Manchester Project Getting Affordable Housing Assistance from the State

MANCHESTER, CT — A local project is getting a share of awards totaling more than $55 million in loans and grants, leveraged with investments from the private sector, that will help fund 13 affordable housing developments in 11 towns and cities across the state.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Karl F. Kilduff announced the awards Tuesday.

In Manchester, Westhill Gardens, a 37-unit state congregate housing development owned by the local housing authority, is receiving $3,603,000 in DOH funding for renovations, state officials said.

The work will include the replacement of asphalt paved roadways and surface parking areas and sidewalks, replacement of roofing and hot water boilers, completion of ongoing heating and cooling improvements, replacement of the original zone type fire alarm control panel, replacement of vinyl flooring, and improvements of visual flashing signs in common areas, the intercom panel, and other needed modifications to bathroom and public laundry fixtures to ensure compliance with handicap accessibility standards, state officials said.

This project leverages approximately $114,000 in energy rebates, state officials said.

“Our administration has prioritized the creation of quality, affordable housing as a key component of our strategy to jump start Connecticut’s economy. Access to housing means more jobs, more revenue, and more business development,” Malloy said. “These kinds of capital investments are revitalizing the state’s existing stock of affordable housing, while creating new opportunities for private sector investments. With these awards, we are ensuring our investments will be sustainable for the long term.”

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said, “Housing that’s affordable to Connecticut’s workforce is key to attracting talent and keeping a strong labor pool in the state. These resources fund projects that meet multiple state goals—improving housing options, making energy efficiency upgrades, and developing strong relationships with our community partners."

About $35 million in funding is part of the 10-year, $300 million state-sponsored Housing Portfolio Revitalization Initiative, while the remaining $20 million is part of the ninth round of the Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties or CHAMP program, Malloy said.

The initiatives are administered in part by both DOH and CHFA.

SSHP funds the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the state’s affordable housing portfolio containing more than 340 properties, state officials said. Rehabilitation of the units will benefit more than 14,000 people, according to state estimates.

The CHAMP funding round offers low-interest loans as an incentive to spark private development in affordable housing. This kind of affordable housing ensures that our state’s lowest income residents will continue to have access to a stable living environment in both urban and non-urban areas.

“Under Governor Malloy’s leadership, we have spearheaded the rapid creation and redevelopment of affordable housing across the state,” DOH Commissioner Klein said. “Ensuring access to quality, safe, and affordable housing for Connecticut residents is good for the economy, good for local businesses, and it adds vibrancy to our communities.”

CHFA Executive Director Kilduff said, “CHFA works with all the properties in the SSHP before, during and after renovations. Each day, we see the remarkable results of these investments, both in the transformation of properties and in the comfort and quality of life for the residents.”

Photo Credit: Patch file