For the first time in almost a decade, Ansonia has been awarded a state “Small Cities” grant.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell awarded $300,000 to the city.
Economic Development Director Claude Perry said the money will be used to help fix up private homes throughout the city.
Residents will have to apply to the city and must meet income guidelines to qualify for the money, Perry said.
Perry said the money will help improve homes with code enforcement issues, specifically.
“That will be our first priority,” Perry said.
The city will also look to award the grants to multi-family units so the home improvements will affect the most people.
No specific neighborhood will be targeted, meaning homeowners and landlords across the city can apply for the money.
“When people see a neighborhood turn around, it brings a whole community up,” said Ansonia alderman John Marini.
The federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program funds the state Small Cities grants.
The program, operated by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and the revitalization of development projects.
For more information about how to apply for the grants, contact Perry at (203) 736‑5930.
