July 11, 2013
State Representative Gregory Haddad hailed the decision by Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the State Department of Housing to give Mansfield a $500,000 Main Street Investment Fund (MSIF) grant. The fund administered through the State Department of Housing, provides funding to develop or improve town commercial districts, attract small businesses, and improve pedestrian access and livability in town centers, like Storrs Center in Mansfield.
"I am very pleased to see the governor and state investing in Mansfield," Rep. Haddad said. "This grant will allow Storrs Center to attract more visitors and businesses, as well as continuing to be a destination for Mansfield residents. Storrs Center has proved itself to be a wise investment. The commercial and rental space is fully occupied and the project has created hundreds of jobs. This grant helps us to continue this success story."
The Main Street Investment Fund provides financial incentives to eligible municipalities as well as owners of commercial private properties for expenditures that directly support and enhance a qualified project. Awards are not more than $500,000 and can be used for expenses such as building improvements, signage, lighting, and streetscape improvements.
"Main Street Investment grants play an important role in strengthening economic development initiatives on the local level," said Governor Malloy. "This program is unique in that it builds a working partnership between state government and the smaller communities that are striving to strengthen their commercial centers and attract additional business. I applaud the leadership in Mansfield for their focus on creating accessible and livable downtowns."
Mansfield plans to use its $500,000 in Main Street funds to enhance the public spaces of Storrs Center. Funds will be used to provide decorative street lights and street trees on Dog Lane, Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way; sidewalk planters on Dog Lane, tree planters for the Town Square, decorative concrete pavement in the Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way bump-outs, and way finding signage for the first Phase and the Town Square. Storrs Center Alliance plans to use funds for facade improvements on the buildings at 1 Dog Lane and 9 Dog Lane.