Blogs

Beginning tonight. South Frontage Road between College and Church Streets will be closed. This is part of the Downtown Crossing Phase 3 construction, which is expected to last until November of this year.

When completed, this project will re-connect Temple Street to Congress Avenue and reclaim previously undeveloped land that will contribute to significant economic development in our bio sciences industry.

An official detour route has been established for drivers. On-street signage will guide drivers through the detour route. Please pay attention to this signage, slow down, and stay safe.

For more information about these road closures please visit the Downtown Crossing website at: downtowncrossingnewhaven.com

Hola, soy el alcalde Justin Elicker con un importante mensaje sobre ciertos cierres de carreteras.

A partir de esta noche, la calle South Frontage Road situada entre las calles College y Church estará cerrada. Esto es parte de la construcción de la fase 3 de Downtown Crossing. Esta obra es estimada que dure hasta noviembre de este año.

Cuando se complete, este proyecto volverá a conectar Temple Street con Congress Avenue y recuperará terrenos previamente sin desarrollar que contribuirán a un desarrollo económico importante en nuestra industria de ciencias biológicas.

Se ha establecido una ruta de desvío oficial para los conductores. La señalización en la calle guiará a los conductores por una ruta de desvío. Preste atención a esta señalización, disminuya la velocidad y sea prudente.

Para obtener más información sobre estos cierres de carreteras, visite el sitio web de Downtown Crossing en: downtowncrossingnewhaven.com

Public's Assistance Requested in Missing Person Investigation

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, May 21, 2021) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 80-year-old Russel Frazier  . 

On May 20, 2021, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Mr. Frazier was last seen around the Village Brook Drive area. He told his daughter that he would be leaving the house to purchase lottery tickets.  Mr. Frazier suffers from cognitive issues.  He was last seen wearing jeans, gray camo long sleeve shirt, black hat, glasses, Timex watch and white sneakers

Anyone with information on Mr. Frazier’s whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. The report numbers for this investigation are 20210520-2011-02.

MISSING

Russel Frazier

80-Years-Old

Height: 5’3”; Weight: 130 lbs.; Bald

Brand new Presto Tilt n Drain Big Griddle.

Make sure to check our other listings for more great deals.

Come see our new location

1287 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 06109

$35 

Email bbasement2020@gmail.com

Photo Credit MM

New Haven Police Make Gun and Stolen Car Arrests

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Throughout the past year, New Haven has experienced a spike in motor vehicle thefts.  As of November 8^th, New Haven Police crime analysts have reported that 570 vehicles have been reported stolen in the city of New Haven, a 1.7% increase from 2019.  This spike in motor vehicle thefts is not exclusive to New Haven as surrounding towns and cities have also experienced an increase.  Many of these motor vehicle thefts are a crime of opportunity; with victims leaving their vehicles unsecure, often with the keys left inside of the vehicle and the engine running. 

On Friday, November 20^th, at approximately 9:30 am, the National Insurance Crime Bureau called into the New Haven Police Department and reported that there were several stolen vehicles in the area of Greenwood Street, located in the Hill North Section of the City. 

Officer Christopher Lawrence canvassed the area and located one of these vehicles, a 2015 Black Ford Fusion parked in front of 25-27 Greenwood Street.  Officer Lawrence confirmed that the Ford Fusion had been stolen out of Hamden on November 18^th. 

Officer Lawrence exited his patrol vehicle to address the stolen Ford Fusion and discovered that the vehicle was running, and there were three juveniles asleep in the car.  (It was later discovered that the juveniles were thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen years of age).

Officer Lawrence, along with the responding Officers, exited their patrol vehicles and attempted to open the doors of the stolen Ford Fusion, only to find that the doors were locked.  Officer Lawrence wanted to decrease any chance of the juveniles fleeing the area, so he made the decision to break the driver side window with a window punch that is attached to his pocketknife.  Upon breaking the driver side window, chards of glass penetrated Officer Lawrence’s hand. 

Officer Lawrence reached inside of the stolen Ford Fusion and unlocked the doors.  The operator of the vehicle, a fifteen-year-old juvenile male, was taken out and detained.   

While this was taking place, Officer Lozada observed the backseat passenger, a thirteen-year-old juvenile male, reach into his waistband and pull out a firearm.  Officers drew their department-issued firearms and gave the backseat passenger numerous orders to drop the firearm.  After a brief standoff, the backseat passenger placed the firearm down and was taken out of the vehicle and detained.   

The front seat passenger of the stolen Ford Fusion, a fourteen-year-old juvenile male, was taken out of the vehicle and detained. 

A secondary pat-down of all the occupants of the stolen Ford Fusion revealed that the operator of the vehicle was also in possession of a firearm.  Both recovered firearms were loaded with a round in the chamber. 

Officers later confirmed that the operator of the vehicle, the fifteen-year-old juvenile, had three outstanding warrants, two (2) from the city of New Haven for drug sales and violation of probation and one (1) from the town of Stratford for Burglary.  The fifteen-year-old was additionally charged with Carrying a pistol without a permit, Weapon in a motor vehicle, Larceny in the Second Degree, and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Second Degree 

The rear passenger of the stolen Ford Fusion, the thirteen-year-old juvenile male, had two outstanding warrants, one (1) from the city of New Haven and one (1) from the town of West Haven, both for stolen automobiles.  The thirteen-year-old was additionally with Carrying a pistol without a permit, Weapon in a motor vehicle, Larceny in the Second Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Second Degree. 

The fourteen-year-old juvenile male who was seated on the front passenger side of the stolen Ford Fusion was placed under arrest and charged with Larceny in the Second Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Second Degree. 

All Officers involved resorted to their training and handled a potentially deadly situation with poise and calm.  Apart from Officer Lawrence suffering minor cuts to his hand, no one was harmed, and all three juveniles were taken into custody. 

In addition to the juvenile arrests,  Officers recovered three additional stolen vehicles in the immediate area, a Buick stolen from the town of Hamden, a Nissan stolen from the town of West Haven and a Mitsubishi stolen from the city of New Haven. 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the presidential campaign (all times local):

4:40 a.m.

Democrat Joe Biden is now leading President Donald Trump in the battleground state of Georgia.

By Friday morning, Biden overtook Trump in the number of ballots counted in the battleground, a must-win state for Trump that has long been a Republican stronghold. Biden now has a 917-vote advantage.

The contest is still too early for The Associated Press to call. Thousands of ballots are still left to be counted — many in counties where the former vice president was in the lead.

An AP analysis showed that Biden’s vote margins grew as counties processed mail ballots cast in his favor.

There is a potential that the race could go to a recount. Under Georgia law, if the margin between Biden and Trump is under half a percentage point of difference, a recount can be requested.

__

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE:

Democrat Joe Biden is pushing closer to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to carry the White House, securing victories in the battlegrounds of Wisconsin and Michigan and narrowing President Donald Trump’s path.

Read more:

— Trump predicts a ‘lot of litigation’ to decide the White House race

— ANALYSIS: Trump delivers a diatribe that’s both shocking and unsurprising

— EXPLAINER: States still in play and what makes them that way

— Trump and his Republican allies made significant inroads with Latino voters

New Haven City-Town Clerk Announces COVID-19-Positive Election Worker

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today the City of New Haven announced that an employee in the Office of the City-Town Clerk has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, staff in the Clerk’s Office that were exposed will quarantine in an effort to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. Last night, November 3, the offices of the City-Town Clerk and City Hall were cleaned and disinfected. Since the proper safety precautions have been made, there is no further risk identified at this time to those in the office.

New Haven Director of Public Health Maritza Bond stated, “As a result of the positive case in the City-Town Clerk’s Office, we have quarantined twelve individuals who came into contact with the employee. They will quarantine for fourteen days and should any employee develop any symptoms, they should consult with their medical provider for testing. The employee who tested positive showed initial systems of COVID-19 last Thursday and has not returned to work since then. They received their COVID-19 test results yesterday, Election Day, indicating that they had tested positive. The City-Town Clerk’s facilities have been cleaned and disinfected to ensure that we can reduce the spread of COVID-19,” she concluded. 

City-Town Clerk Michael Smart has reached out to the Office of Secretary of State Denise Merrill this morning to send the City of New Haven additional support to ensure that all election operations will be completed on time today. The majority of the work to be completed in the City-Town Clerk’s Office is data entry into the Secretary of State election reporting system. 

###

1.  NEW HAVEN, Conn. – As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak of eleven positive cases at First Student, Inc., the bus company contracted for the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) and other parochial and private schools in the school district, the City of New Haven Department of Public Health announced today that it will extend the shut down of First Student, Inc. for an additional two weeks.

“We will be working with First Student to review employee protocols and disinfecting protocols so that we can resume operations on November 16^th,” said New Haven Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Michael Pinto.

The City of New Haven is experiencing an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases. The City has implemented the indefinite delay of NHPS hybrid-school opening, scheduled for November 9^th. As a result, all New Haven Public Schools students will continue distance-learning. The City has also tightened its business protocols, moving from Phase III of reopening back to Phase II.

New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond added, “Once the Department of Public Health was notified of this outbreak, we immediately quarantined the individuals who tested positive, began a robust contact tracing investigation, and are now working diligently to ensure appropriate safety protocols are followed going forward. As a result, First Student, Inc. will cease all operations for the next two weeks. We anticipate there will be additional cases and will be sure to let the public know,” she concluded. 

The New Haven Health Department continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic cases and hospitalizations within the City and County. As of today, New Haven cases are now in the orange phase of the COVID response framework, indicating 10-14 cases per 100,000 population per day. Per the CT Department of Public Health (DPH), the Municipal COVID-19 Case Rate is estimated to be 13.9 cases per 100,000 (Orange status), which is Level 3 of 4 per the CT DPH Municipal COVID Response Framework.

This activity continues on an upward trend, which is deeply concerning.  In addition, Yale New-Haven Hospital (YNHH) (New Haven county) is currently housing 60 COVID positive patients, of which 17 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This means that 40% of ventilators are already in use and this continues to increase. The current resurgence is consistent with state and national trends.  Other data sources such as the Yale University waste water surveillance are in alignment with this up-trend of COVID-19 activity and transmission. Additionally, the volume of exposures and complexity of these scenarios demonstrate the difficulties in managing the virus with current actions.  

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker added, “the rapid increase in cases should be concerning to all residents. The City will continue to address violations in State and City COVID guidelines to ensure the safety of the community. We must all do our part – mask wearing, social distancing, and not gathering in groups - even small ones – to reduce the number of cases,” he concluded.

The New Haven Health Department, in an effort to mitigate further transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the community, is recommending that New Haven private and charter schools evaluate their reopening plans and consider alternative learning methods until further notice. This is incredibly important, especially for our most vulnerable residents, who may be at greater risk of exposure and risk of severe illness and complications.   

The City of New Haven continues to offer free COVID-19 testing to all residents. For more information on COVID-19 testing, call the Health Department at (203) 946-4949, or visit the City’s COVID-19 hub.

Additional resources:

• CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
• COVID-19 Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
• Connecticut Department of Public Health https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

##

1. Dear New Haven Residents,
   

We have seen a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases in the state and now in New Haven. In response to this increase, we are making the following changes to keep the New Haven community safe and reduce the spread of the virus: 

We will not be opening schools in the hybrid model on November 9th as originally planned. Instead, students will continue remote learning, as they have done since the start of the school year. We know this decision creates a hardship on many New Haven families. The Health Director, Dr. Tracey and I did not make this decision lightly. 

Student learning hubs that the City operates will be closed indefinitely starting this coming Monday, November 2nd. Starting next Wednesday, November 4th, City Hall will be closed and accessible by appointment only. 

Furthermore, we are also rolling back opening guidelines for our business community. Starting immediately, the City will move from Phase III to Phase II of COVID-19 reopening. Reducing the occupancy caps for many businesses. Our COVID task force will be increasing enforcement on establishments to ensure we are in compliance. 

It is critical that you do your part to ensure the virus does not spread. The surge in cases is happening because more and more residents are attending social gatherings, parties, and having other interactions with those outside of their core family group. By not following the COVID-19 guidelines from medical experts, you are risking exposure to others who could then lose their lives to the virus. If the number of cases go back down, we will be able to open up again. 

Finally, we continue to offer free COVID-19 testing for anyone in New Haven. Check out the City’s COVID website or call the Health Department at (203) 946-4949 for more information on testing sites. Please be smart about this, New Haven.

Always serving you,

Mayor Justin Elicker

NHPS School Bus Meals Distribution to Resume Monday November 2^nd

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Due to COVID-19 concerns, the New Haven Public Schools will not be offering its School Bus Meals Distribution service on Friday October 30, 2020. School Bus Meals Distribution is scheduled to resume on Monday November 2, 2020.

However, on Friday October 30, 2020, school-based Grab and Go Meals will be available at the usual time of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Grab and Go Meals will still be available at the following school sites:

#

Mayor Elicker Celebrates Grand Opening of the New El Segundo Restaurant at The Audubon in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – On Wednesday, October 28, at 2 PM, Mayor Justin Elicker will join New Haven Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli; Clay Fowler, CEO and Founding Partner of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners; the owners and Chef Carlos Baez of El Segundo Restaurant; elected and City officials, and other stakeholders at The Audubon, a 269-unit mixed use development at 367 Orange St. for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new El Segundo Restaurant.

The grand opening also marks the completion of the first phase of Audubon Square, a cluster of buildings being developed by Spinnaker on a block of property bounded by Orange, Audubon, State, and Grove streets. The 3.3-acre site is the former home of the New Haven Register and was most recently used as a parking lot for employees of Frontier Communications. The project also includes a 66-unit building of townhouse-style apartments on Audubon Street and a 149-unit building at 335 Orange Street with 6,900 square feet of retail space on the first floor.

El Segundo Restaurant Grand Opening Event

Mayor Elicker, Alder Roth, Michael Piscitelli, Clay Fowler

367 Orange Street

New Haven, CT

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

2:00 PM

Dirt Bike Operator Remains Hospitalized After Yesterday’s Crash

New Haven| A 26-year-old New Haven dirt bike rider remains hospitalized after a motor vehicle accident. On Monday, October 26, around 2:30 p.m., New Haven Police and Fire responded to the two-vehicle crash on Grand Avenue at Fillmore Street in the Fair Haven neighborhood.

Prior to the motor vehicle accident, a 19-year-old New Haven man was operating a Toyota Corolla and traveling southbound on Fillmore Street.

The 26-year-old man was operating a Honda CRF450 dirt bike and traveling westbound on Grand Avenue.

At the intersection of Fillmore Street at Grand Avenue, the Toyota operator stopped at a stop sign. Then, to clear his line of sight before starting a left turn onto Grand Avenue, the Toyota operator moved his vehicle a few feet into the intersection and stopped.

As he approached the intersection, the dirt bike operator travelled with his front wheel in the air, commonly called performing a wheelie. The dirt bike operator lost control of his bike and collided with the front driver side of the stopped Toyota. 

Emergency medical responders arrived and treated the injured biker. The Toyota operator remained at the scene and received treatment for minor injuries.

An ambulance transported the dirt bike operator to the hospital. While his injuries were considered non-life threatening, the dirt bike operator sustained head trauma and internal injuries. Following emergency surgery, he remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The motor vehicle accident is being investigated by the NHPD Accident Reconstruction Team. For further investigation and mechanical inspection, officers impounded the car and the dirt bike.

Witnesses to the crash who have not yet spoken to police are asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6316

New Haven Police Investigate Weekend Shooting Incidents

New Haven| New Haven Police are investigating two shooting incidents which occurred over the past weekend and resulted in two men being hospitalized. 

The first investigation began around 12:50 a.m. on Sunday, October 25 when a gunshot victim was dropped-off by private vehicle at Yale New Haven Hospital. The 29-year-old Waterbury man had been shot in the leg. His injuries were non-life threatening and he has since been treated and released from the hospital.

Officers learned the victim was visiting New Haven and unsure of where the shooting occurred. Prior to the arrival of the gunshot victim, multiple 911 callers reported gunfire on Middletown Avenue between Flint Street and Ellis Street.

Detectives responded to Middletown Avenue and canvassed the area during the overnight and again Sunday morning. Investigators also checked locations on Wilson Street in addition to Ella Grasso Boulevard near Washington Avenue.

The second incident occurred Sunday night, just after 9:00 p.m. Patrol officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert and 911 calls of gunfire near the intersection of Newhall Street and Read Street. 

Arriving officers located evidence of gunfire and a crime scene at the intersection. A short time later, a gunshot victim arrived by private vehicle at Yale New Haven Hospital. The 19-year-old New Haven man had been shot in the chest and side of his torso.  The victim’s vehicle had also been struck by gunfire.

Following emergency surgery, the gunshot victim was listed in stable condition.  As of Monday afternoon, he remains hospitalized.

The investigations are ongoing.  There are no indications the incidents are related. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.  Callers may remain anonymous

Adult Education Employee Charged with Health Care Fraud, Placed on Leave

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today, the City of New Haven announced that earlier this week it had been notified by the U.S. Department of Justice that Cortney Dunlap, a New Haven Board of Education Adult Education employee, had been arrested and charged with health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters. Dunlap was allegedly engaged in numerous instances of Medicaid fraud by billing for psychotherapy sessions that were never provided and subsequently arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“New Haven Public Schools takes personal information very seriously, and we will conduct an internal investigation into this matter to ensure that individuals’ personal information is not compromised,” said New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Iline Tracey.

Dunlap has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation from City Labor Relations working with the New Haven Public Schools. Dunlap’s work devices have been seized by New Haven Public Schools Security. New Haven Public Schools security cut off Dunlap’s access to personal information, access to New Haven Public Schools facilities and seized his equipment on August 28, 2020 in response to the federal investigation.

For additional information, below is the text of the press release issued from the Department of Justice yesterday afternoon

City of New Haven Becomes First-Ever Recipients of Two USDA Grants..

City of New Haven Becomes First-Ever Recipients of Two USDA Grants

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Ahead of World Food Day this Friday, today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt, New Haven Community Services Administrator Dr. Mehul Dalal and New Haven Food System Policy Director Latha Swamy held a press conference at New Haven City Hall announcing that the City is the first-ever recipient of two newly formed USDA grants.

“Securing this amount of funding from the USDA is a significant step for the small and relatively new Food System Policy Division at the City of New Haven,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.  “These resources will help further the FSPD’s mission to support and help manifest community-led efforts that envision and create an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system. We look forward to authentically partnering with community members and organizations across the City and state to eliminate long-standing regulatory, resource, and information barriers around urban agriculture and its related activities in New Haven,” he concluded.

The City of New Haven is the first-ever recipient of two grants from the United States Department of Agriculture’s newly-formed Office of Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production. Out of nearly 600 applicants from across the country, New Haven was chosen as 1 of 3 for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Planning Grant. New Haven is fully-funded at $500K. Additionally, the City secured $90K in funding under their Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) Projects.

“I am thrilled to join the City of New Haven in celebrating the announcement that they are one of the first-ever recipients of two grants from the USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grant Program. As a leader on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that determines federal agriculture spending and funds this grant program, I am confident the City of New Haven will use the $590,000 in two separate grants to improve our community and support local businesses,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.  “I look forward to seeing the benefits of these projects and sharing them with cities across the country,” she concluded.  

The grants will assist the work of the City of New Haven’s Food System Policy Division (FSPD). The FSPD’s mission is to support and help manifest community-led efforts that envision and create an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system. The FSPD operates through a food justice framework and across three thematic priorities - health equity, socio-economic justice, and environmental justice. To enact change, the FSPD works on food policy at all levels that impact New Haven residents: from changing practices within organizations and institutions to modifying regulations at the City level, to advocating on legislation at the State and Federal level, to shaping international agendas.

“We are excited to use this support from the USDA to develop the first New Haven Urban Agriculture Master Plan - an effective, responsive, transparent, fair, efficient, user-friendly, and predictable but flexible plan to access land and opportunities in order to support the production and sale of locally grown foods, build community, improve public health and well-being, and provide economic opportunity, particularly in areas that have vacant or underutilized land and low access to food. An inclusive, community-driven process will guide the development of this actionable master plan,” said Food System Policy Director Latha Swamy.

For more info, visit foodpolicy.newhavenct.gov

###

City of New Haven Becomes First-Ever Recipients of Two USDA Grants

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Ahead of World Food Day this Friday, today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt, New Haven Community Services Administrator Dr. Mehul Dalal and New Haven Food System Policy Director Latha Swamy held a press conference at New Haven City Hall announcing that the City is the first-ever recipient of two newly formed USDA grants.

“Securing this amount of funding from the USDA is a significant step for the small and relatively new Food System Policy Division at the City of New Haven,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.  “These resources will help further the FSPD’s mission to support and help manifest community-led efforts that envision and create an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system. We look forward to authentically partnering with community members and organizations across the City and state to eliminate long-standing regulatory, resource, and information barriers around urban agriculture and its related activities in New Haven,” he concluded.

The City of New Haven is the first-ever recipient of two grants from the United States Department of Agriculture’s newly-formed Office of Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production. Out of nearly 600 applicants from across the country, New Haven was chosen as 1 of 3 for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Planning Grant. New Haven is fully-funded at $500K. Additionally, the City secured $90K in funding under their Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) Projects.

“I am thrilled to join the City of New Haven in celebrating the announcement that they are one of the first-ever recipients of two grants from the USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grant Program. As a leader on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that determines federal agriculture spending and funds this grant program, I am confident the City of New Haven will use the $590,000 in two separate grants to improve our community and support local businesses,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.  “I look forward to seeing the benefits of these projects and sharing them with cities across the country,” she concluded.  

The grants will assist the work of the City of New Haven’s Food System Policy Division (FSPD). The FSPD’s mission is to support and help manifest community-led efforts that envision and create an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system. The FSPD operates through a food justice framework and across three thematic priorities - health equity, socio-economic justice, and environmental justice. To enact change, the FSPD works on food policy at all levels that impact New Haven residents: from changing practices within organizations and institutions to modifying regulations at the City level, to advocating on legislation at the State and Federal level, to shaping international agendas.

“We are excited to use this support from the USDA to develop the first New Haven Urban Agriculture Master Plan - an effective, responsive, transparent, fair, efficient, user-friendly, and predictable but flexible plan to access land and opportunities in order to support the production and sale of locally grown foods, build community, improve public health and well-being, and provide economic opportunity, particularly in areas that have vacant or underutilized land and low access to food. An inclusive, community-driven process will guide the development of this actionable master plan,” said Food System Policy Director Latha Swamy.

For more info, visit foodpolicy.newhavenct.gov

###

Hamden Woman Arrested For Child Abandonment  

New Haven| A 24-year-old Hamden charged with leaving an infant in a New Haven dumpster is due in Superior Court today. Andiana Velez faces charges not only for the abandonment yesterday of an eight-month-old girl but also for assaulting the child’s 21-year-old mother earlier in the day.

It is believed Velez was the child’s baby sitter. The eight-month-old remains hospitalized.

New Haven Police and the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) are continuing to investigate the cause of the child’s injuries. Investigators have not yet determined who is responsible for the infant’s burn injuries.

Andiana Velez is charged with the following:

• Risk of injury to a child
• Assault second degree
• Reckless endangerment first degree

This morning, officers will transfer Velez to an arraignment hearing at Superior Court in New Haven. Velez is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.  

City of New Haven Announces Acting Director of the Livable City Initiative. Arlevia T. Samuel is a Real Estate and Development Professional with over 20-years

New Haven, Conn. – Today, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli announced the new Acting-Director of the City’s Livable City Initiative (LCI). Former Director, Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, announced in late September that she will be moving over to work at the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven. Director Neal-Sanjurjo’s last day will be October 9, 2020. Subsequently, the City has appointed longtime LCI employee Arlevia Samuel as the Acting-Director of LCI. Ms. Samuel’s most recent role at LCI was the Manager of Neighborhood and Commercial Development.

“Arlevia’s expertise in urban housing and development make her the perfect fit as the Acting-Director of LCI,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “I appreciate her willingness to set up to the task and am looking forward to working with Arlevia and LCI to serve the residents of New Haven,” he concluded.

Arlevia T. Samuel is a Real Estate and Development Professional with over 20-years of experience across the housing industry. Arlevia currently works as Manager of the Neighborhood and Commercial Development with the City’s Livable City Initiative. Arlevia completed her M.S. in Urban Studies in Public Policy and Development from Southern Connecticut State University and B.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Administration from the University of New Haven, where she was also a standout member of the Women’s Basketball team. Arlevia also works as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker.

“I thank Mayor Elicker for entrusting me to lead the distinguished Livable City Initiative department,” said Ms. Samuel. “I look forward to continuing the work we have all started.”                                   

A lifelong New Haven resident and avid community volunteer, Arlevia is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as well as a member of the Junior League of Greater New Haven, the New Haven Rotary and United Way of Greater New Haven, Women United. Arlevia has served on the University of New Haven Alumni Board of Directors for six years, the Antillean Manor Board of Directors, and the American Cancer Society, New Haven Planning Committee. Previously, she served on the Board for Livable City Initiative and the Institute of Real Estate Management Executive Committee (Friends Committee chair). Arlevia is also a former Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach with Hillhouse High School. During this time, the team won three consecutive State championships.

“Arlevia is a proven leader both in City Hall and in the community. She brings the passion and commitment to the wellbeing of our neighborhoods that is the hallmark of the Livable City Initiative,” said Michael Piscitelli, Economic Development Administrator.

About the Livable City Initiative:  The Livable City Initiative’s mission is to develop and implement an innovative and balanced approach to promote, grow, and sustain our neighborhoods while creating a sense of community throughout the City of New Haven. LCI administers anti-blight, property maintenance, residential code inspection, housing, and community development programs in part with Community Development Block Grant funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the fiscal year 2020, LCI handled over 2,000 referrals on anti-blight issues and conducted over 6,600 residential inspections.

#

New Haven Welcomes Second Installation of Black Lives Matter Street Mural

The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs brings the Black Lives Matter movement to Downtown New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, the Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with Black Lives Matter New Haven, community organizers, and local artists Carlos Perez, Jesse Wolfe and Marsh welcome the second installation of street mural projects being executed in solidarity and support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the City of New Haven.

The mural painting will be an all-day event occurring Saturday October 3, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Temple Street between Elm Street and Chapel Street. This volunteer based public painting will include a voter registration booth, local Black vendors and music.

Below is the schedule of the event:

8:00 AM – Painting and tabling activities begin

10:00 AM – Vendor booths open

11:30 - 1:30 PM – Open mic performances

1:30 - 5:30 PM – Painting and tabling activities continued

5:30 - 6:00 PM – Closing remarks

The mural event is sponsored by contributions from the City of New Haven, Black Lives Matter New Haven, the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Neighborhood Music School, International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Music Haven, and several private donors. Masks are required, and social distancing guidelines must be followed.

About the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs:

The mission of the Department of Arts and Culture is to improve the quality of life for New Haven residents. By celebrating arts and culture, it becomes a catalyst for economic development, equitable civic engagement and spiritual uplift. The Department assists, promotes and encourages artists, arts and cultural organizations and events in New Haven. And serves as the steward for the municipal collection of globally inspired public art.

For more information on how to donate, please contact Kim Futrell via email,KFutrell@newhavenct.gov.

For more information on the Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, visit the City website and follow on Instagram @NewHavenCultural. For more information on Black Lives Matter New Haven, follow them on Instagram @BlackLivesMatter NewHaven.

###