Corey P. Paris

 

The State Bond Commission approved funding for the Avon Theatre in Stamford during its meeting on Friday. The theatre will receive $1.94 million to renovate its building. The City of Stamford will also receive funding for several infrastructure projects. 

 

The Stamford House Democrat Delegation, which is comprised of State Representatives Matt Blumenthal (D-Stamford), Hubert Delany (D- Stamford), Anabel Figueroa (D- Stamford), Rachel Khanna (D- Greenwich, Stamford), David Michel (D- Stamford) and Corey Paris (D- Stamford), welcomes this funding to their community.

 

The arts are the foundation of any thriving community. The Avon Theatre has been a cornerstone of Stamford for a number of years, and this funding will help them continue their great work. I'd like to express my gratitude to Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, House Bonding Chairman Representative Napoli, and the entire bond commission for approving funding for this project, as well as several other projects for the city," said Representative Delany.

 

“It is a pleasure to support these repairs. I am excited the theatre will become ADA compliant to help those with disabilities. The facility was part of my district until the last election, and I am always happy to see the theatre improving," said Representative Michel.

 

“I applaud everyone involved for getting these much-needed funds to our community including the roof repair at Avon Theatre. Our city continues to grow, and we need more resource to support our residents," said Representative Figueroa.

 

"For nearly twenty years, the Avon Theater in Stamford has been a source of cultural enrichment and an economic engine for downtown restaurants. The Avon is a historic and cultural landmark, and the funds for the Avon’s much-needed renovation will benefit so many in the Stamford community and beyond," said Representative Khanna.

 

"The Avon Theatre is a Stamford gem," said Representative Blumenthal. "This investment will enable the Avon to undertake crucial structural and accessibility upgrades that will help preserve its historic charm and ensure the entire community can continue to enjoy its wide variety of films and events, now and long into the future. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these renovations will have on the Avon and the City of Stamford."

 

"We are profoundly delighted to announce the approval of bond funding for the essential restoration of the Avon Theatre, encompassing critical enhancements such as ADA compliance measures. This investment reaffirms our commitment to preserving this cultural gem, ensuring it continues to enrich lives and foster community connections for generations to come. This major victory not only elevates the cultural landscape of the Avon Theatre and greater Stamford but also resonates deeply across the entire city and the greater Fairfield County area, symbolizing our collective dedication to the arts and community enrichment," said Representative Paris.

 

The grant provided to the Avon Theatre will be used on renovations, such as repointing masonry and brickwork, ADA compliance work on lifts and restrooms, as well as a new roof.

 

The City of Stamford is also set to receive funding for the following projects:

 

• $250,00 for the design and construction of playscapes for improved safety and accessibility at the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, the Mill River Collaborative, and the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford.
• $2 million to improve pedestrian, bike, bus, and car access to the Springdale Train Station.
• $ 2.5 million for elements of the Stamford Tech Hub TOD Project, a pedestrian and transit-oriented development project focused on Lower Atlantic Street.
• $750,000 to finance the replacement of existing chillers with energy-efficient units that utilize alternative refrigerant, as well as the installation of new units at the Superior Courthouse.