Stamford Receives State Funds To Create Downtown Housing Units

STAMFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont this week announced that the state is awarding approximately $36.5 million in grants to eight cities and towns — including Stamford — under the second round of his administration's recently launched Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant program.

Stamford will receive a $2.7 million grant award for infrastructure improvements in the downtown area that would create affordable housing units, according to a news release from the governor's office. The total cost of the project is $4.1 million.

In a partnership between Stamford and Walton Place LLC, the infrastructure improvements would result in 247 units of housing at 0 Walton Place and 80 Prospect St.

Twenty-three of the units will be affordable for families making 45 percent Area Median Income, a news release from Lamont's office said. Upgrades will include stormwater infrastructure relocation, park and public space upgrades, and pedestrian safety improvements.

The project will significantly increase the number of available units in close proximity to mass transit, while also making key infrastructure improvements to enhance the pedestrian experience, the news release added.

"This funding advances two of my top priorities – creating affordable housing and improving our city’s infrastructure," said Mayor Caroline Simmons in a statement to Patch. "I want to thank our Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Department for their work in securing this grant and we are excited to move forward on this project, which will enhance pedestrian safety, upgrade critical infrastructure, and improve quality of life for residents."

Administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the governor's Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant program was created in 2021 with the purpose of funding a wide range of revitalization projects that will spur the growth of thousands of new jobs.

"We created this grant program as a component of our efforts to spur economic growth and the creation of new jobs as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic," Lamont said in a news release. "Each of these approved state grants are going toward projects that improve the livability and quality of life in communities and will make these neighborhoods even more attractive for private investments and opportunities for residents."

DECD Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said the projects will bring foot traffic, mixed-use environments and a significant number of new housing units to eight Connecticut communities.

"These investments are focused on in-fill opportunities in downtown and main street areas with existing centers of development and activity. In addition to increasing the livability of our communities, stimulating transit-oriented development is another key goal of this program," Daum said in a news release. "Many of the awards under this second round will go to projects located within a quick walk from transit options, helping to get Connecticut residents off the roads and onto our excellent transit system."

The first round of grants under this program was released in April and included $45 million to support projects in 12 towns and cities. A third round is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023.