Lamont Taps New Haven For $5.4M CT Communities Challenge Grant

New Haven CT

06 April, 2022

2:12 PM

Description

NEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven is set to receive a $5,355,840 grant from Gov. Ned Lamont's newly established Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant Program. The Elm City is once of 12 cities and towns set to receive grants the "non-state and private" dollars-supported grants that "improve the livability and vibrancy of communities throughout the state." More than 50 percent of the program funding will be invested in Connecticut's distressed municipalities. New Haven will receive the near-$5.4 million to support the State Street realignment from Audobon Street to George Street plan. The project would "unlock" the redevelopment potential of several parking lots for transit-oriented development/mixed-use development for a potential build out to 652,000 sq. ft. of developed space, including 447 new residential units and 80,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, this is the first round of grants, with the second round expected to launch in the fall of 2022. It's anticipated that the state's Economic and Community Development department will award up to $100 million in grants over the next several years. "Investing in our communities is a key part of our plan to accelerate long-lasting and equitable economic development in Connecticut," Lamont said. Lamont said the program will have "wide-ranging impacts." "As we emerge stronger than ever from the pandemic, creating new jobs, improving the vibrancy and quality of life in our neighborhoods, and making all corners of the state even more attractive for investment and opportunity," he said. Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum was quoted as saying the projects "demonstrate how important public-private partnerships are to driving local economic development and community revitalization efforts." "I firmly believe collaborative planning and investment leads to more impactful proposals – and results," Daum said. "When complete, these 12 projects will expand Connecticut's housing stock, create jobs, boost the vibrancy of our downtowns and generally make Connecticut communities even greater places to live, work and play."