Windsor Locks approves application for $250,000 state planning grant to study firehouse rehab

Windsor Locks’ Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the town to apply for a $250,000 planning grant from the Connecticut Community Investment Fund to evaluate whether to rehabilitate or replace the town’s 50+-year-old fire department building. The resolution, read into the record by the chair, directs an authorized representative to execute the application and related documents with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

Town staff and the board said the grant would fund an architect and engineers to assess structural needs, space utilization and options—repair, renovation or replacement—before the town commits additional capital funds. Planner/Presenter (Speaker 5) told the board the state awards flat planning grants of $250,000 and stressed that the study would prevent continued piecemeal spending without an overall plan.

Selectmen discussed signatory authority and the application deadline; Chair (Speaker 1) explained the timeline and credited the town’s lobby contacts for helping prepare the submission. Board members voiced support and adopted the resolution by voice vote.

Why it matters: The study would give Windsor Locks an expert, documented basis for budgeting and a path to pursue larger capital funding or federal/state assistance, rather than incrementally pouring money into an uncertain solution.

Next steps: Staff will complete the application and submit it to the state. If the grant is awarded, the town will engage design professionals to produce the feasibility study and a recommended course of action.