Hearing Draws Few Comments On Small Cities Grant

By Jan Howard

Only two residents appeared to comment at the December 15 public hearing regarding the Small Cities Community Block Grant program.

The purpose of the public hearing was to solicit residents’ comments on community development and housing needs and to review and discuss project activities that could be eligible for funding under the grant program.

The program is funded by the federal government but is administered by the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal reviewed the two grants currently being administered, a 2001 grant for $391,000 that was used for the extension of the public sewer system to the Meadowbrook Terrace Mobile Home Park on Sugar Lane, which is nearing completion, and a 2002 grant for $500,000 that is to be used for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at Edmond Town Hall.

He explained that the grant program is for development of public and private projects that serve people with disabilities or of lower to moderate income.

He said the Nunnawauk Meadows housing for senior citizens has received several grants through the program over the years. Some examples of projects that would be eligible under program guidelines would be extension of the town’s water line to Meadowbrook Terrace and additional work at Edmond Town Hall. He said these were only examples, and that no extension of the water line is being considered for Meadowbrook Terrace.

In regard to Edmond Town Hall, Mr Rosenthal said he believes the Board of Managers would be requesting additional funding for the town hall project. Current work at the town hall, which was approved by voters in 2001, has included rebuilding of the patio at the northern side of the building and electrical work. Installation of an elevator and additional ADA updates are covered under the 2002 grant. Mr Rosenthal said those improvements have not yet gone out to bid, “but they’re close.”

 “If they got two more installments from the state, it should pay for the entire project,” Mr Rosenthal said.

Resident Barbara O’Connor noted that she would be in favor of anything that would preserve Edmond Town Hall. She noted, however, that additional wells should be able to be drilled at Meadowbrook Terrace now that it has sewers instead of a septic system. “I would be opposed to any more public money there,” she said.

Resident Robin Sprung expressed her appreciation for the sewer extension to the mobile home park.

Written communications regarding the Small Cities Community Block Grant Program may be sent to the Office of the First Selectman, 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470.