The Danbury War Memorial Association and the Connecticut Institute for Communities are looking for the City of Danbury to sign off on two agreements. One is to accept $498,000 from the state for improvements to the War Memorial. The War Memorial is currently operating at a $50,000 deficit.
The other is a lease for interior space of the War Memorial to be turned into three HeadStart classrooms. The three classrooms would accommodate about 60 pre-school aged kids.
There would also be an approximate 4,500 square foot playground area outside for early childhood program. CIFC can't get a license for the classrooms unless there is a playground/outdoor area. The City needs to be involved because Danbury owns the land where the playground would go. By state law, the lease requires a public hearing.
CIFC would construct and maintain the playground. It would not be open to the general public, and would be fenced in. City Council members looking into the contracts says there is likely adequate parking, but would like to see design specs for the location of the playground.
CIFC officials hope to be in operation at the War Memorial by January 1, 2016. The lease would be for about 90-percent of fair market value, which is approximately $1,800 per month, per classroom.
CIFC CEO Jim Maloney says there is a pressing need for more HeadStart classrooms in Danbury. They are also converting the old Cadillac dealership into a nursery school.
