Town Awarded $400,000 State Grant For Fairfield Hills Improvements  Â
Town Awarded $400,000 State Grant For Fairfield Hills Improvements  Â
By Andrew Gorosko
The town plans to use a $400,000 state grant to make capital improvements at the Fairfield Hills campus, including the installation of walkways, street lighting, and parking areas.
On Friday, December 30, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced in ceremonies in front of the Newtown Municipal Center that the state has awarded the town the grant. About 40 people attended the session, including local and state officials.
First Selectman Pat Llodra looked on as the governor made the announcement before State Senator John McKinney, State Representative Christopher Lyddy, and State Representative DebraLee Hovey.
The town plans to use the money in 2012 for installing street lighting, creating pedestrian walkways, and improving a parking area near Woodbury Hall and Newtown Hall, according to Mrs Llodra.
The money is provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant project.
On December 30, besides Newtown, Gov Malloy also visited Sharon, Winchester, Burlington, Barkhamstead, and Colebrook to announce the award of other STEAP grants. The Northwest Connecticut Regional Planning Collaborative, which includes six towns, also will receive a grant.
The $400,000 awarded to Newtown is designated for infrastructure and streetscape improvements at Fairfield Hills, according to the governor.
âThis is a smart investment in the future of Newtown. It will help continue the transformation of the Fairfield Hills campus in a way that promotes economic growth while preserving the unique character and aesthetic of this historic community,â State Sen McKinney said in a statement.
âGovernor Malloyâs commitment to Newtown and our economic growth is very realâ¦The Fairfield Hills property is becoming the regionâs economic, civic and cultural hub, providing a scenic destination and improved quality of life for all families,â according to Rep Lyddy.
âFairfield Hills presents many opportunities for recreation, civic involvement, and commercial development,â according to Rep Hovey.
STEAP grants may only be used for capital improvement projects.
The town purchased a 186-acre section of the Fairfield Hills campus from the state for $3.9 million in 2004. The former state psychiatric hospital there closed in 1995.