Grant to fund apartment repairs

ANSONIA — Residents at the James J. O’Donnell apartment complex on 63 Woodlawn Ave. will soon see much needed renovations, repairs and upgrades.

On Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont and the state’s Housing Commissioner Sheila Mosquera-Bruno announced the city would receive $1.5 million for the complex.

According to Lamont, the improvements will help ensure economic revitalization.

“These grants go a long way toward improving neighborhoods so that we can make our communities more attractive and encourage continued growth for the benefit of all our residents,” Lamont said.

The complex consists of 40 one-bedroom apartments in a four-story building. The money will be used to replace the elevator, doors, windows and unit heaters, and the lighting in the common areas. The apartments were built in 1973 and last saw major renovations around 20 years ago according to Sheila O’Malley, the city’s economic development director.

Mayor David Cassetti said the repairs were much needed.

“Whenever and wherever we can help our seniors, we will do so,” he said.

Ansonia is one of six municipalities in the state that will receive a combined $9 million dollars to repair low income and senior housing.