Eight Connecticut cities and towns are getting a total of $23 million from the state to develop new apartments, retail, and public spaces, the Hartford Courant reports.
The grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development will go to Bethel, Bridgeport, Haddam, Hebron, Naugatuck, New Britain, New London, and Torrington.
The goal of the third and final round of the Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant is "improving livability, vibrancy, convenience, and equity," according to a DECD press release.
The eight cities were chosen based on their goals.
The projects need to include at least 20% affordable housing in at least 80% of the area's median income, or 50% affordable in 50% of the area.
"Anytime you can get a grant that sort of provides that gap funding and helps bring down the basic cost of the project is a big deal," New Britain's director of planning and development tells the Courant.
Over the last two years, the state has given more than $95 million to projects in 21 cities and towns.
The projects are expected to create more than 2,300 units of housing, 300,000 square feet of office, retail, and restaurant space, and at least 12 new public spaces.
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