Trumbull, Shelton getting state grants to enhance housing, increase economic development

Shelton and Trumbull are among the 21 Connecticut municipalities receiving nearly $13 million from the state to provide upgrades and improvements to Connecticut”™s affordable housing stock and infrastructure.

Awarded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the grants are being awarded to towns with populations of fewer than 50,000 “to advance projects that develop and preserve affordable housing, provide services to the most vulnerable residents in their communities, and also create and retain jobs,” according to Gov. Dannel Malloy.

“These projects will help so many local communities increase quality of life and make our state an even more attractive place to live, work and do business,” Malloy said.  “These are investments in our neighborhoods, in the people who live here, and in our economic future.”

Twelve grants will fund public housing modernizations; seven will fund housing rehabilitation programs; one will fund a public facilities project; and one will fund a public service program, according to DOH Commissioner Evonne M. Klein.

Shelton and the Shelton Housing Authority are receiving $800,000 to make exterior improvements at the Helen Devaux Housing Complex at 187 Meadow St., including roof replacement, asphalt shingle replacement, siding assembly replacement, window and doors replacement, and the installation of canopies at common entrances.

The Trumbull Housing Authority is receiving $800,000 to install ductless split heat pumps in each of the 186 units at Stern Village Senior Housing Complex, located at 200 Hedgehog Circle. The pumps will improve heating and air conditioning at the complex, and will significantly reduce monthly electricity costs for its low- to moderate-income residents.