Look for Union Square Courtyard
Putnam awarded grant of $246,000+
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — More good news on the funding fronts as the juggernaut that is Putnam progress rolls on.
June 23 the town received word Putnam has been awarded a $246,373.16 grant for the Union Square Courtyard project.
The grant is from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Urban Green & Community Garden program. Gov. Ned Lamont made the news official today with Mayor Barney Seney and town officials present.
The cost of the project is a bit north of $500,000 and waiting in the wings is a Putnam Redevelopment Agency contribution for the balance.
The town is planning the courtyard in two phases — the construction in phase 1 and then the all-important in the second phase, art.
In CHA’s conceptual plans phase one includes a nice fence surrounding, a quiet sitting area, picnic tables and “picnic nooks” benches, low-maintenance plantings and more. The second phase involves a fountain or sculpture in the center and a metal archway over the stairs that head down to Front Street under the railroad trestle.
Last fall Putnam Economic and Community Development Director Maryann Chinatti said the centerpiece fountain or sculpture would provide a welcoming focal point.
The tiny parcel, .08 acres, was donated by the owner of the Sawdust Coffeehouse and Dessert Bar II. It sits between the former Chickering and the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum, off the Union Square parking lot. That transfer took more than a year.
Then more than one conceptual design was done after the town asked for a “more welcoming” design.
The Putnam Arts Council will probably be involved in the project as they are working on some public art projects.
“This is going to be such a great, inviting space,” she said. “It’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be beautiful,” Chinatti said.
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