Susan Johnson

Representative Susan Johnson joined her legislative colleagues, Sen. Mae Flexer and Rep. Linda Orange, in praising the announcement that two affordable housing developments in Willimantic have been awarded more than $7 million in state funding through the state Department of Housing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

“This is wonderful news for Windham, both in terms of continuing the momentum of downtown Willimantic’s revitalization, and for safe, affordable housing for our residents,” Johnson said. “These are projects that our local officials and community leaders have said are imperative, and I am pleased that our delegation has been able to secure this investment for these extremely worthy projects in Windham.”

The announcement was made Tuesday by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Karl F. Kilduff.

The Northeastern Connecticut Community Development Corporation Inc. (NCCDC) has been awarded up to $2,570,000 through the Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties program to assist in the renovation of the historic “Murray Building” – more commonly referred to as the “Hurley Building” – at 699 Main St. in Willimantic.

Additionally, the Marcella Eastman Curran Terrace rental development on Memorial Drive in Willimantic has been awarded $4,867,000 in funding through the State Sponsored Housing Portfolio Revitalization Initiative.

Senator Flexer (D-Danielson) said renovation of the Hurley Building is one of the most critical pieces of Willimantic’s revitalization, and will provide vital affordable housing at the heart of downtown while jumpstarting additional redevelopment. “The funding for the renovation of the Marcella Eastman property is also crucial to ensuring our residents have access to safe affordable housing.”

Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester, Windham) said, “This is great news for people seeking a quality, affordable place to call home. This is an incredible investment by the state in Windham.”

“Senator Flexer and Representative Johnson have been instrumental in securing this funding, and I am thankful for their steadfast support of this project and for advocating on our behalf to the commissioner of the Department of Housing,” said Rheo Brouillard, president of the NCCDC.