Sen. McCrory Welcomes Over $10 Million for Hartford Economic and Community Development Projects
Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford), a member of the Community Investment Fund 2030’s (CIF) board, announced that the multi-million-dollar program to support historically underserved communities in Connecticut has approved over $10 million toward several projects in Hartford. The several ambitious projects would support the various pillars that enable community renewal and growth including affordable housing, brownfield remediation, job training, entrepreneurship, and integrating historic neighborhood characteristics into redeveloped properties.
Further, these projects are grounded in advancing social justice on the local level including addressing housing segregation, building wealth and business opportunities in immigrant communities, and investing in communities of color.
The Community Investment Fund 2030 is a five-year grant program dedicated to fostering economic development in communities that have been historically underserved. It was enacted in 2021 as a result of efforts championed by Sen. McCrory, Sen. Fonfara, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, Democratic legislative leadership, and Governor Lamont. Eligible projects under the program include brownfield remediation, small business support programs, and infrastructure. More information about the program can be found at the Community Investment Fund website.
“These are the kind of investments that will make a multi-generational difference in people’s lives. We are giving people a hand-up to make the changes that they have long sought after and give them the tools to start a business, live independently, and unlock the potential their neighborhoods offer,” said Sen. McCrory. “It’s been an honor to work alongside numerous partners in creating the Community Investment Fund and to be part of unveiling the inaugural round of funding for transformative projects here in Hartford and across Connecticut.”
The following funding amounts were approved by the CIF board:
- $1,247,038 for Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association – The neighborhood revitalization organization will redevelop the Aetna Diner located on Farmington Avenue. The presently blighted property will be remediated, and the building renovated. The renovated building will retain the historic structure will providing space for a full-service restaurant, banquet facility, and meeting room. As a result, the revitalized space will promote economic development in the Asylum Hill Neighborhood and restoration of historic properties
- $1,137,514 for International Hartford – The non-profit organization would utilize the funds to create a year-round public food truck court for ethnic food vendors. The entrepreneurship project supporting minority entrepreneurs and the local immigrant community would be facilitated by renovating a 5,500 sq. ft. property at 681 Wethersfield Avenue. The space for up to 50 businesses to start or expand their operations would be supported by a learning laboratory providing business assistance services offered by the International Hartford
- $4,500,000 for North Hartford Collaborative – The funding will support the community development endeavors of a coalition of non-profit organizations and businesses in the North Hartford region. The coalition seeks to initiate several proposed projects with aims including increasing small business support services, workforce training, and redevelop property for housing and commercial uses.
- $3,750,000 for Sheldon Oak Central, Inc. – The funds will be used for the re-development of the MLK apartments – located Van Block Avenue in Sheldon/Charter Oak – to create several dozen new affordable housing units along with about 30 units at market rate. The buildings will be demolished thus removing the dated design style that separates it from the rest of the neighborhood. The new buildings in place will reflect the building design and heights of surrounding buildings, plus will meet current energy efficiency standards. Amenities in the building will include a fitness center, computer lab, and a green space. These collective measures will re-integrate the housing complex into the historic neighborhood. At the same time, the new MLK apartments will preserve the housing community’s unique qualities by maintaining the 1990’s mural created by local artists and youth
