While much of the talk around campaign time focuses on Downtown Redevelopment, I would like to point out our office of Economic Development/Grants Administration is extremely busy all year round.
Four years ago, we hired Derby’s first full time dedicated grant writer, and the results have been astounding.
Our Office of Economic Development has brought in millions of dollars worth of grants which would have otherwise gone unrealized. Not a bad return on investment for such a small budget.
Our newest grant project involves the construction of an access road into the former DOT site, which will open it up to future development and tax revenues.
Many projects completed throughout the City over the last 4 years were results of grants, including the work on the Opera House, work to our Senior Center as well as the upcoming reconstruction of Hawthorne Avenue.
Not only does this office work on securing grants and administering the projects, but also acts as the liaison for our local business community including our newest members, The Edge Fitness and Walgreens.
I sometimes feel all this other development gets overlooked due to the Downtown project and I just wanted to shine a light on how important the Office Of Economic and Community Development/Grants Administration is to our City.
The writer is chairman of the Derby Redevelopment Agency and a Republican member of the Board of Aldermen, where he is up for re-election in the Third Ward.
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