(Norwalk, Conn.) Today, March 22, 2023, Mayor Rilling was joined by the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, Senator Bob Duff, Common Council Members and community leaders to announce the South Norwalk Investment Program (SNIP), the next phase of the MLK Corridor Initiative. This phase includes more than $1.25M in investments for two major residential improvement programs: The Residential Façade Improvement Program and The Low-Income Improvement Loan Program.

SNIP aims to enhance and revitalize the physical appearance of residential homes or buildings, as well as the neighborhood, to improve the community's ambiance, bolster property values and increase the quality of life for residents.

The City is committing $750,000 towards the Residential Façade Program and $500,000 towards the Low-Income Improvement Loan Program. The Residential Façade Program aims to improve the physical appearance of neighborhood properties by supporting property owners and tenants to address blight and disrepair. The Low-Income Improvement Loan Program will help families in the community enhance their homes through access to low-interest loans. These two programs are funded through local and state resources. 

"Thanks to the strong partnership between the City, the community, and the Redevelopment Agency, the MLK Corridor Initiative is making major investments in the South Norwalk community," said Mayor Rilling. "Through residential façade improvement programs, we are investing in people and families and creating positive change that will have lasting benefits for the residents of South Norwalk. We are investing in homes, infrastructure, parks, sidewalks, and more; everything a community needs to thrive and flourish."

"This investment is proof positive of our commitment to all of the neighborhoods in Norwalk. Everyone should benefit from the growth of our city and live in an area that they are proud of," said Senator Bob Duff, Majority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate.

Grant applications are being accepted and reviewed in phases. The application period for Phase I of SNIP will begin on March 22, 2023, and end on May 30, 2023. Applications not received by May 30, 2023, will not be considered eligible for Phase I funding. A second application phase will be issued roughly six months after the above deadline, funding permitting. For questions on the application process, residents can reach out to Stephen Ivan, the Redevelopment Agency's Housing Development Project Manager, at sivan@norwalkct.org. Residents can submit their application by visiting https://www.norwalkct.org/3443/SNIP 

The MLK Corridor Initiative Committee is a major investment in the South Norwalk community.

Since 2019, the MLK Corridor Initiative Committee, which is comprised of members of the community, the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency and the City of Norwalk have been meeting regularly to focus on economic and community development efforts in the area and have identified 150 priorities. In addition to residential improvement programs, identified projects include infrastructure, affordable housing, adult and youth services, parks, green infrastructure, tree planting, bus shelters, neighborhood clean-ups, support for Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises, connectivity and mobility, education, community organizations, streetscape improvements, and more.  

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