July 31, 2013

GOV. MALLOY: QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A KEY COMPONENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the state awarded U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Small Cities grants totaling $11,850,000 to 26 Connecticut cities and towns for affordable and senior housing, economic development, and other local revitalization projects.

"The federal Small Cities program is an important resource for cities and towns that are undertaking important housing initiatives in their communities," said Governor Malloy. "These municipalities are making much-needed improvements to existing housing, creating more affordable housing options, and improving the quality of life for every resident. I thank our federal partners and appreciate the work the leaders of these communities are doing."

The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program is administered by Connecticut's Department of Housing.

"This program, combined with our technical assistance to small towns, is a great example of the ongoing partnership between the federal government, the Department of Housing, and municipal leaders across our state," said Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein. "The projects being undertaken with this funding are integral to achieving a Connecticut where affordable housing is accessible in strong, vibrant communities statewide."

Small Cities Community Development Block Grants are being awarded to:

Ansonia - $400,000

Ashford - $400,000
Ashford will continue its existing housing rehabilitation program and plans to repair approximately 12 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

"Ashford has had a very successful housing rehabilitation program for a number of years-this funding will go a long way to furthering the program," said First Selectman Ralph Fletcher. "We welcome this support."

Beacon Falls - $400,000
The town will continue projects that preserve existing housing. Twelve households are expected to benefit from the program.

Brookfield - $400,000
The town will address the needs of approximately 12 households. Work may include septic repairs, new doors, gutters, and windows, installation of fire and carbon monoxide detectors, roof replacement, and environmental testing and abatement.

"I am pleased to hear that Brookfield has been awarded this $400,000 Small Cities grant," said First Selectman Bill Davidson. "The town is eager to offer financial assistance to eligible residents to support health and safety improvement to their homes - these are important projects for residents and for our community."

Canterbury - $400,000
Canterbury will repair approximately 10 units of single family housing.

"We are thrilled to receive a Small Cities grant for housing rehabilitation in Canterbury," said First Selectman Brian H. Sear. "This is a great program-two similar grants awarded to the town in 2008 and 2010 resulted in critical repairs to 23 homes whose owners lacked the necessary funds. This new grant will fund repairs for additional residents who have already qualified. Since all of the funds are paid back by installment or when the properties are transferred or sold, the money then funds additional repairs."

East Hampton - $800,000
Funding will be used to renovate Chatham Acres, a 40-unit senior housing rental project. Renovations will focus primarily on replacing the roof, making ADA upgrades to a number of units, repaving the tenant parking area and walkways, installing new energy saving hot water heaters, and replacing two booster pumps.

"Chatham Acres is an integral part of our community as it serves our senior citizens, especially those under a tight budget," said Town Manager Michael Maniscalco. "Through the implementation of this grant, we will ensure them a place to live in East Hampton for many years to come."

Ellington - $450,000
Ellington will continue its regional housing rehabilitation loan program to help low- and moderate-income homeowners in Ellington, Somers, and Suffield to rehabilitate their homes. Fifteen housing units are anticipated to be rehabilitated. Upgrades may include roof replacement, heating systems, window replacement, lead paint and asbestos removal, and electrical and code upgrades.

Groton - $400,000
Funding will be used to re-establish the town's housing rehabilitation program and repair 12 units of low- and moderate- income housing.

Hampton - $450,000
Hampton will continue its multi-jurisdictional housing rehabilitation program for Hampton, Scotland, Pomfret, and Eastford. Funding will go toward the rehabilitation of 12 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

Killingly - $750,000
The Killingly Housing Authority will renovate approximately 80 units in the Maple Court Housing elderly housing complex. Improvements and ADA renovations will be made to kitchen and bathrooms and roofs will be replaced in 80 units.

"The Town of Killingly is very pleased to receive Small Cities funding to replace roofing, windows, and doors on 80 units of senior housing," said Town Manager Bruce Benway. "This will improve energy efficiency and accessibility for residents and improve their quality of life."

Lebanon - $400,000
The town will continue its housing rehabilitation program and plans to repair approximately 12 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

Ledyard - $300,000
Funds will continue the town's housing rehabilitation loan program to help low- and moderate-income homeowners repair their homes. Approximately 20 housing units will be rehabilitated. Upgrades are expected to include roof replacement, heating systems, window replacement, lead paint removal, electrical and code upgrades, and energy and weatherization improvements.

"The Town of Ledyard is grateful to Governor Malloy for awarding an additional Small Cities grant," said Mayor John A. Rodolico. "This funding has already been put to good use in the rehab of homes of many of our seniors and working class families by providing assistance in replacing critical features including roofs, furnaces, windows, and septic systems. This grant will also be used to connect homes to the newly constructed Aljen Heights municipal water system resulting in improved value and quality of life for the homeowner, our neighborhoods, and our town."

Naugatuck - $400,000
The borough will use the funding to rehabilitate approximately 22 households. Rehabilitation is expected to include health and safety issues, widow replacement, and building code deficiencies.

New Fairfield - $400,000
New Fairfield will continue its housing rehabilitation program, begun in 2009. The town expects to fund approximately 12 households to eliminate building code deficiencies and correct health and safety issues.

Plainfield - $400,000
The town will continue its housing rehabilitation program and plans to repair approximately 12 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

"The Town of Plainfield thanks Governor Malloy for awarding Plainfield with the Small Cities Housing Rehabilitation Grant," said First Selectman Paul Sweet. "It is much appreciated and the resources are well needed in our town. We have a very active waiting list that will help many people. Again, thank you so much for this award."

Putnam - $400,000
Putnam will continue its housing rehabilitation program and plans to repair 10 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

"We thank the Governor and the State of Connecticut for awarding this funding to Putnam," said Mayor Peter Place. "These program funds are the lifeblood of improving our aging housing stock in Putnam. Not only do they improve individual residences, but also improves neighborhood property values where improvements are made and adds value to our grand list base making Putnam a stronger community for everyone."

Roxbury - $400,000
The town will act as the lead community for a multi-jurisdictional Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program involving Roxbury and Bridgewater. It is expected that 14 households will benefit from the program.

"I was so pleased to hear this news because now more than ever, we have senior citizens and residents who are having a difficult time making ends meet, never mind making much needed repairs, and now they are finally getting relief," said First Selectman Barbara Henry. "We thank the Governor for his part in awarding us the grant-it is very much needed and appreciated."

Salisbury - $600,000
The town will act as the lead community for a multi-jurisdictional Regional Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program for Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Sharon, and Salisbury. Funds will be used to provide financial assistance to income-eligible households throughout the region to correct code violations and improve energy efficiency.

"This grant will be very helpful for many, many homeowners to make improvements to their homes for increased safety and efficiency," said First Selectman Curtis Rand.

Southbury - $400,000
Southbury will initiate a housing rehabilitation program and fund approximately 12 low- and moderate-income households. Funds will be used to address health and safety issues along with building code deficiencies.

"On behalf of the Town of Southbury, we are very pleased to be awarded a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant of $400,000 to assist Southbury residents," said First Selectman Ed Edelson. "This zero interest loan program will allow more people to remain safely within their existing homes. Southbury's unique population of elderly citizens have already identified a very long list of potential projects."

Sprague - $500,000
Funding will be used to reconstruct portions of Maple and Elm Streets for safety.

Thompson - $800,000
Thompson was awarded a grant for renovations at the Gladys Green/Pineview Court Elderly Housing Complex, which has 70 units of elderly housing. Improvements include upgrading the fire alarm system, bathroom and kitchen upgrades in 26 units, and reconstruction of three units for full ADA compliance.

"We really appreciate any money that we can get when we apply for a grant," said First Selectman Larry Groh. "It's a wonderful program, we'll utilize the funds as we're required, and hopefully we can help Thompson move forward."

Torrington - $400,000
The town will continue its housing rehabilitation program, which provides financial assistance to low- and moderate-income households. Funds will be used to repair approximately 10 units.

"We want to thank Governor Malloy for recognizing the importance of the rehabilitation of the aging housing infrastructure in Connecticut and especially in Torrington," said Mayor Ryan Bingham. "The housing program has been in existence for many years in Torrington and this money will greatly help a number of struggling families and homeowners."

Vernon - $400,000
Funding will be used to continue its housing rehabilitation loan program, begun last year to help low- and moderate-income homeowners rehabilitate their homes. Twenty units are anticipated to be rehabilitated. Funds could be used for such things as correcting substandard conditions and code violations, repairing septic systems, and making energy efficiency upgrades.

"I wish to thank the Governor and the Department of Housing for their assistance in securing the 2013 housing rehabilitation fund," said Mayor George Apel. "We're pleased that they have viewed what Vernon has been doing in a positive light enough to continue. We had 60 inquiries last year, and we're working with nine homeowners on projects in their area, and additional people are applying. This is a big help in helping our people in their housing stocks and their financial need."

Waterford - $400,000
Waterford will use its funds to continue its housing rehabilitation program and plans to rehabilitate 12 units of low- and moderate-income housing.

"We're making some good headway on crucial projects-lead abatement, repairing water service to homes, replacing windows, all positive projects for the homeowner," said Sally Ritchie, Senior Services Director for the Town of Waterford. "We have 20 people on the waiting list, and we've only gotten to number seven, so this new money will allow us to assist the people who have put in their applications, and may possibly allow us to open the program to others as well."

Windham - $400,000
The town will fund its housing rehabilitation program and rehabilitate approximately 10 units of low- and moderate-income units.

Woodstock - $400,000
Woodstock will continue its town-wide rehabilitation program by renovating 12 units of housing to address health and safety code violations.

"We definitely have the need for it. This is our third round of this particular housing rehabilitation grant, and it is a great program," said First Selectman Allan Walker. "We have a long list of people who wish to participate, and this will allow us to continue and perpetuate the program as long as we can. This money will give us the ability to loan out to more people, and it works out well-people get a real benefit from it."

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For Immediate Release: July 31, 2013

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