Sen. McCrory Welcomes Approval Hartford and Bloomfield Projects for State Investment
Over $16 Million Approved for Community Investment Fund 2030 Projects Benefiting Economic Development, Affordable Housing, and Neighborhood Renewal
Today, state Senator Doug McCrory (D- Hartford, Bloomfield and Windsor) celebrated the approval by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission of state funding for numerous organizations and projects in Hartford and Bloomfield. The multiple projects will benefit community renewal and growth including entrepreneurship, affordable housing, library renovations, child care, and education.
During the State Bond Commission meeting, the board gave final approval to several Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) projects totaling over $16 million in state investment. Sen. McCrory was a strong advocate for the creation of the five-year grant program in 2021 which is dedicated to fostering economic development in communities that have been historically underserved. Today, Sen. McCrory sits on the board of the CIF. The board of the CIF signed off on the Hartford and Bloomfield projects in September 2022 and recommended to Governor Lamont that it be funded by state bonding.
“It’s a tremendous day for the communities of Hartford and Bloomfield. These numerous projects carry long-term benefits that will make a noticeable difference in people’s lives from affordable housing and education to small business growth,” said Sen. McCrory. “My thanks to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their shared recognition of the opportunities that we can launch with this state investment. In particular, I’m excited by the advancement of several Community Investment Fund projects. We are giving local leaders and residents in Hartford and Bloomfield the resources to make long-awaited changes in their communities.”
“This funding is targeted to making improvements in urban areas that have been historically underserved and are focused on enhancements that will generate jobs and economic activity for people who live in the communities,” Governor Lamont said. “I am glad that the state can partner with Hartford and Bloomfield on these projects.”
The following CIF projects were given final approval by the State Bond Commission:
- $1,247,038 for Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association to redevelop the Comet Diner, also known as the Aetna Diner, located on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. The historic property will be renovated into space for a full-service restaurant, banquet facility, and meeting room. The project will boost economic and neighborhood development
- $1,137,514 for International Hartford to create a year-round public food truck court for ethnic food vendors. The renovation of the 681 Wethersfield Avenue property will provide space for up to 50 businesses to launch or expand their businesses. In the process, it will increase support for entrepreneurs who are immigrants or people of color
- $4.5 million for the North Hartford Collaborative. The funding will be split up with $750,000 for the Blue Hills Civic Association to acquire and build out the Neighborhood and Community Development Center; $400,000 for Rebuilding Together Hartford to conduct home improvements to owner-occupied homes; $1 million for the Upper Albany Neighborhood Revitalization Zone to acquire and redevelop a vacant former Salvation Army site; and $2.35 million for the Hartford Renaissance District to implement the Barbour Street corridor home renovation program
- $3.75 million for Sheldon Oak Central, Inc. to redevelop the MLK Apartments – located Van Block Avenue in Sheldon/Charter Oak in Hartford – to create several dozen new affordable housing units along with about 30 units at market rate
- $5,526,000 for construction and renovation of the Prosser Library and McMahon Wintonbury Library in Bloomfield. The new, almost 30,000 sq. ft. Prosser Library will enhance the surrounding community area which includes several small businesses close by and Filley Park. The expanded McMahon Wintonbury Library will hold increased community services including job training and early childhood learning
More information on the CIF projects in Hartford and Bloomfield can be found on Sen. McCrory’s website.
Additional items approved at the State Bond Commission’s meeting include:
- $2.5 million for advanced manufacturing equipment improvements and replacements, and facility improvements at Capitol Community College in Hartford along with Middlesex Community College in Middletown and Tunxis Community College in Farmington
- $412, 483 for school improvements at Bulkeley High School and Weaver High School in Hartford. The funds are aimed to promote the health, safety, and learning of students, while addressing building and site deficiencies. The schools awarded funds are part of the state’s Commissioner’s Network, which is focused on improving student achievement
- $650,000 for to the YMCA of Greater Hartford for renovations of childcare facilities. Also, it will support study of a possible regional facility at the East Hartford YMCA
- $2 million to study transit improvements of the I-84 area in Hartford
- $1.6 million for repairs at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford and Rentschler Field in East Hartford. Fixes to be made include roof repairs and pedestrian walkway repairs
