Historic Bridgeport community center secures $900,000 state grant for immediate upgrades

We are at the Burroughs Community Center in Black Rock, which is a beautiful building constructed more than a century ago, but now this Bridgeport civic hub is desperately in need of repairs and upgrades. Leaking windows, parking facilities that are inadequate, and really just the need for a fresh coat of paint. The building was originally founded to help unmarried women working in Bridgeport's factories during the city's golden age of industrialization. Eventually, it became the community center we know today, where folks can get help with everything from finding a job, to preparing to become a citizen, to getting food for their families. What we're looking to do is make sure... This building continues to be a welcoming place now and long into the future. State Representative Steve Staffstrom securing a $900,000 state grant for that purpose. So the state is making a $900,000 investment to bring the building back up to modern standards to serve our community. This is a centerpiece for this part of the city for community activity. For individuals who need help and assistance, they even serve food out of here. So we're thrilled that the state is making this investment to preserve the legacy of Burroughs for generations to come. And work on the community center, which serves more than 30,000 people a year, is expected to begin within the next few weeks. In Bridgeport, Frank Rechia, News 12.