Stamford Poised to Receive Nearly $7.5 Million in State Funds

Three key projects in Stamford are expected to receive nearly $7.5 million in state funding when the State Bond Commission meets on Tuesday.

In a joint announcement on Friday, Stamford’s legislative delegation announced that $3 million for the creation of the Whittingham Discovery Center in Mill River Park and $1.187 million for construction of affordable housing units and another $3 million to renovate a public housing complex are included on the Bond Commission’s agenda.

Funding expected to be approved next week includes:

Whittingham Discovery Center

A $3,000,000 grant-in-aid to the City of Stamford to assist with construction of the Whittingham Discovery Center in Mill River Park. The approximately 10,000 square foot building will house operations for the park, recreational programs, educational programs, public services and the ice making equipment for the adjacent skating rink.

Mutual Housing Association

A $1,187,000 loan to Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut, Inc. to assist with construction of Fairfield Commons II in Stamford. This project will create six units of affordable, supportive rental housing. The loan will be provided at 0% for 30 years with payments deferred.

Lawnhill Terrace

A $3,250,000 loan to Lawnhill Terrace I Limited Partnership to assist phase 1 of rehabilitation of Lawnhill Terrace in Stamford. This phase consists of rehabilitation of 60 units at the 206-unit moderated rental complex. The loan will be provided at 1% for 30 years with payments deferred.

“Quality-of-life investments like the Whittingham Discovery Center build stronger communities and are a main reason why Stamford is one of the best cities in the country to live, work and play in,” said State Sen. Carlo Leone (D-Stamford). “Along with quality affordable housing and businesses like Synchrony Financial adding new jobs, this marks an exciting time for the city.”

State Rep. William Tong said, “The funding will improve our quality-of-life in Stamford, increase economic growth and provide a hub for recreational activities at Mill River Park.”

State Rep. Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) said, “This state aid will allow greater access to affordable housing for more families, a much-needed upgrade to a state-funded housing development, and will help fund construction of the Whittingham Discovery Center in Mill River Park.”

State Rep. Caroline Simmons (D-Stamford) said she was “grateful for the generous state funding for construction of the Whittingham Discovery Center in our own Mill River Park. This new center will greatly serve Stamford’s youth and increase economic growth in our city.”

“I am very pleased to see these projects being moved forward -- it is good for the residents and good for our community as a whole,” said State Representative Terry Adams (D-Stamford). “The entire Stamford delegation has worked closely with Gov. Malloy and the housing association and also with The City of Stamford for the new Whittingham Discovery Center. I want to thank everyone who put in so much time and effort and shared a vision to improve our community.”

Photo: The proposed Whittingham Discovery Center. Credit: Mill River Park Initiative.