Robert Sanchez

State Rep. Bobby Sanchez (D-New Britain) welcomed a joint announcement from Governor Malloy’s office and the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) that nearly $28 million is being awarded to support the development of affordable housing across the state.

These grants are part of the state’s Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) program that will help support affordable housing opportunities to veterans, individuals who are living with disabilities, and focus on expanding access to transit-oriented developments.

“It is always encouraging to receive uplifting news like this at a time when our most vulnerable communities are struggling with day-to-day challenges. We are trying to stay competitive while offering the best possible environment to our families,” Rep. Sanchez said.

One of the grants will be awarded to New Britain, Columbus Commons: DOH will provide up to $1,976,000 to Tunxis Road Associates, LLC for the Columbus Commons project for the construction of 14 townhouse rental units in two buildings on a currently underutilized property on a main city thoroughfare. The site has easy access to highways and is a short distance to the CTfastrak Downtown New Britain station, governmental offices, shopping opportunities, and other amenities. The project will serve a range of incomes and will also include market rate units to ensure a vibrant mixed-income development.

A second grant will go to New Britain, North Street Apartments: DOH will provide up to $2,145,000 to the Friendship Service Center, Inc., to assist in the construction of 11 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments in a three-story building on North Street in New Britain. The Friendship Service Center will prioritize renting to chronically homeless individuals and maintain a preference for veterans for two units. Tenants will be able to receive supportive housing services through the Friendship Service Center. The site is within walking distance to the CTfastrak Downtown New Britain station as well as the CT Transit bus system. The City of New Britain has committed construction financing of over $250,000 and the project is also supported by The American Savings Foundation.

“Affordable housing is key to creating vibrant communities that attract families, workers, businesses, and private investments. Access to housing helps boost competitiveness, attracts business, and builds our economy. That’s why our administration has been so committed to making these critical investments,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said.

CHAMP, administered by DOH, provides developers and owners of multifamily affordable housing the necessary gap financing to create more affordable units in their developments.

Rep. Sanchez said, “Every effort we make to provide access to affordable housing to Connecticut’s families is laudable. I thank the governor for making New Britain a part of this important initiative.”