Connecticut Green Bank offers financing for remediation of health and safety issues that prevent energy upgrades

Single and multifamily properties can benefit from low interest rate loans to remove mold, asbestos and other issues

 In Connecticut, 58% of the housing stock was built prior to 1969, according to the Partnership for Strong Communities, and this older housing stock can often present problems to home owners and residents. Along with structural and code violations from possible deferred maintenance over time, there is potential for the presence of health and safety issues, like mold and asbestos. The existence of these hazards can also make energy assessments, and related efficiency improvements, impossible. To help implement home energy upgrades and remediate health and safety problems, the Connecticut Green Bank and its partners are offering special low interest rate financing solutions for single- and multi-family homeowners.

For owner-occupied 1-4 family properties, the Smart-E Loan program now allows asbestos and mold remediation to be financed in full (up to $25,000) when completed with an Energize CT Home Energy Solutions (HES) program assessment or other energy-related improvements.

“Mold or asbestos in a home prevents blower door guided air sealing, which is an important part of the HES program,” said Lorenzo Wyatt, owner of Home Comfort Practice. “If we can’t complete this part of the assessment, home owners can’t access the full benefits of efficiency improvements, not to mention the obvious negative health implications.”

Administered by the Green Bank in partnership with nine local lenders (community banks, credit unions and a community development financial institution), the Smart-E Loan offers long-term, low-cost financing for more than 40 qualifying energy improvements. A network of over 500 eligible local contractors completes these upgrades, including insulation, windows, efficient heating and cooling, electric vehicle home charging stations, and solar systems.

“We heard concerns from contractors who are often unable to complete home energy assessments and make recommendations for more comprehensive energy efficiency improvements because of mold or asbestos, especially in low-to-moderate income households,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “We understand that to provide all of society with a healthier, more prosperous future through the green economy, our financing programs must address these critical issues.”

Smart-E Loan terms range from 5-20 years, with associated not-to-exceed rates fixed between 4.49% – 6.99%. Loan amounts range from $500 – $40,000, though several of the participating community banks do not lend over $25,000. Through June 30, 2019, participating Smart-E Lenders closed 4,266 loans for $65.4 million in financed projects.

For multifamily property owners, particularly those serving low- and moderate-income residents, the Green Bank offers the Energize CT Health and Safety Revolving Loan Fund. This loan was designed to address a wide range of health and safety issues, including mold, asbestos, lead, knob-and-tube wiring, radon, and leaky roofs, that block the way to full energy improvements.

Created thanks to $1.5 million of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) dollars from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Green Bank has already financed projects with these funds. One example is Success Village, a 924-unit housing co-operative in Bridgeport and Stratford. The $165,000 loan will cover a phase one pilot that includes asbestos removal from piping on the central heating system which was installed in the 1960s. Completion of the pilot will inform design, engineering and implementation of health and safety and energy upgrades for the full property.

“We are seeing significant energy, maintenance and other cost savings on properties that replace old, inefficient HVAC equipment, weatherize building envelopes or add solar,” said Kim Stevenson, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Inclusive Prosperity Capital, the non-profit that manages the Multifamily Program on behalf of the Green Bank. “These savings also improve the living environment for residents and improve property values.  We strongly encourage owners to evaluate their buildings for missed savings opportunities.”

The Energize CT Health and Safety Loan fund offers financing of $10,000 to $300,000 (waivers for larger loans are possible) with terms up to 20 years at 2.99%.

To learn more about these loans, visit https://ctgreenbank.com/smartehealthsafety/ and https://ctgreenbank.com/programs/multifamily/energizect-health-safety-loan/.

CHELSEA GROTON FOUNDATION Approves Funding Over $173K in Grants to Area Organizations; Passes $3.6M in Giving Since Founding

The Chelsea Groton Foundation approved funding $173,805 in grants to 42 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island this fall. Included in this dollar amount are a $15,000 grant to New London Area Food Coalition for feeding the food insecure and a $15,000 grant to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich for intensive case management and emergency basic needs. For the second consecutive year, the Foundation has granted $10,000 to Furniture Bank of S.E.CT toward the purchase of over 100 beds.

The total dollar amount being distributed through Foundation grants this fall is $201,305, which includes previous commitments of $20,000 to the future National Coast Guard Museum, $5,000 to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and $2,500 to Waterford Country School.  Inclusive of these donations, the Foundation has provided over $3.6 million in total grants to the community since 1999. The Foundation reviews applications and awards grants two times per year.

“For 165 years, Chelsea Groton Bank has been committed to supporting organizations that are critical to the success of our shared community. And for the last 20 years, the Chelsea Groton Foundation has been able to provide financial support in a very big way to these organizations,” said Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank, and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. “We are proud to give to organizations that support basic human needs – hunger, homelessness and healthcare – as well as those that provide education, economic growth, arts and cultural experiences, and more, to our region.”

Each year, Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation support more than 200 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all fall grant recipients, is available at chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

Glastonbury RFP Now Open for Boathouse Catering Contract

The Town of Glastonbury is currently seeking proposals from qualified catering vendors interested in providing catering and bartending services for private events held at the Glastonbury Boathouse.  Effective Tuesday, November 19, 2019, a formal request for proposal is open and the Purchasing office is accepting proposals for this exciting partnership opportunity.

The Glastonbury Boathouse has been in operation since May 1, 2015 and has since established itself as one of the premier event and wedding venues in the Harford area.  In 2018, 34 weddings and 57 other private events were held at the Boathouse.  Currently, 52 weddings have been booked for 2019 and 48 for 2020, and client interest continues to grow significantly year over year.

The Town is looking to contract with three to five (3-5) Approved Caterers to provide a range of menu options and event coordination for guests at The Glastonbury Boathouse at Riverfront Park, while also providing additional revenue to the Town.  The intent of this RFP is to award a three (3) year contract term, with the opportunity for renewal upon mutual agreement to the selected Approved Caterers.  Interested individuals and firms should request the proposal instructions and details from the Office of the Purchasing Agent, 2155 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033-6523 or via the Town website at www.glastonbury-ct.gov/rfp.  Proposal responses must be submitted to the Purchasing Agent no later than the closing time and date posted on the RFP.  Additionally, an optional, pre-proposal meeting will be held at The Glastonbury Boathouse, 252 Welles Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, on December 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  For more information, please visit www.glastonbury-ct.gov/rfp or contact the Glastonbury Purchasing office at (860) 652-7588.

The Town invites residents to share this partnership opportunity with any vendors they believe may be interested and looks forward to reviewing responses.

Stuff A Trailer with Local Police Troopers Keeps CT Families Cozy This Winter

Two Connecticut companies want to share the warmth of the holidays with local families in need. For the fifth year, Connecticut Trailers & Powersports is teaming up with Bolton Motors and its local State Police department to ensure that no family goes cold this season by hosting the “Stuff a Trailer” annual winter clothing collection.

The campaign will accept new jackets, hats, boots and gloves for children and adults from November 29 through December 20, 2019 at both Bolton-based businesses.  There is a convenient drop box located at the Bolton Motors showroom at 99 New Bolton Rd. and a small decorated trailer inside the Connecticut Trailers’ showroom, located at 7 Bolton Center Road.

“We want to collect enough coats to fill at least one of our largest trailers from top to bottom, corner to corner” said Gary Bergeron, President of Connecticut Trailers. “In order to boost donations, every time a trailer or golf cart is purchased, we will donate a new coat from Zahner’s in Rockville to the cause in the customer’s name.”

The coat collection coincides with Connecticut Trailers and Powersports 15^th annual Red Tag Sale that runs from Black Friday, November 29 through December 31, 2019. Everything on the lot is drastically reduced with a clearly marked Red Tag.

“The timing of the sale maximizes donations because we have so many customers who want to save thousands on all trailers, truck beds, golf cars and industrial vehicles during this once a year sales event,” explained Bergeron.

Connecticut State Police Officers with the Bolton Residents Troopers Office will be onsite to personally accept donations on Saturday, December 14 from 2:30-5:30p at Connecticut Trailers. Then on December 20, the troopers will pick up all of the winter gear collected and distribute the items to both families in need and hospitals across the state.

“It is our goal to help as many families as possible with this crucial program during the season of giving,” said Bergeron. “We hope to double the number of coats we collected last year!”

Ädelbrook to Host Saint Nicholas Breakfast with Special Guest Speaker Mark Kennedy Shriver

Ädelbrook is pleased to announce that it will be having a Saint Nicholas Breakfast on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Tournament Players Club at River Highlands, 1 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT  06416. The Special Guest Speaker is Mark Kennedy Shriver, Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs & Advocacy at Save the Children and CEO of Save the Children Action Network. The event will be emceed by WFSB’s Nicole Nalepa. Proceeds from this event will help support Ädelbrook’s mission of providing hope and healing to children and families.

In 2013, Shriver created Save the Children’s political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN). With a grassroots network of more than 280,000 supporters across all 50 states, SCAN is working to ensure that every child in the U.S. has access to high-quality early childhood education and to end preventable maternal and child deaths worldwide. Mark will provide guests with insights to promote Ädelbrook’s mission and advance the right of every child to have a safe and vibrant childhood.

The event includes a hot breakfast buffet, fresh fruits, and an assortment of pastries, Christmas carols by students and staff, door prizes and favors for attendees.

Ädelbrook is a multi-service agency specializing in behavioral and developmental services, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of families and individuals, of all ages, as they relate to intellectual/developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ädelbrook provides short-term, long-term and respite residential programming for children and young adults. In-home and community-based services are customized from, as little as two hours a week, to round the clock staffing.  Three Learning Centers and two Transitional Academies offer an educational continuum for students aged 3 – 21.

For sponsorship opportunities or tickets visit http://adelbrook.org/saintnick2019 or contact Sharon Graves at 860-635-6010 x327 or via email at sgraves@adelbrook.org

Glastonbury Rotary Club Partners with House of Heroes Connecticut for 2020 Veterans Project

The Glastonbury Rotary Club, a vital contributor to the quality of life in Glastonbury and a long-time supporter of the town’s veteran community, will partner with House of Heroes Connecticut (HOHCT) to provide no-cost home repairs to a Glastonbury veteran in 2020.

Glastonbury Rotary Club President Jonathan Larabee recently met with HOHCT Chairman Carol May and board member Paul Hoar, a Glastonbury resident, to present the organization with a $5,000 Project Partnership donation to sponsor a 2020 project.

“We are thrilled to work with this wonderful organization to provide assistance to a Glastonbury veteran in need next year,” said Larabee. “The mission and work of House of Heroes is an ideal match with our commitment to Glastonbury veterans and Rotary’s mission to provide service to others.”

“House of Heroes has a long history of working with local Connecticut Rotary Clubs to impact the lives of veterans, and we welcome the Glastonbury Rotary Club to our family,” said May. “We look forward to next year when we will be back in Glastonbury in partnership with the Rotary Club to Make a Difference in Day of the life of a Glastonbury veteran.”

Next year’s HOHCT Rotary Club project will mark the second time that HOHCT has served a Glastonbury veteran. This past March, HOHCT assisted Glastonbury U.S. Navy veteran William Ivey, with volunteer assistance provided by the Glastonbury Marine Corps League Peter P. Monaco Jr., Detachment 40. Other Rotary Clubs that HOHCT has worked with in past years include the Meriden, Southington and Plainville Rotary Clubs.

Founded in 2012, House of Heroes Connecticut recognizes, honors and serves military and public safety veterans and/or their surviving spouses for their sacrificial service to America. The organization “Makes a Difference in a Day” by providing one-day, no-cost home improvements with a priority placed on safety and accessibility. Typical repairs might include painting, installation of access ramps, deck repair or replacement, installation of windows and doors, repair or replacement of basic appliances, widening of doorways, improving bathroom safety and accessibility, and yard maintenance and improvement. Home improvements are supervised by a local contractor and meet applicable codes.

The Connecticut Chapter, which to date has assisted 126 veterans, is part of a national organization founded in 2000 in Columbus, Georgia; more than 1,000 veterans have been served nationwide.

To qualify for consideration, veterans served by House of Heroes must be honorably discharged, own and occupy their home and have a physical or financial need. The organization performs repairs for a highly limited number of veterans annually; next year’s schedule will not be determined until next spring.

 

Best of Bauer 5-Star Chelsea Groton Bank: Doing the Right Thing

BauerFinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, commends Chelsea Groton Bank, New London County, Connecticut on its achievement of another 5-Star Superior Rating. Not only has Chelsea Groton Bank earned Bauer’s highest (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability, it has maintained that top rating for 102 consecutive quarters giving it the added status of being a “Best of Bauer Bank”. This designation is reserved specifically for banks that have earned Bauer’s highest rating consistently for 100 consecutive quarters… or longer. Earning and maintaining Bauer’s highest 5-Star rating indicates Chelsea Groton Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation.

“BauerFinancial would like to congratulate Michael Rauh, President and CEO and the entire team at Chelsea Groton Bank. Strong leadership and dedication to excellence both inside the bank and outside in the community are the building blocks for success,” remarked Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm. “Community banks, like Chelsea Groton Bank, are fiscally-fit because they go the extra mile to help their neighbors and friends be fiscally-fit as well. In the end, Chelsea Groton Bank reaps the benefits of the strong communities it helped to build,” concluded Dorway.

Chelsea Groton Bank was established in 1854 and has been serving its neighbors and friends both ethically and fairly for 165 years. Today, Chelsea Groton Bank operates through 14 retail bank branches in South Eastern Connecticut and a lending office in Hartford County. It can also be found online at chelseagroton.com.