Bethel Wins Second Round of 'Small Cities' Grant Financing

I am very pleased to inform our residents of Governor Malloy’s announcement this week that Bethel is one of only 28 communities in the state to receive a second round of Small Cities financing. Bethel’s new grant is for $300,000, giving Bethel a total of $600,000 over the past two years.

Small Cities is a deferred loan program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The money provides zero interest and no payment home improvement loans to low income and senior citizens. Loans need to be repaid only when the property is either sold or refinanced. Plus, when the loans are repaid, the funds are returned back to the local community and made available for others to borrow.

Certain income limits apply, and the loans can only be used for health and safety home improvements, such as replacing leaking a leaking roof or a broken down heating system.

This program has proved to be invaluable for many income eligible Bethel citizens.  It has also been good for our local economy, as it brings builders and construction workers to our town where they discover a wonderful variety of restaurants and other shops.

To learn more, please call Phyllis Kansky at the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center at 203-794-8148.  Funding for this grant is expected to be released this coming January.  Please be advised that this program is very popular and we usually have a waiting list of residents who have previously applied. Anyone who is not able to take advantage of the grant at this time is encouraged to keep their name on the waiting list. We will reapply for further grants as often as we are allowed to do so.

Matthew Knickerbocker, First Selectman