Stamford Delegation Applauds $15.67 Million in State Funding for Four Stamford Projects

HARTFORD — Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation Friday applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of approximately $15.67 million in funding for four Stamford projects, including three Community Investment Fund grants that will strengthen early childhood education, advance affordable housing development, and expand substance use treatment services, as well as a capital improvement grant for the Stamford Charter School for Excellence.

The four projects approved Friday are:

• Stamford Charter School for Excellence: Nearly $2.42 million for renovations and improvements, covering architectural, engineering, and construction costs.
• Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County – Grove Head Start: $7 million for building renovation and expansion of The Grove Center to strengthen early childhood education in Stamford.
• St. John Urban Development Corporation – St. John Towers: $6 million for abatement and demolition of the St. John Towers property to prepare for affordable housing redevelopment.
• Liberation Programs, Inc. – Liberation House: $250,000 planning grant for renovation of the first floor of Liberation House to support women in recovery from substance use disorders.

“Behind each of these investments are real Stamford residents: children, families, and women in recovery whose lives will be improved because of them,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “Grove Head Start gives our youngest children access to quality early learning in a facility built for their success. St. John Towers clears the path for the affordable housing opportunities our residents need and deserve. Liberation House means more women in recovery have access to the services that can change the course of their lives. And the Stamford Charter School for Excellence gets the improvements that will help its students thrive. I thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their commitment to our community.”

“These continued investments in the Stamford community will pay dividends for decades to come,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “Key support for education and housing will benefit so many, now and in the future. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their commitment to our region.”

“Public dollars should deliver public good, and these investments strengthen opportunities for children and families across Stamford,” Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “As House Chair of the Committee on Children, I’m proud of the investments made to prepare our future generations for success, including renovations at the Stamford Charter School of Excellence and facility investments at the Grove Head Start Center.”

“I’m also grateful that Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission followed the Community Investment Funds’ recognition of the need to expand affordable housing and support women in recovery through Liberation House.”

“These vital investments will strengthen critical services and create new opportunities for Stamford residents,” said Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford. “These initiatives expand access to early-childhood education, advance affordable-housing development, support substance-use treatment programs, and make much-needed school renovations. Thanks to the Fund and Governor Lamont for their continued partnership and commitment to Stamford’s future.”

“These projects address real needs in Stamford, including strengthening early childhood education, advancing affordable housing, and supporting women’s recovery treatment services,” said Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, D-Stamford. “We are investing in Stamford. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of these initiatives for our city.”

“This investment supports critical services that many Stamford residents rely on. Projects including advancing affordable housing development at St. John Towers, strengthening early learning at Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, investing in services at Liberation Programs Inc., and supporting renovations at the Stamford Charter School of Excellence meet the needs of our community and allow Stamford to continue to grow and thrive,” said Rep. Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding and making a real investment in our community.”

“These investments bring real resources home to our community,” Rep. Hubert Delany, D-Stamford, said. “This funding will expand early childhood education through the Grove Head Start project, prepare the St. John Towers for future affordable housing, enhance recovery services for women through Liberation Programs, and support renovations at the Stamford Charter School for Excellence. This funding will help to create opportunities for residents and families and ensure Stamford continues to grow in a way that supports the people who live here.”

The three Community Investment Fund projects were among several CIF recommendations the board approved in March following a competitive application process. The CIF directs state bonding dollars to community-based capital projects across Connecticut.