Mall Redevelopment Project Receives $10M in CIF Funds

March 11, 2025


I'm thrilled to announce that the Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) has awarded the Town of Enfield $10 million to aid in the redevelopment plans at Enfield Square Mall. 

When I was elected in 2024, I knew I had to put the effort into securing state funds if any redevelopment plan was to come together.

Since the day after my election, I have been working with the Department of Economic and Community Development to turn the vision for the mall into reality. Over the last several months I have met with a number of legislators, 15 of whom have signed a letter of support for this project. I have met with leadership in the House and Senate and countless other presentations to members of the CIF committee. Today, all that hard work has paid off for Enfield.

For over a decade, Enfield Square Mall has sat in a state of disrepair and continues to decline. The financial impact on Enfield residents is significant. This parcel of land was once one of the top contributors to Enfield’s grand list, but as the value of the property has declined, that contribution has continued to fall, placing a higher tax burden on every household in town.  
 
We need a change in direction and this opportunity is the best one we have seen.
 
The town has committed approximately $16 million in tax concessions to make this project work. Enfield has given its maximum contribution and additional funds are needed to turn this shovel-ready project into reality.
 
Redevelopment of the mall will include 300,000 square feet of new anchor retail in addition to the existing Target, 9 acres of restaurant and lifestyle shops. In addition, this redevelopment project will create hundreds of new jobs for the area, increase sales tax revenue for the state, provide a new inventory of affordable housing, and remediate environmental issues associated with the property.
 
These outcomes are all aligned with Governor Lamont’s agenda for economic development around the state.

Comments from House Majority Leader Jason Rojas at Tuesday's CIF meeting regarding the Enfield Square Mall redevelopment project.
Eligible CIF projects:
  • Promote economic or community development in the municipality where the project is located.
  • Consistently and systematically advance fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved and marginalized communities such as Black, Latino and indigenous and native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; persons comprising the LGBTQ+ community; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) administers the program and oversees the application process, vetting applications, sending application summaries to the CIF Board, and managing awards and reporting.

The CIF Board and Office of the Governor review applications and the summaries prepared by DECD and make recommendations to the State Bond Commission.

Finally, the State Bond Commission approves grants for projects. The Community Investment Fund awards up to $175 million each fiscal year.