By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough- The Marlborough Community Development Authority (MCDA) is reapplying for a block grant to be awarded by the State Department of Housing and Development (DHCD). To hopefully be successful, the city has engaged the services of a consultant from MAPPLAN Associates of Connecticut to write and submit the request, according to Douglas Bushman, MCDA executive director.
A joint application with the town of Hudson was rejected in 2013 and 2016.
“It is expected that only three applications will be funded out of the ten that will seek funding. Demographics and conditions of roadway or target areas designated for eligibility roughly correspond to the French Hill community,” Bushman said.
Bushman expressed his appreciation to Mayor Arthur Vigeant, chair of the MCDA; board members, and Department of Public Works Commissioner John Ghiloni and his staff for their help with drawings and technical data needed to prepare information for the grant and assisting the MAPPLAN consultant.
“There has been a lot of progress in the past few years and now we are ready for this important step,” said Bushman.
The CDBG grant program was enacted in 1974, designated to provide funds to cities and towns to ensure affordable housing, services to those in need and to create jobs.