The town of Kent will be receiving a $500,000 grant from the state to purchase a 1.6 acre lot to help improve tourism.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced a series of grants under the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to be awarded to eight towns in Connecticut.
“It’s fantastic in many different ways,” said First Selectman, Bruce Adam. “It will help a struggling shopping center.”
The grants are meant to help towns address infrastructure problems, improve life for residents, and make a difference for taxpayers.
The vacant lot sits on Route 7 and was once a Chevrolet dealership. Adam said that the vacant lot is a blight to the center of Kent.
The town plans to have a building with restrooms and a small parking lot on the property. Depending on the cost of the lot, a village green will be built to attract tourist, said Adam
According to the grant application, tourism is a significant driver of Kent’s economy and this project would make the town an even more attractive tourist destination.
Construction on the property won’t start until next year.