Berlin Lawmakers Announce State Grant To Fund Downtown Improvements

New state investment part of an ongoing campaign to make a more walkable, attractive, and economically growing downtown Berlin

Berlin’s legislative delegation announced today that they have secured a $500,000 state investment in the ongoing Downtown Village Streetscape project. The funding will allow Berlin to continue improving commercial properties and pedestrian infrastructure around the train station, attracting new businesses and residents to the community.

“Downtown Berlin is the site of transformative revitalization that is going to shape the economic future of this community for years to come,” said Senator Gerratana. “We worked to secure this grant that will allow town officials to continue with their efforts to capitalize on the train station and other assets already present in the area. These streetscape improvements will make the downtown community more accessible and walkable, making it a more attractive area for both families and businesses.”

“Berlin has made great headway in the project to revitalize our downtown area and increase economic development,” said Representative Joe Aresimowicz. “With this grant we will continue that progress by creating a downtown Kensington Village area that is appealing to businesses, consumers and Berlin residents.”

“I am encouraged by the progress we are making in the revitalization of the Downtown Village Streetscape area,” Representative Cathy Abercrombie said. “STEAP grants are an important component in helping towns like Berlin with moving vital projects within our community. I look forward to the improvements in our Berlin Train Station area and all of the associated economic benefits.”

Berlin will receive $500,000 for the revitalization of the Downtown Village Streetscape. The streetscape improvement project in the Main Street area of Kensington is the second phase of a project now in construction. The construction of streetscape improvements in this area will be an important element in the continuing effort to create a community center in the Berlin Train Station area. This project complements the institution of commuter rail service in 2018, embraces the importance of walkability, and the creation of a more active business center. This grant follows several other Transit-Oriented Development grants awarded by the Office of Policy and Management for the same area of Berlin.