West Hartford Council Gets Fed Cash For Projects

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's top governing body has approved $551,414 in fiscal maneuvering that literally and figuratively paves the way for three major projects that will benefit residents.

As a result, major road/sidewalk resurfacing for several town streets, added COVID-19 test kits and renovations at a local elderly/disabled housing complex will get the funding needed.

The grant funds come from the federal government's Community Development Block Grant (CDNG) program, as as well as federal CDBG-Coronavirus cash.

On July 14, the West Hartford Town Council unanimously approved to use the grants for those three projects as part of a consent agenda approved that night.

In general, the federal grants are aimed at benefitting low- to moderate-income residents or neighborhoods in a municipality.

Specifically in West Hartford, the funding will:

• Fund road resurfacing at Foley Street; Ahern Street; Lyton Street; Goodsell Street; Melven Road; and Selldan Street.

In addition, sidewalks will be replaced for Ahern Street; Boulanger Avenue; Concord Street; Darcy Street; Edgemere Avenue; Edgemont Avenue; Englewood Avenue; Foley Street; and Goodsell Steret.

• Allow the town to purchase $18,450 in COVID-19 test kits for low- to moderate-income residents, something that is probably necessary as another omicron variant is making its way through the U.S.

• Renovations and improvements to West Hartford Fellowship Housing, at 60 Starkel Road, which is a nonprofit group that houses elderly and disabled residents.

A $95,039-renovation is planned at the facility, with roof work, new windows, siding and trim work planned, as well as construction of a new front entry porch there.

To see the minutes of the July 14 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

To see that meeting's information packet, including the federal funding approval, click on this link.