February 11, 2016

Newtown Legislators Applaud Grant for Fairfield Hills

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NEWTOWN – Representatives Bolinsky and Sredzinski applauded the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant announced for Newtown today.

“I am both thrilled and relieved that Newtown will receive this $500,000 grant for development at the Fairfield Hills property to continue infrastructure and streetscape improvements at the campus’ main entrance and along connecting streets,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106). “First Selectman Pat Llodra, Grant Coordinator Christal Preszler and Newtown’s State Delegation have been working on this grant since 2014. It’s a relief to finally get the green light! I thank Governor Malloy for his support and thank Pat and Christal for their patience. This grant will help Newtown make the FFH entryway a bit more welcoming for residents, visitors, as well as prospective developers and tenants as efforts continue to revitalize the property.”

“This is great news for Newtown,” said Rep. J.P. Sredzinski (R-112). “The Town has been in the process of redeveloping Fairfield Hills to best suit the community and this grant will go far in helping them achieve their long-term plans. The upgrades to the entrance will improve the overall attractiveness of the campus and will help the Town attract interested tenants to the property. In these difficult economic times, it is vital that the state support local projects such as this one to help offset the direct cost to the local taxpayers.”

The Town of Newtown will receive a STEAP grant of $500,000 for the design and construction of infrastructure and streetscape elements at the entrance and access ways of the Fairfield Hills Campus. Newtown has already invested over $20 million in the remediation of Fairfield Hills, a former state hospital. Past revitalization efforts on the property include environmental cleanup, renovations, reuse or demolition of buildings, upgrades to infrastructure, installation of playing fields and hiking trails, preservation of agriculture, open space conservation, and limited commercial redevelopment.

Newtown is one of fifteen towns receiving a STEAP grant award as announced by the Governor’s office today. The Small Town Economic Assistance Program funds economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life projects.