ANSONIA - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D- Ansonia/Derby, and state Sen.Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, today announced state approval of a $1.5 million grant to make renovations and upgrades to the James J. O'Donnell Elderly Housing facility.
This grant is provided through the Connecticut Department of Housing's Community Development Block Grant Program.
Of the state's 169 municipalities, 6 communities were awarded a combined total of $9 million in grants for eligible projects.
This grant funding will be used to implement a series of repairs and modernize the 4-story, 40-unit building originally built in 1973.
The funds were requested to make improvements that include the replacement of the building's elevator, repairs to the roof and interior ceilings to address leaks and water damage, and procurement of two emergency generators. Additional upgrades will include the replacement of windows and interior and exterior doors to improve insulation and security, updating the heating system and making energy enhancements, including energy efficient lighting.
"Our seniors are important. I am proud to play a part in securing this grant to meaningfully improve the lives of the residents at the James J. O'Donnell Apartments. I want to highlight and thank every party involved in securing this vital funding, it was truly a team effort. A warm thanks goes to state Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Connecticut DOH Director of Government Affairs and Communications Aaron Turner, Governor Lamont and Senator Jorge Cabrera for recognizing the value of this project," said Rep. Rochelle. "I also want to thank Tom Foley, the grant specialist the city hired to write the application, for working with city officials like Mayor David Cassetti, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Housing Authority Chair Joseph Pinto and his team to compile information for this application. When we work collaboratively, we can achieve great things for our community."
"Our seniors deserve the best. This community block grant for the James J. O'Donnell senior apartment building in Ansonia goes a long way in making sure we treat our seniors with the dignity and respect they have earned. I am proud to support it," said Cabrera.
On Aug. 11, the legislature's Commerce, Housing, and Appropriations committees, which have cognizance over the funds, held a joint public hearing followed by individual committee meetings to approve the use of federal funds for the grants. As Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, Rochelle served as a strong voice and advocate for the funds. Read more about her advocacy here in the CT Examiner.
Legislative Office Building ∙ Hartford, CT 06106-1591
In addition to this grant, Rochelle assisted in securing a $1 million block grant in 2019 to make improvements to Cicia Manor, a senior housing complex in Derby, and $400,000 in 2020 for the City of Ansonia to establish a housing rehabilitation program.
This program helps low- and moderate-income residents make health and safety improvements to their homes.
Additional information about the Ansonia Housing Rehabilitation program is available on the City of Ansonia website, here.
The State of Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant provides funding and support for projects that meet municipal goals for community and economic development.
The program focuses on proposals that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. It is only available to Connecticut municipalities with less than 50,000 residents.
Program funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and managed by the state legislature and Connecticut Department of Housing. Additional information is available on the Connecticut Department of Housing website at www.ct.gov/doh.
This is a press release from Rochelle's office.
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