Mansfield Awarded $500,000 Grant for Storrs Center

Mansfield was recently named among 14 recipients of a Main Street Investment Fund grant. 

The town received a $500,000 grant for use in the "enhancement of the public spaces in Storrs Center," according to a news release.

"Main Street Investment grants play an important role in strengthening economic development initiatives on the local level," Governor Dannel P. Malloy said in a prepared statement.

"This program is unique in that it builds a working partnership between state government and the smaller communities that are striving to strengthen their commercial centers and attract additional business. I applaud the leadership in Berlin, and in the other 13 towns, for their focus on creating accessible and livable downtowns." 

Cynthia van Zelm, executive director of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, said the town was "pleased" to receive the grant.

"The public spaces are a critical part of Storrs Center, and this funding will allow us to ensure that the necessary elements for the enhancement of the public spaces are in place," van Zelm said.

The funding will be put toward the following:

• Decorative street lights and street trees on Dog Lane, Royce Circle, and Wilbur Cross Way; 
• Sidewalk planters on Dog Lane;
• Tree planters for the Town Square;
• Decorative concrete pavement in the Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way bump-outs; and 
• Way-finding signage for the Phase 1A and the Town Square. Storrs Center Alliance plans to use funds for facade improvements on the buildings at 1 Dog Lane and 9 Dog Lane. 

Mansfield Mayor Elizabeth Paterson thanked Malloy for his support, adding:

"The new downtown has not only brought in over twenty new businesses and approximately 175 full and part-time jobs in just the first two phases, but it is also serving to enhance the feel of community in town by creating public spaces, like the Town Square, that residents of all ages can enjoy," Paterson said.