New Canaan and Westport Main Streets Receive Money for Revitalization

Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) supports the grants awarded to New Canaan and Westport for the town’s Main Street Investment Funds (MSIF).   The State Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein, and state and local officials, announced $4,973,865 in Main Street Investment Fund (MSIF) grants to 14 municipalities across Connecticut, including the two in the 26th district.

“These grants will be critical in making the Main Streets of these two beautiful communities more accessible to people walking around down town,” said Sen. Boucher. “In New Canaan for instance the grants will aid in parking infrastructure which will increase connections to the local businesses and in turn create activity.”

The program, administered through the State Department of Housing, provides funding to develop or improve town commercial districts, attract small businesses, and improve pedestrian access and livability in town centers.

“There is a recognizable link between housing, economic, and community development.  All three are interdependent and all are crucial factors in the overall economic strategy that is moving Connecticut forward,” said Evonne M. Klein, commissioner of the Department of Housing, which administers MSIF.  “The Main Street Investment Fund is a vital tool that is helping communities revive commercial centers and downtown areas and lay the foundation for expanded economic activity and housing opportunities.”

The Main Street Investment Fund provides financial incentives to eligible municipalities as well as owners of commercial private properties for expenditures that directly support and enhance a qualified project. Awards are not more than $500,000 and can be used for expenses such as building improvements, signage, lighting, and streetscape improvements.

·         New Canaan will receive $215,000 for several infrastructure improvements projects such as construction of the Locust Ave parking deck and the complete renovation of the Town Hall.  The proposed project will provide attractive amenities for pedestrians while improving pedestrian connections to municipal parking and the downtown which is essential to ensure the town commercial viability.  Funds will be used to purchase and install decorative street lighting, construction of a pocket-park, sidewalk connection, and two stamped concrete crosswalks.

·         Westport plans to use its $497,595 to improve Westport Town Commercial Center street infrastructure and provide improved pedestrian sidewalk access from residential neighborhoods into the downtown center.  Funding will be used for sidewalk refurbishments, the installation of new sidewalks, improved energy efficient lighting, curbing, guardrails, and tree grates.