New Britain Delegation Welcomes over $3.7 Million to Projects in New Britain

Today, the New Britain Delegation comprised of state Senator Rick Lopes, Representatives Manny Sanchez, Robert Sanchez, Gary Turco, and David DeFronzo are welcoming a vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) that will bring over $3.7 million to New Britain.

The CIF vote is a key step toward final approval of the plan by the State Bond Commission, which must come in the next 60 days.

The CIF is giving the City of New Britain $1,796,974 for Mount Pleasant. The multi-phased project will replace 251 obsolete public housing units with approximately 330 mixed-income housing of choice units and appurtenant community space. The project will contain new roads and infrastructure that will connect the isolated community back to the broader neighborhood, as well as fostering connectivity to the greater metropolitan area.

The CIF is also giving $2 million to the Friendship Service Center for emergency shelter expansion. The Friendship Service Center provides services to individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Central Connecticut. FSC will use this funding to renovate its facility including reconfiguring bedrooms to increase emergency shelter capacity from 5 to 16 rooms, upgrading the community kitchen and dining room, and expanding the parking lot.

“Today’s announcement of over $3.7 million in funding for New Britain is a significant step forward in addressing the critical housing and shelter needs of our community,” said Sen. Lopes. “I am deeply grateful to legislative leadership for their support of the Mount Pleasant redevelopment and the Friendship Service Center’s expansion. These investments will provide much-needed affordable housing and emergency shelter for families and individuals in need, while also enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity that will strengthen our entire city.”

“The lack of affordable housing is a current crisis in Connecticut,” said Rep. Turco. “As state representative of New Britain and Newington, and a member of the Housing Committee, I am committed to helping people who are facing homelessness and creating more affordable housing. The $3.8 million for Mount Pleasant and the Friendship Service Center in New Britain is a much-needed investment in the right direction. Because these are not just investments in brick and mortar, they are investments in people.”

“I am happy that New Britain will be receiving $3.8 million in additional funding to start the redevelopment of Mount Pleasant and to provided additional services at the Friendship Service Center,” said Rep. DeFronzo. “This money will directly benefit our community and help improve the lives of residents.”

“The funds for Mount Pleasant and the Friendship Service Center will help improve affordable housing in our community while strengthening resources for residents in need,” said Rep. Robert Sanchez. “As a member of the Housing Committee, I am proud to support this funding and remain committed to helping our community members who may be facing homelessness and are in need of these critical resources.”

“I could not be more pleased that the Mount Pleasant area is set to be reconnected to greater New Britain,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “I would like to thank CIF 2030 for its commitment to helping New Britain maintain its place as a vibrant city all its residents are proud to call home. And with so many people homeless and others on the brink of homelessness, emergency shelters must be prepared. The funding for the Friendship Service Center will help the facility add more bedrooms, upgrade the kitchen area, and more. Thanks again to the CIF 2030 for recognizing this need and addressing it.

“Friendship Service Center, Inc is thrilled to be included in this round of Community Investment Funding, which will be used to upgrade and expand the emergency shelter, community kitchen, and dining area of our Virginia C. Davis building,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the Friendship Center, Caitlin Rose. “We are so appreciative of Senator Lopes and the entire New Britain delegation for their ongoing support of FSC and the constituents in New Britain who are experiencing homelessness.”

The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state.