Southwestern Connecticut Main Streets to get Facelift

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) is pleased to support the Main Street Investment Fund project winners from Wilton and Bethel.

“Anytime the state can help foster a partnership between towns and private business in an effort to improve their down towns- we should be supportive,” said Sen. Boucher. “Linking sidewalks to businesses and town centers is also a critical safety project.”

13 towns and cities around Connecticut are being awarded a total of $5 million in grants to develop or improve town commercial districts. The goal is to attract small businesses, improve pedestrian access and livability in town centers. The grants are part of the state’s Main Street Investment Fund, which is administered through the state Department of Housing.

The Main Street Investment awards are no more than $500,000 and can be used for expenses such as building improvements, signage, lighting, and streetscape improvements.

The funded projects in our area:

• Wilton plans to put its $425,000 award toward the Wilton Center Sidewalk Restoration Project throughout the town center. This project, which will address various safety concerns, related to ADA, providing public sidewalks within the vehicle travel way, dovetails with other completed downtown improvements such as the installation of benches, concrete roadway curbing, 75 decorative street lamps, seasonal flower pot arrangements, and the 2010 completion of the Veteran’s Memorial Green.
• Bethel will receive $290,149 to improve the town’s commercial center. The project which includes new sidewalks, accessibility ramps, and signage, streetscape, and safety improvements will create a walkable and ADA compliant downtown by improving public safety and pedestrian access, creating a community gathering place, and increasing recreational opportunities.