FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

SENATOR OSTEN, REP. WILSON WELCOME STATE GRANT FOR MASON HOUSE, CHARTER SCHOOL EXPANSION IN NORWICH

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and state Representative Derell Wilson (D-Norwich) today welcomed a state Department of Economic and Community Development Brownfield Remediation and Development Program grant to remediate and stabilize the historic Mason House located at 68 Thermos Avenue.

The $1,857,370 state grant will allow the Integrated Day Charter School to use the remediated space to expand, allowing them to provide community mental health services and host community events.

“Connecticut’s brownfield remediation program continues to be an unqualified success, getting eyesores out of public sight and bringing blighted properties back into usefulness and onto the local tax rolls,” Sen. Osten said. “I’m especially pleased to see the property being put to good use by the Integrated Day Charter School.”

“I would like to thank Connecticut’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. This is a game-changer for IDCS and the Laurel Hill community of Norwich,” Rep. Wilson said. “This is an asset that will be historically preserved to tell a story, while addressing needs, school needs, and, more importantly, foster partnerships within the community.”

The Integrated Day Charter School was founded in Norwich in February 1997 and soon began searching for a location.  After researching many options, the founding board decided to renovate the former Thermos Factory, taking advantage of large open spaces and bright classrooms. Renovation of portions of the building have been ongoing since its doors opened and throughout the school’s existence.

The Norwich grant is part of $20 million in state grants announced today by Governor Ned Lamont to support the remediation and redevelopment of 21 blighted properties consisting of 150 acres of contaminated land in 18 municipalities across Connecticut. These state investments are expected to leverage approximately $530 million in private investments and facilitate the creation of 1,392 units of new housing, as well as the growth of new businesses.