From State Rep. Steve Stafstrom:
State Representative Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport) was joined by Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and Michael Quan, Executive Director of the Burroughs Community Center, to announce a $900,000 Legislatively Directed Funding grant to address long-deferred maintenance at the center. The funds will pay for new HVAC systems, window replacement, paving, and fresh paint.
“The Burroughs Community Center is an indispensable part of the Black Rock community and deserves every bit of support necessary to continue its incredible programs and services. I am proud to have played an instrumental role in advancing this grant through the legislative process and helping secure this important investment in the center’s future,” said Rep. Stafstrom. “I extend my sincere thanks to Executive Director Michael Quan for his extraordinary commitment to ensuring the center delivers high-quality services and look forward to seeing this investment build upon the center’s already outstanding work.”
“For a small organization responsible for maintaining a large and heavily used community facility, an investment of this magnitude is truly transformative. It will strengthen not only the building, but also the programs, partnerships, and community connections that the building makes possible every day,” said Burroughs Executive Director Michael Quan.
Located at 2470 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport’s Black Rock neighborhood, the Burroughs was built in 1903 to house women working in Bridgeport’s factories. Over time, its purpose evolved with the changing needs of the community. In 1994, the historic Burroughs Home began its transformation into the Burroughs Community Center, opening in 1996 as a shared community resource for residents, nonprofit organizations, and local partners.
Today, Burroughs serves approximately 30,000 participants each year, functioning as a community hub where residents, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and service providers come together for educational programs, English-language instruction, free tax preparation, community services, civic engagement, and collaborative partnerships. These repairs have been put off for years. They are basic upkeep the building needs to stay open, safe, and usable. This grant will cover that work and help preserve the historic building for years to come.
