September 25, 2024

NEW HAVEN DELEGATION WELCOMES $5.48 MILLION IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND SUPPORT

Today, the New Haven Delegation of lawmakers including Senate President Martin M. Looney, State Senator Gary Winfield and State Representatives Pat Dillon, Roland Lemar, Juan Candelaria, Al Paolillo, Robyn Porter and Toni Walker welcomed the Community Investment Fund’s announcement that it will release $5,482,999 in grants supporting projects around the city.

The funds will include $3 million to support the “Grand-er Grand Avenue” roadway and streetscape project along Grand Avenue to Quinnipiac Avenue, $1,732,999 for the first phase of renovations of the South-Central Rehabilitation Center, and $250,000 each for City Seed, Inc. to plan for a commercial kitchen and food business incubator; for Goodwill to research the feasibility of a “Goodwill Excel Center,” and for the city to research and plan for the use of accessory dwelling units, or small homes.

“In the last several years, the Community Investment Fund has provided hundreds of millions of dollars statewide, including tens of millions here in New Haven, to support our cities and help them grow and meet the demands of their residents,” said Sen. Looney. “It’s a great day knowing another $5 million and more will support nonprofits, road development, new rehabilitation centers, new business opportunities and new concepts of living.”

“This support for our local communities represents new roadway improvements, new renovations for important city resources and new opportunities throughout New Haven,” said Sen. Winfield. “I’m excited to see how these projects develop in years to come.

“It’s great to see the Community Investment Fund supporting projects like the ‘Grand-er Grand Avenue’ project, which will help our local economy, bring our community closer, and keep our pedestrians safe,” Rep. Lemar said. “Groups like the CIF are what keep our communities strong, and I thank them for their critical support.”

“The Community Investment Fund has provided millions for New Haven over the years, and this latest round of funding will support those seeking rehabilitation services, accessible and affordable housing, a way to connect with their community, and more,” Rep. Candelaria said. “Thank you to the CIF for their support of our great city. I can’t wait to see how these projects unfold.”

“I thank the CIF Board for funding these projects, including CitySeed’s plan to create a commercial kitchen and a food incubator. This grant money gives CitySeed the financial support it needs to plan for the launch of the New Haven region’s first shared-use commercial kitchen and food incubator to help with food security in our communities,” said Rep. Paolillo. “Each of these projects will benefit our residents, including the streetscape improvements from Grand Avenue to Quinnipiac Avenue, which go hand in hand with some of the traffic calming and safety improvements we have been working on.”

“I appreciate the CIF for understanding that equitable growth is the way to equitable prosperity,” Rep. Porter said. “This investment will help New Haven remain on track as one of the most vibrant and welcoming cities in Connecticut.”

“This funding provides support to different facets of our community. New Haven is a growing, ever changing city, and this investment reflects and supports that reality. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the CIF board for delivering the funds that will make our great city even better,” said Rep. Dillon.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

Grants are available for capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing and home or public facility rehabilitation; small business capital programs, including revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds; and planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes and feasibility studies.

The CIF vote is a key step toward final approval of the plan by the State Bond Commission, which must come in the next 60 days.