January 11, 2012

REP. HADDAD SAYS STATE GRANT IMPORTANT
TO STORRS CENTER PROJECT

State Representative Gregory Haddad (D-Mansfield, Chaplin) said a state grant awarded Mansfield for infrastructure improvements will help ensure the success of the planned Storrs Center project.

The town received $500,000 for work to be done along Village Street as part of the mixed use retail, residential and commercial development.

“Over the next two years a wonderful and carefully planned mix of restaurants, shops, housing and town square will take shape, with the state's commitment to the Storrs Center project critical to its success,” said Haddad, who serves as Vice-chair of the legislature’s Commerce Committee. “With close access to all the great cultural and athletic events at UConn, Storrs Center will be a very popular gathering place for both local residents and visitors.”

Specifically, the grant will go toward the extension of utilities as well as on-street parking service for the shops, restaurants, and offices that will locate there in the next phase. “This is critical to the ultimate success of the Storrs Center concept,” Haddad said.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the grant last week as part of the state’s $20 million Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that is used to upgrade infrastructure, strengthen business corridors and improve public spaces. “These projects are part of reinventing Connecticut and making us a stronger, highly competitive, and more vibrant state,” Malloy said.