Rep. Robin Comey: $10K For Branford Housing Authority's Parkside II

HARTFORD, CT — The Housing Advisory Panel voted on Friday to approve one-time grant funding awards as part of the Interest on Real Estate Brokers Trust Account Program, which includes $10,000 for Branford Housing Authority, state Rep. Robin Comey, D-Branford, announced.

According to Comey, the IOREBTA Program funds annual support appraisal gap financing for first-time homebuyers, development of affordable housing projects, counseling for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, and second mortgage down payment assistance.

This year's grant awards include help for intellectual and developmental disability and Veterans' housing, low-income and affordable housing and homelessness assistance and prevention programs, according to Comey.

She noted that the grant to Branford Housing Authority will assist Parkside II tenants with energy cost savings. Those include the costs of upgrading old A/C units, replacement of energy inefficient appliances, weatherization improvements, installation of LED lightbulbs, low flow shower heads, and any other modest improvements. She said "both increase comfort and reduce each individual's electricity bill."

"The Branford Housing Authority reached out to me as they were exploring new funding options that would target the specific needs of the aging infrastructure of Parkside II," Comey said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to direct state funds to help ensure that Branford residents in need living at Parkside II are going to receive energy cost improvements that will extend beyond the short-term."

A fellow legislator lauded Comey's efforts, it's noted in a news release.

"Rep. Comey advocated for this money to help the Branford Housing Authority," Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester), Co-Chair of the Housing Committee and the Housing Advisory Panel, said. "And that's why it received this grant award because of her leadership and dedication to the community."

Andy Wight, Chair of Branford Housing Authority, was quoted as thanking Comey for her advocacy.

"Our tenant population is among the most financially vulnerable in our town," he said. "The grant funds from IOREBTA will be applied directly and in full to lessen energy cost burdens for our tenants."