The program, 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.
State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, and state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. D-Woodbridge, were pleased Ansonia was among the cities and towns receiving assistance.
“Main Street
Investment grants play an important role in strengthening economic
development initiatives on the local level,” Malloy said.
“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 Ansonia for their focus on creating
accessible and livable downtowns.”
Ansonia will
receive $483,000 to make improvements to the West Main Street area
between Kingston Drive and Bridge Street.
The project includes new
granite curb, brick paver strips, concrete walkway,
grass planting strip, ornamental rail fencing, street trees, and other
street furniture, benches, trash receptacles, new ornamental lights and a
new parking layout.
The parking lot will provide access points to the
retail, office and government services as
well as to the multi-modal transportation waiting area.
Vital tool toward revival
“The Main
Street Investment Fund is a vital tool that is helping communities
revive commercial centers and downtown areas and lay the foundation for
expanded economic activity and housing opportunities,”
said Gentile said. “This is another step in creating a vibrant downtown community.”
“These
improvements for downtown Ansonia are exactly what we had in mind when
we included this program in the bipartisan 2011 Jobs Bill because we
know attractive commercial districts translate directly
into enhanced business conditions and more jobs,” Crisco said.
“Furthermore, this Main Street Investment Fund helps drive customers to
the small businesses that literally define downtown Ansonia – the type
of businesses that comprise a vibrant
economy locally and throughout Connecticut.”
The Main
Street Investment Fund, created as part of the historic bipartisan 2011
Jobs Bill, 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.
“I’m grateful to Rep. Gentile and Sen. Crisco for their help in securing these funds,” said Ansonia
Mayor James Della Volpe. “This new look will build on the location of some new businesses to downtown Ansonia.”
This is a press release from Gentile's office.
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