Larson visits Barkhamsted to announce $1.6M grant to transform part of farm into affordable housing

 In a visit to town to announce funding for a housing development, U.S. Rep. John Larson said, "You wouldn't think Barkhamsted is a place that needs affordable housing."

"But with home prices skyrocketing and other costs going up, people are struggling to afford it," said the Democrat who represents the 1st District in Washington, D.C.  

Larson started his visit on Tuesday, June 18, with a stop at104 Old New Hartford Road. At the farmland site, formerly known as Mallory Brook Farm and filled with tall grass and wildflowers, the Barkhamsted Housing Trust is poised to build 20 affordable housing units on a portion of the property, to be named the Mallory View Affordable Housing development.

"Everyone deserves access to quality and affordable housing, regardless of ZIP code,” Larson said, standing by a display of drawings for the new housing plan as a hot breeze was blowing. He was joined by members of the trust, including now-retired former First Selectman Don Stein, trust President Christina Lavieri, Housing Enterprises Inc. President David Berto, and other residents and guests. 

"We bought the property with a Community Development Block Grant for $650,000," Stein said. "The property's 99 acres. It used to be a farm; there's someone still using the barns and the house for a business up there."

The housing trust was formed five years ago by a group of residents who saw the need for affordable housing "for all ages," Stein said. The trust is ready to invite bids for the housing plan, which will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units. 

"The funding that is included in this year’s Congressional budget will be used for infrastructure, and once we have a firm bid, the trust will pursue other grants and financing to turn this vision into a reality," Stein said. 

The $1.6 million is a community grant from the American Rescue Plan Act, Larson said, giving Stein and Lavieri credit for the project. "They made this happen. They came to us and said, 'This is what you need to do with this money,'" Larson said. 

After presenting an oversize check for the grant, the congressman visited the local senior center. where he was greeted by more than 60 members and staff.

Larson, who recently helped the center secure grants for a new patio, spoke with director Dave Roberts as he toured the building. During lunch, as members enjoyed ham and scalloped potatoes, Larson stumped for Social Security and pledged to "keep fighting for you."

"I'm on a mission to help 70 million people on Social Security," said Larson, saying that he wants to see the funding increased, so people can enjoy a better quality of life. Many people receiving Social Security now are living below the poverty line, said Larson, who serves as chairman of the Social Security Committee in Congress. 

"And, there are 10,000 baby boomers coming into the system every day," he said. "Congress needs to vote to keep Social Security safe; it's time for them to vote, so Americans can see, in the full light of day, what they're voting for and how much money there is. Remember, everything from your Social Security goes back into our communities. That's how it works."

Larson was first elected to the 1st Congressional District in 1998 and is running for reelection in November. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee and the Select Revenue Measures Committee in Congress.