Date: Thu 08-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Block-grants-selectmen

Full Text:

Block Grants Requested For Town Hall, Sandy Hook, & Housing

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Art Bennett went before the Board of Selectmen Monday night to once again

request the town seek federal and state grant money to address the need for

handicap accessibility at Edmond Town Hall.

"We're back again with the same story," said Mr Bennett, chairman of the

town's Persons With Disabilities Committee. "There are so many areas in that

building that are inaccessible, particularly the first selectman's office."

He estimates the cost to make the necessary changes could be as a high as

$300,000.

Mr Bennett's request was made during a public hearing to obtain citizens'

views concerning the use of Small Cities Community Development Block Grant

funds for housing, community facilities and public service activities. Last

year, the town's application for funding to address the accessibility of town

hall was turned down. However, a similar grant proposal was approved in the

Town of Harwinton, Mr Bennett said.

"I'm sure Mary Hawley would have said you better fix it and fix it now," Mr

Bennett said.

Selectman Bill Brimmer agreed and pointed out that much work is needed at town

hall, including a possible addition. If a major renovation project was

approved, the town would also cover the cost to make the building compliant. A

little help from a small cities grant wouldn't hurt, the selectmen said.

"One way or another we'll get it done," First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said.

The first selectman believes Newtown may have a better chance of receiving the

grant since it already has a plan in place to address town hall.

"Since we are already going to do some of the work, we'll be able to show some

sort of a match," he said.

Bill McCallister of Connecticut Insurance spoke on behalf of the Sandy Hook

Organization for Prosperity (SHOP), which has been working hard to revitalize

the Sandy Hook center. SHOP is seeking financial aid in its efforts to extend

the town water line into Sandy Hook, improve sidewalks and refurbish some

second floor apartments in Sandy Hook.

Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker said the town must file its

application with the state by May 3. Nunnawauk Meadows elderly housing complex

has also submitted a request for aid for the town to include in its proposal.

The Board of Selectmen was expected to conduct a special meeting Wednesday

night to determine how much money the town wants to request.

To date, Newtown has received three Small Cities Community Development Block

Grants in 1985, 1993 and 1996.

In 1985, Newtown received $106,000 to update the Newtown Community Development

Action Plan and site work for the eventual construction of 16 additional units

of low-income elderly rental housing at Nunnawauk Meadow

In 1993 and 1996, Newtown received $400,000 and $300,000, respectively, for

housing rehabilitation activities at Nunnawauk Meadows and privately owned

homes for low-income residents.