Hartford Reporter

The Bristol Housing Authority (BHA) has received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the City of Bristol that will partially assist with the renovation of Komanetsky Estates, a congregate living facility for low- and moderate-income frail elderly residents which is managed by BHA. The grant in the amount of $35,000 will be used to update some of the common areas, including hallways and the dining room, improvements which will benefit all residents.

Komanetsky Estates, located at 81 Grove Avenue in Bristol, CT offers 44 units with 24-hour security, weekly housekeeping, a daily noon-time meal 7 days a week, and a variety of group activities in the on-site community room. Built in 1989, the facility is now in need of many upgrades that will include redesigning the reception area to include new technology for 24-hour monitoring and additional ADA accessibility. All units will be updated with new kitchens and bathrooms with walk-in showers, new floors, modernized call-for aid/intercom system, and fixed-mount air conditioners. The parking lot will be repaved to include additional ADA parking spaces. A second elevator and security cameras to provide additional safety. The laundry room will be expanded, and a new larger commercial kitchen will be added to the Community Room. The improvements are expected to be completed over the course of a year and will improve the facility and all it offers its residents.

“Always, the top priority for BHA is enhancing the quality of life for our residents, and facility improvements are key to achieving that goal. The challenge is securing the necessary funding that is available from government sources, both federal and state, and it is also important to demonstrate local support for our programs. We very much appreciate the City of Bristol’s continued support of the Housing Authority and its residents,” said Mitzy Rowe, CEO of the Bristol Housing Authority.

The City of Bristol, through its CDBG program, has been able to support many programs and services to address decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. “The CDBG program has enabled the City of Bristol to support the work of organizations such as BHA through annual grants,” said Dr. Dawn Leger. “We also expend most of our funding each year on residential rehabilitation, which is an important part of keeping Bristol residents safe and healthy in their homes.”  

 “This is a wonderful asset to the community,” said Howard Schmelder. “We’re pleased to be able to support the efforts of BHA to upgrade and modernize their facilities.”

PHOTO: Mayor Caggiano and City staff visited Komanetsky Estates for a tour of the facility and to see where improvements will be made with the CDBG funding. From left to right: Laura Lamar, Manager of Komanetsky Estates; Carl Johnson, Director of Facilities; Mitzy Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of BHA; Dr. Dawn Leger, City of Bristol Grants Administrator; Sherry Eschenbrenner, resident of Komanetsky Estates; Howard Schmelder, Chair of the CDBG Policy Committee; Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano; Terry Farmer and William Coffey residents of Komanetsky Estates.

Original source can be found here