Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), board member of the Community Investment Fund (CIF), and the Norwalk Delegation are celebrating funds being approved for Norwalk during the Community Investment Fund meeting. The state funding will help improve the area near South Norwalk Elementary School and support renovations at the Carver Center.
The CIF is awarding $2.5 million to help with the construction of a roundabout at the South Norwalk Elementary School. The roundabout will moderate traffic speeds and provide better safety for pedestrian traffic destined for the school.
The CIF is also awarding $3.5 million to the Carver Center to help with renovations to expand the center, make it ADA accessible, and provide security upgrades. CIF funds will be used to renovate and bring the center up to code by enlarging the footprint to accommodate an elevator, a separate code-compliant egress, and a new secure entrance. Also, bathrooms will be renovated, modernized, and brought up to code compliance.
“Currently, the intersection near the elementary school is configured as two very closely-spaced intersections causing terrible traffic and safety issues,” said Sen. Duff. “This funding will help to accommodate walkers and bicyclists while easing traffic that causes delays during the morning commute. Investing in a roundabout near our elementary school protects drivers, children, and parents as they head to and from school. I am also grateful the Carver Center will receive well-deserved funding. The Carver provides many critical services and educational opportunities for Norwalk children. With these renovations, the center will be able to continue its great work for the next generation of Norwalkers.”
“The City of Norwalk is incredibly grateful to Governor Lamont and Senator Duff for continuing to invest in Norwalk’s youth and the South Neighborhood community through a $2.5 million Community Investment Fund grant that will go towards construction of a roundabout at the new South Norwalk School,” said Mayor Harry Rilling. “This project will help improve safety for all roadway users, particularly our students, when they enter this brand-new state-of-the-art school, by promoting lower speeds, safe pedestrian crossing, and traffic calming around the area. Earlier this year, we held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new South Norwalk school, the community’s first neighborhood school in over 40 years. The South Norwalk neighborhood school is also the City’s first new school construction project under the new state reimbursement rate of 60%, saving the City millions of dollars and a testament to the State’s fierce commitment to transformational education projects.”
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of Senator Bob Duff in securing funds for vital road safety features around the new South Norwalk Elementary School,” said Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools. “His leadership ensures a safer environment for our students, families, and community as they navigate through the school zone. We thank him for his ongoing support as we bring South Norwalk its first neighborhood school in over 40 years.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Board Members of the Community Investment Fund for their generous approval of our $3.5 million request to accomplish these crucial renovations to the Carver Community Center,” said the Executive Director of The Carver, Novelette Peterkin. “This funding is a game-changer for youth and families of Norwalk. It will allow the Carver Community Center to continue to be a vibrant and safe space for learning, enrichment, and growth. We especially want to thank Senator Bob Duff, a longtime advocate for Carver and the Norwalk community, for his steadfast support and leadership in championing our mission. We also want to thank our Norwalk Delegation for their inspiring commitment through the years to the well-being of our city’s children and families.”
“Both of these projects reflect our continued efforts to build safer and more inclusive communities,” State Rep. Lucy Dathan (Norwalk) said. “Improving traffic flow during busy drop-off and pick-up times at South Norwalk Elementary is critical for everyone’s safety. And making needed upgrades to the Carver Center will be a great benefit to members of our community using this facility to enjoy everything the center has to offer. I am proud of our collective delegation work delivering these two important projects to the district.”
“I am excited to see these significant investments in our community,” State Representative Travis Simms said. “The $2.5million for the South Norwalk Elementary School Area Improvements and the $3.5million for the Carver Center’s renovation are vital steps forward. These projects will enhance safety, accessibility, and security for our residents. I am optimistic that these improvements will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, families, and community members, and I fully support the positive impact they will bring to South Norwalk.”
“I am grateful for the funding that is being awarded to Norwalk,” State Rep. Kadeem Roberts said. “Once the projects that received the money allocated by CIF are completed, their benefit will be immediate and far reaching throughout our community. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the CIF board for their consideration.”
“Smart infrastructure investments like these to increase access and provide better safety and security for our public spaces are great for the entire community as they create a more welcoming environment and foster a sense of inclusion,” State Rep. Tracy Marra said. “I want to thank the CIF for continuing to provide important funding for these critical projects that make Norwalk an even friendlier, more accessible city.”
“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the CIF board for approving funds that will greatly benefit our city,” State Rep. Dominique Johnson said. “The Carter Center is an excellent resource for Norwalk residents, and the allocated funds will ensure it continues to be a safe and accessible place for all members of our community. The funding for the roundabout at South Norwalk Elementary will help ease traffic burdens during pick up and drop off and keep students safe on their way to and from school. I am grateful for this funding and look forward to the completion of both projects.”
The City of Norwalk is building the new South Norwalk Elementary School at 1 Meadow Street Extension, immediately adjacent to the Intersection. The school will be the first full-service elementary school in South Norwalk and will provide much-needed educational services to this historically disadvantaged neighborhood. The school is currently under construction and plans to open in Fall 2025.
The Carver Community Center, established in 1975, serves as a hub for youth development and community engagement. Youth sports programs foster teamwork and athletic skills. Community and educational initiatives provide educational enrichment, mentorship, and violence prevention. The Carver’s mission is to equip all learners for global competitiveness by leading strategic partnerships with schools and communities that advance excellence and growth opportunities. Carver provides over 60 programs, including before-school, after-school, summer, and community initiatives across K-12 public schools in Norwalk, Side by Side Charter School, and the Carver Community Center. The programming aligns with the in-school curriculum, led by daytime certified teachers, ensuring students advance to the next grade on time and well-prepared.
The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) was created by a bipartisan vote of the General Assembly in 2021 and is funded through state bonding.
The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.
Grants are available for:
· Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation
· Small business capital programs, including revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds to establish small businesses
· Planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget
