December 15, 2023

Reps. Aniskovich and Carney Applaud Grant Awarded to Vista Life Innovations

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$500,000 grant will be used to make much needed safety upgrades

HARTFORD – State Representatives Chris Aniskovich (R-Clinton) and Devin Carney (R-Old Saybrook) applaud the State Bonding Commission’s decision Friday to approve a Grant-in-Aid to Vista Life Innovations.

The grant will be used to repair and replace elements of the Captain Joseph W. Spencer House in order to meet current safety/code issues and improve accessibility for the young adults with physical and developmental disabilities and Vista staff who must use the porch to enter and leave the building several times a day. The Captain Joseph W. Spencer House serves as Vista’s Dormitory and Residential Hall at the Westbrook campus.

“I think it is a real positive when we can see some of our tax dollars coming back into our local community,” Rep. Aniskovich said. “The repair and renovation of this historic Spencer House will help preserve this gem while making it safer and more usable for the students at Vista Life Innovations.”

“Vista Life Innovations provides a valuable service to our community, so I’m pleased the state will be funding these critical renovations to their Westbrook campus,” Rep. Carney said.

The renovation work will be performed under the direction of the State Historic Preservation Office to preserve the historical integrity of the building.

Vista Life Innovations was founded in 1989. They are a full-service organization supporting individuals with disabilities throughout the various stages of life. Vista is accredited by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services. The organization is covering a portion of the full project costs.

Municipal Grant-In-Aid Grants are designed for towns that do not qualify for either of the Urban Act Grants Program or the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to assist with community revitalization. They can be used for construction, reconstruction, improvement or maintenance of highways, bridges, plowing of snow, the sanding of icy pavements, the trimming and removal of trees, the installation, replacement and maintenance of traffic signs, signals and markings, and for traffic control and vehicular safety programs, among other related items.

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