Freda Calls for Letters of Support for ADA Renovation

First Selectmen Michael Freda is reaching out to the community for letters of support in an effort to secure grant money to make Town Hall ADA compliant.

North Haven will be applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), also known as the Small Cities Program, to renovate the building with handicap bathrooms and elevators. The proposed changes, estimated to cost roughly $750,000, are intended to make Town Hall more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Small Cities Program is specifically geared towards towns with populations under 50,000 to help fund and plan projects that aid community welfare or economic developmen, including the acquisition of land, the improvement of public facilities, and code enforcement.

Speaking at last week's Selectmen's meeting, Freda noted that Town Hall is currently out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that complainst against the town could legally compel North Haven to pay for the renovation out of pocket.

"This is not a controversial issue," said the Selectman. "The modifications we are proposing are necessary."

Members of the audience, including Sherman Katz, agreed, noting that a potential lawsuit could force North Haven to find room in its budget to cover the modifications.

The town will hold a public hearing on the project March 31.