Avon Theatre Funding & Free Legal Counsel for Evictions

November 15, 2023


A historic gem in Stamford is getting a facelift. The state has awarded nearly $2 million in funding to the Avon Theatre. Please read below to learn more about the planned upgrades.

The housing crisis is a problem all over the country including Stamford. Thankfully, the Right To Counsel program has expanded to cover our entire city. Keep scrolling to find out if you are eligible for the program, which provides free lawyers to those facing eviction.

Below you will find the following sections in today's email:

    • Avon Theatre Funding
    • Right To Counsel Program Expansion in Stamford
    • Bradley International Airport Expansion
    • Connecticut's First Same-Sex Marriage License
     
    Avon Theatre Funding
    I am grateful to the Connecticut State Bond Committee for awarding $1.94 million to repair and upgrade the historic Avon Theatre. Renovations will include repointing masonry and brickwork, ADA compliance work on lifts and restrooms, a new roof, new seats, a third screen, an expanded concession area, and a wine bar.
    The Avon Theatre is an institution in Stamford, and the timing of this funding is critical because people are looking to reconnect and enjoy themselves through our various activities in our wonderful city.
    Click Here To Learn More
     
    Right To Counsel Program Expansion in Stamford

    Do you know anyone who may be unfairly evicted from their home? I want everyone to know the Right to Counsel (RTC) Program has expanded and is now operating all over Stamford. The RTC program provides free, experienced lawyers to eligible tenants facing eviction or loss of housing subsidy.

    A report from earlier this year shows our RTC program helped 71% of clients prevent an involuntary move. CLICK HERE for more information.

    For those who are in the eviction process or could potentially be in that situation, CLICK HERE. You will get valuable information and help during this difficult time.

    It was an honor working with advocates to strategize and help draft language prior to the session when we passed the Right To Counsel. We were the first state in the nation to accomplish that goal. Right To Counsel is a great and fair tool to help those in need defend themselves from predatory evictions.

    I thank former Housing Committee Chair Brandon McGee for all his hard work to get that law passed the finish line. McGee now works at the Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Housing.
     
    Bradley International Airport Expansion
    I had the pleasure of visiting Bradley International Airport to look at the planned expansion, some of which is underway. My colleagues on the Transportation Committee and I were impressed with the upgrades, which will bring more room for travelers and shorter lines at security and baggage claim.

    Bradley is also improving its luggage conveyor belt so that suitcases can flow through that system more efficiently. Officials showed us how they can recycle/upcycle glycol, or deicing fluid, from the exhaust at the airport.

    We all had a great time on the tour. Despite learning how to fly a Cessna plane, I never had the opportunity to take a selfie on a runway until last week! Enjoy!
    I hope this expansion will bring more direct flights across the globe including the Caribbean!
     
    Connecticut's First Same-Sex Marriage License

    This week marks 15 years since Connecticut issued its first same-sex marriage license!🏳️‍

    On October 28, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that limiting marriage between a man and woman violated the state's constitution, therefore making same-sex marriage legal in Connecticut.