Public hearing Tuesday in Groton on ARPA, voting districts, proposals
Groton — Coronavirus relief funds, voting district boundaries, and project proposals will be on the agenda of a Town Council public hearing Tuesday evening.
The council is seeking public comments on six proposed categories, or "Community Recovery Buckets," for allocating American Rescue Plan funds: Economic Development and Resiliency, Infrastructure/Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Human Services, Arts and Culture, and American Rescue Plan Act administration, according to the proposal. The town is slated to receive about $8.6 million in funds.
The public hearing also includes an ordinance to redefine the town's voting districts. As a result of redistricting done by the state every 10 years, part of Groton's District 1 is moving to District 4, and part of Groton's District 3 is moving to District 2, said Registrar of Voters Kristen Venditti. The other voting districts in Groton are not affected.
More information and a map is available on the town's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/townofgroton.
Venditti added that the town will be sending out notices to every resident to let them know where their district location will be.
The council also is seeking comments on a proposal to seek a $2 million grant from the Community Development Block Grant Program, while the Groton Housing Authority would also seek funding from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, for a substantial rehabilitation project of the Grasso Gardens housing complex, said Groton Economic and Community Development Manager Paige Bronk. The project would include addressing exterior siding, windows, and doors, adding more square footage to the units, improving ADA accessibility, installing a new backup generator, and energy improvements.
People also can comment on several proposals for the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program, a state program that the town solicit proposals for, said Town Manager John Burt. After the hearing, the state will review and certify the potential projects, and the project would then need a corporate entity to make contributions, Bronk said. An investor would receive a direct state tax credit if they make a contribution towards a project.
The projects include $150,000 for windows at Bill Memorial Library; $136,000 for energy conservation measures including heating and cooling system upgrades, rooftop solar, insulation, windows to benefit Community of Hope; $5,869 for energy efficient air-cooling units at The Odd Fellows Home of CT Inc. doing business as Fairview; $142,500 for a roof replacement at Riverfront Children's Center; and $144,829 for roofing upgrades and an energy efficient tractor at Sacred Heart School, according to a town notice.
The public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Thrive 55+ Active Living Center (Groton Senior Center), located at 102 Newtown Road, and also will be held on Zoom. People who want to speak on Zoom should email Council@groton-ct.gov by 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the agenda.
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