A brief public hearing is planned for Tuesday, February 21, from 7:15 to 7:30 pm, to hear from residents ahead of the town applying for an $800,000 Small Cities Block Grant to underwrite modernization and energy conservation improvements at Nunnawauk Meadows senior housing complex.

According to Cristal Preszler, deputy director of community and economic development, if the full grant is awarded, it will be used to complete reroofing of various buildings in the complex, as well as for energy-efficient door replacements on selected units.

The hearing is taking place in the Council Chambers of Newtown Municipal Center before a planned 7:30 pm Board of Selectmen meeting, during which selectmen are expected to authorize moving forward with the application process. Due to its complexity, Ms Preszler said that the town has retained a consultant to assist with the application process.

The  town will be the grant applicant on behalf of Nunnawauk Meadows, which is the community's federally designated senior and disabled housing complex and is located adjacent to Fairfield Hills on Nunnawauk Road.

The maximum award limit is $800,000 for public housing modernization for 26 units and over. Projects funded with CDBG allocations must meet at least one of three national objectives: 1) benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, 2) elimination of slums and blight, or 3) meeting urgent community development needs according to the hearing notice.

Only one project application may be submitted for this round of grants.

The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain citizens' views on the town's community development and housing needs and review and discuss specific project activities in the areas of housing, economic development, or community facilities that could be a part of the town's application for funding. The hearing will also review and discuss the town's prior Small Cities projects, including any currently open or underway.

The consultant is scheduled to be on hand in the event residents have questions.

The public hearing will give citizens an opportunity to make their comments known on the program and review and discussion of the Program Income Reuse Plan. Anyone unable to attend the public hearing may direct written comments to the Town of Newtown - Attn Christal Preszler, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown CT 06470; or telephone Ms Preszler at 203-270-4282.

In addition, information may be obtained at Ms Preszler's office at the municipal center weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm.

The notice states that the Town of Newtown promotes fair housing and makes all programs available to low- and moderate-income families, and will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, or gender identity or expression.

All are encouraged to attend. The hearing is accessible to the handicapped.

Any disabled persons requiring special assistance or non-English speaking persons should contact John Poeltl, ADA coordinator, at 203-270-4260.

[mappress mapid="593"]