Funding For New Britain and Newington

December 22, 2021

$2.5 million was approved to make needed renovations and improvements to Camp Schade, located in Burlington, which is owned by Boys & Girls Club of New Britain. The camp’s deteriorating conditions have caused it to stop serving as a space for New Britain youth to enjoy fun summer activities. Presently, water and plumbing at the camp needs to be brought up to health code. Also, numerous amenities at the camp, such as the pool, require significant repairs.

Upgrading the facilities at Camp Schade allows the Boys and Girls Club to provide another great option for recreational activities for the youth of New Britain and surrounding communities. This is a long time coming. I thank Governor Ned Lamont, House Leaders, Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas, and the New Britain delegation for their hard work to get this project done. Most importantly, I also want to thank the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, James Jones, for his vision and advocacy for this well-deserved project. Also, facilitating access to our local businesses is a good investment and will contribute to our overall efforts to enhance economic activity in Newington

The funding approval is the result of strong partnership between the legislators in highlighting the social-emotional and physical benefits that Camp Schade can provide youth.

When in operation, campers were able to come together for outdoor activities and explore the natural green spaces. The recreational experiences not readily accessible to the campers who historically came from lower-income backgrounds and marginalized urban communities.

The mission of Camp Schade is taking an even greater importance due to the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The community environment would offer campers a chance to interact with other youth in a safe, supervised setting and participate in outdoor activities that they may have been unable to enjoy the past couple summers due to COVID-19.

 


More than $800,000 in funding for the Stoddard Avenue Business District Streetscape Program that began in 2000 to build walkable communities consistent with the historic character of Newington. The Stoddard Avenue project includes improving pedestrian access to retail shopping and public services with sidewalks where they are lacking, in addition to a new granite curb, landscaping, decorative streetlights and safety improvements. The continued enhancement of streetscapes is expected to attract business, which will help grow Newington's grand list, bring well-paying jobs to the area, and improve the quality of life.

Facilitating access to our local businesses is a good investment and will contribute to our overall efforts to enhance economic activity in Newington.