Ceci Maher

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $9.475 million in grant funding for the 26^th Senate District that will support local organizations and communities including rehabilitation of Stamford’s Parkside Gables community, the New Canaan Playhouse Theater, Stamford intersections and sidewalks and the Aldrich Art Museum in Ridgefield.

“This local support will play such a valuable role in aiding housing, transportation and the arts throughout the 26^th Senate District,” said Sen. Maher. “From local affordable housing receiving valuable upgrades to local arts organizations like the Playhouse and the Aldrich experiencing new upgrades, to say nothing of improved safety on roads throughout Stamford, this funding will be transformative over time. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for investing in our communities.”

The State Bond Commission today approved the release of $4 million to provide a loan assisting with rehabilitation of Parkside Gables in Stamford, a 69-unit property that serves families earning up to 60% of the area’s median income. The project will include new windows and doors to support energy efficiency, upgrades to building systems, interior improvements like painting and new flooring and exterior improvements such as roof replacement and sidewalk upgrades.

An additional $2 million will be released for renovations and improvements to the Playhouse theater in New Canaan. The theater, which was built 100 years ago, needs up to $7.9 million in renovations, with needed work including a new HVAC system, structural work to the property and a third floor to house the HVAC system.

In Stamford, another $2 million in grant funds will lead to the construction of a raised intersection at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Richmond Hill Avenue with further improvements such as pedestrian refuge islands and pedestrian ramps, while a separate grant of $1 million will support construction of new sidewalks along Long Ridge Road, new crosswalks, new bus shelters and new pedestrian ramps.

Ridgefield’s Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum will receive $475,000 in grant funding to redevelop its sculpture garden. The museum seeks to make its campus united by matching its outdoor sculpture garden with the modern amenities offered by its museum building, which was improved in 2004.