, along with the Rentschler Field. The funding split among the two attractions will support repairs including new food and beverage equipment, sound system upgrades, and replacement of damaged bathroom fixtures
• $2 million to the City of Hartford for brownfield remediation
• $1 million for capital improvements to The Elizabeth Park Conservancy
• $500,000 to the Northside Neighborhood Alliance of Hartford for historic preservation and maintenance