Community House gets $100k from state

KENT — The Community House will be getting some additional improvements, thanks to a  $100,000 grant from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). Several other regional towns also will receive funds (see story, Page A1).

The state also awarded the town $200,000 last year for building renovations.

The Community House on Main Street is owned by the town and is used mainly for Park and Recreation programs. Space is also leased out for flea markets, meetings, political events and musical performances.

The building is in poor shape, though, and has become less  attractive to renters in recent years.

The $200,000 from last year’s grant is meant to improve the heating and cooling systems in the building. Insulation will be installed in addition to a new air conditioning and heating system.

First Selectman Bruce Adams said this new grant of $100,000 will help pay for interior and exterior painting, installation of a new sound system and a storage area for tables and chairs.

“The building is unofficially closed during October, unless there is someone out there who needs it,� Adams said. “But the building will definitely be officially closed in November so we can start the construction projects. The town hopes to have all of the renovations completed by January, but the estimate might be wishful thinking. Sometimes construction projects take longer than you anticipate.�

Work was supposed to begin in September, but the town has not chosen a contractor yet.

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