Governor Lamont Invests $20 Million to Revitalize Blighted Properties, Boost Housing Supply, and Spur Economic Growth
Governor Ned Lamont has approved $20 million in state grants aimed at remediating 21 long-vacant and contaminated properties across 18 Connecticut municipalities. This investment is expected to leverage $530 million in private funding, create 1,392 new housing units, and drive the redevelopment of 150 acres of land into productive use.
The initiative, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program, addresses years of neglect by transforming these “zombie properties” into vibrant spaces for housing and business. By remediating environmental hazards, demolishing outdated structures, and preparing sites for redevelopment, this program tackles two pressing needs: expanding Connecticut’s housing inventory and supporting economic growth.
Key Projects Include:
- Ansonia: Assessment for repurposing the historic Opera House into functional community space.
- Cromwell: Transformation of the former Red Lion Hotel into a 254-unit mixed-use development.
- Enfield: Development of a 160-unit multifamily residential and transit-oriented complex.
- Stonington: Revitalization of a historic mill into 51 apartments with commercial space.
- Stamford: Excavation and cleanup to enable a 714-unit mixed-use housing development.
These projects will address Connecticut’s housing shortage, attract new businesses, and revitalize neighborhoods. Investments like these ensure blighted properties no longer detract from communities but instead drive growth and foster economic and social progress.
Anticipated Effect on Housing Market:
This program is poised to significantly impact Connecticut’s housing market by adding nearly 1,400 new housing units, including affordable and mixed-income options. It will enhance housing accessibility, meet growing demand, and stimulate local economies through job creation and business expansion. These developments will likely stabilize housing prices in key areas by addressing supply shortages, creating opportunities for first-time homebuyers and renters, and revitalizing urban and suburban neighborhoods.
