$4 Million Grant Will Bring New Life to Downtown Danbury

I love Danbury, Connecticut, and I’m proud to call it my home. I’ve been living in the Downtown area for about six years now, and during that time, I’ve truly appreciated everything the city has to offer. But I’ve also been hoping for more.

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When I was growing up in Brewster/Putnam Lake, Downtown Danbury was the go-to destination for nightlife, music, and great restaurants. While Danbury still boasts a thriving restaurant scene—arguably better now than ever before—the nightlife and cultural vibrancy have faded.

I’m not the only one who has noticed that Downtown could use some infrastructure improvements and a boost of excitement. Fortunately, it seems that these changes may be on the way.

I recently received an email from my friend Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff for Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves. She shared a press release along with this note:

"Hi Lou, we're working on making your afternoon strolls even more enjoyable, and we’re using grant funds to make it happen."

The press release outlines how the city has secured significant funding for the Downtown revitalization project. Here are some of the key details from the release:

• $4 million LOTCIP Grant awarded to Danbury for Phase II of the Streetscape Renaissance Project.
• Goal: Transform Danbury’s downtown into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, and economically viable area.
• Planned improvements include sidewalk upgrades, better lighting, and roadway enhancements.
• Mayor Alves: The grant helps create a more walkable Main Street that fosters economic growth and enhances quality of life.
• LOTCIP funding supports projects such as streetscapes, sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and traffic improvements.
• The Planning & Zoning Department, led by Director Waleed Albakry, is securing additional funding from other sources, including a pending application with the State’s Community Investment Fund.
• The project also includes state funds previously allocated for these improvements.

Let's go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want a Ferris wheel, the world's largest bonfire (forever), sword fights, fireworks and a 40,000 square foot rock and roll indoor-outdoor venue.