August 28, 2014
State Reps. Rick Lopes (D-New Britain, Newington), Bobby Sanchez (D-New Britain), Peter Tercyak (D-New Britain), Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain) and Sen. Terry Gerratana (D-Berlin, Farmington, New Britain) announced that New Britain and Berlin have been awarded a total of $3,473,057 out of $27 million in grants and loans to 20 brownfield remediation and redevelopment projects in cities and towns around the state.
“Many of Connecticut’s brownfield sites have been abandoned or under-utilized for decades because the costs of redeveloping these properties are too expensive for municipalities or private developers to take on by themselves,” said Governor Malloy “That’s why my administration has not only allocated the funding necessary to return dozens of unused and blighted properties in every corner of the state to productive reuse, but also taken significant steps to attract private investment and increase participation in our brownfield programs.”
“Economic development in downtown New Britain has been stalled for decades. At the state delegation's request, Governor Malloy has come through with funding that will make developing these parcels feasible for private developers. This is a huge opportunity to restore vitality in New Britain's downtown area,” Rep. Lopes said.
“These brownfield remediation funds are extremely essential in the revitalization of neighborhoods and getting our communities back on track. This is certainly a step in the right direction as we strengthen our position to encourage investments and economic growth,” Rep. Sanchez said. “As a resident, I am pleased to see a much cleaner and more attractive city with less undesirable blight.”
"I am particularly pleased that New Britain is continuing to receive high level of state funding thanks to our dedicated public servants in city hall. Investment in our communities to restore and redevelop brownfields in key in keeping New Britain a beautiful and economically vibrant place to live. Over 10% of the total state grants are going to ensure that we are able to provide mixed-use housing, community centers, and good transit options in New Britain. This will make New Britain much more attractive to developers, downtown businesses, and residents," Rep. Tercyak said.
“I commend the Governor on his hard work to make use of these under-developed properties,” said Rep. Boukus “Potentially putting these parcels back on the tax rolls makes economic as well as environmental sense.”
"The grants announced today will help transform two local eyesores into a brand new community center and transit-oriented development in the heart of New Britain," said Sen. Gerratana. "I thank Governor Malloy for supporting revitalization projects like these, which we would otherwise be unable accomplish. This support gives us the opportunity to turn run-down properties into vibrant locations that will make our city more inviting to new businesses looking to set up near the CT Fastrak terminus and families who want to live and work here."
The Towns will receive: