Council backs High Tide Capital’s application for CIF funding for 40‑unit project at 208 State Street

The council voted to authorize the mayor to apply for up to $400,000 in Community Investment Fund (CIF) Round 7 funding to support construction of 40 housing units at 208 State Street in partnership with High Tide Capital.

Mayor Michael Passaro described housing and transit‑oriented development as central to the administration’s approach to increasing the city’s tax base and economic activity. He said the region is short about 10,000 housing units and that New London has a pipeline of projects. The mayor and staff characterized the Frontier Building / 208 State Street proposal as part of downtown revitalization and noted the developer’s prior completed projects in the city.

Councilor Victoria (who pulled the item for discussion) asked about CIF’s stated purpose and whether CFP funds should be used for housing rather than business development. The mayor and other councilors described CIF Round 7’s priorities as including housing and transit‑oriented development, and staff said the project would help activate a downtown building and add residents who support storefront businesses.

Councilor Mueller (who pulled the item) voiced concerns about whether the CIF program traditionally funds housing projects and asked about concentration of housing projects downtown; she also sought clarity on project timelines and project mix. Other councilors defended the application, noting developer track record and the potential for building permit revenue and longer‑term tax base gains.

The council voted to support the CIF application. The meeting record states: “The motion passes 5 to 2.” The agenda backup described the request as “no more than $400,000” and identified the project as 40 units at 208 State Street. The council did not identify the motion’s mover or seconder in the meeting transcript.