Windsor Locks, East Windsor Approved For Transit-Oriented Funding

WINDSOR LOCKS-EAST WINDSOR, CT — Windsor Locks and East Windsor are among 11 Connecticut towns and cities that will share $15 million in funding under a competitive grant program that supports transit-oriented development and responsible growth in the state and is targeted at boosting economic activity and creating jobs.

Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Wednesday morning the grants will come under the state’s Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and relies on a combination of funding from the Responsible Growth Incentive Fund and the Transit-Oriented Development and Pre-development Fund.

“Transportation isn’t just about cars, trains and buses – it’s about building vibrant communities and continuing to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live, visit, and do business,” Malloy said. “Today’s grant awards will build upon the smart, targeted investments we have made in recent years, which have already lead to significant growth in transit-oriented development across the state.”

“I am pleased to move forward with these important and worthwhile investments,” OPM Secretary Ben Barnes said. “Until recent years, Connecticut ignored forward-looking projects to foster growth in our local economies. These grants will strengthen our cities and the state and – more importantly – will do so responsibly.”

Earlier this year, OPM released a Request for Applications for the grant program, and the State Bond Commission approved a total of $15 million to be used – comprised of $5 million from the Responsible Growth Incentive Fund and $10 million from the Transit-Oriented Development and Pre-development Fund. Following that, OPM – with input from other state agencies – reviewed, rated, and ranked each of the proposals.

East Windsor is slated to receive $123,800 to develop a storm-water management plan and establish new zoning recommendations and other guidelines to promote the village-style redevelopment in Warehouse Point. The resulting storm-water master plan will inform land use and zoning recommendations intended to promote village-scale improvements based on conventional complete streets and smart growth principles. A portion of this funding is dedicated toward providing public workshops and additional outreach to keep citizens informed throughout the process.

Windsor Locks is earmarked for $1,847,400 for the construction of a retaining wall and surface parking lot intended to support the redevelopment of three parcels in the Main Street Commercial District, across from the new train station. This grant will build on the state’s previous investment in transit-oriented development within Windsor Locks, as well as the town’s continuing efforts to position these properties for redevelopment in-line with the town’s new transit-oriented development-inspired Main Street Overlay Zone regulations.

Other communities approved for funding are Berlin, Clinton, Madison, New Britain, Norwalk, Stratford, Wallingford, Winchester and the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments.

Photo credit: Shutterstock