Senator Hochadel Highlights State Financing for Meriden Redevelopment

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, welcomed new state financing Friday for an ongoing rehabilitation project to transform five existing buildings on Colony Street in Meriden into a new development, including 69 apartment units in the city’s downtown business district.

The funding, announced last month by the state Department of Housing and Housing Finance Authority, includes a $2.375 million loan through the Build For CT program. It will help fund the residential and commercial development project near the city’s Amtrak Station.

“It’s exciting to see state support for a project that’s expected to breathe life into our downtown,” Senator Hochadel said. “For years, these buildings have stood unused just steps from the Meriden Green and our train station. Soon, they’ll provide homes for families and space for businesses, turning blighted structures into housing and economic activity that will benefit the whole community.”

The Colony Street project is expected to include 19 affordable apartments reserved for households earning between 60-80% of the Area Median Income.

Meriden was one of nine Connecticut communities with developments that received state financing, announced by the Housing Department at the end of July. All told, the investment will help to create or preserve 478 housing units.

“We’re doing everything possible to accelerate our development efforts so we can continue building stronger, more resilient communities across Connecticut,” Seila Mosquera-Bruno, commissioner of the Department of Housing, said.  “These investments reflect our values and commitment to providing housing our residents can afford, at all incomes levels, and different stages of life. We’re excited about these projects and look forward to seeing these homes occupied with Connecticut families.”

“Housing is foundational to opportunity and economic stability,” Nandini Natarajan, CEO of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, said. “These recent closings – from new construction in Stamford and Norwalk to revitalization in Willimantic – reflect the creative, locally grounded solutions needed to meet the complexity of housing need across Connecticut.”