Politics & Government

State Rejects Gales Ferry Grant Request

Economic Development Grant Would Have Gone Toward Improving Shopping Center

The tired appearance of the Ocean State Job Lot shopping center in Gales Ferry has been a sore spot for residents for years, and a real concern for officials hoping to revitalize the business district.

For the past two years the town has applied to the state for help in the form of a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant, which it hoped would make it easier for Ocean State to fill vacant storefronts with new businesses.

The town’s request for $325,000 was part of a proposed partnership in which Ocean State would have kicked in $600,000 toward improvements to the shopping center, including updated lighting and building facades.

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But when Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced the last round of STEAP grants this month, the Gales Ferry project was not on the list.

“I was surprised,” said Town Planner Charles Karno, who’s office originated the grant application. He said it was the second year the grant was denied by the state.

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The 2012 grants were awarded to towns across Connecticut to make infrastructure upgrades, strengthen business corridors and local economies, and improve public spaces. 

“(The project) is more complicated than putting a roof on a firehouse,” said Karno, contrasting the shopping center request to another request that was among some $20 million in assistance approved by the state.

“This certainly was about economic development,” said Karno said, while acknowledging that the public-private partnership could have been a sticking point for the state.

He added that there was “nothing magic” about the $325,000 number. 

“It just means we’ll have to find some other way,” he said, although applying a third time to the state probably will not be among the options.


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