Blogs

• Resilient New Haven: Continuously Improving Its Preparedness for

Adverse Weather and Climate Impact

NEW HAVEN. Conn. – The City of New Haven has experienced a variety of flooding events over the past few years. With at least 10 coastal flood warnings, 8 flood advisories, and a flash flood warning, the year 2019 was no exception. Flooding events, prompted by heavy rain and coastal and winter storms, were prevalent throughout the city and impassable roads, power outages, and property damage.

City officials are continuously preparing for natural disasters—specifically floods, hurricanes, and other storm events–through the installation of green infrastructure downtown, the repair of storm drain outfalls and tide flaps, catch basin cleaning, shoreline stabilization, and the construction of seawalls. They work to foster community resilience through various educational and public information efforts as outlined below.

City officials are steadily upgrading infrastructure and policies to mitigate the impact of these flooding events: specifically, through the installation of bioswales, the repair of storm drain outfalls and tide flaps, catch basin cleaning, and the construction of seawalls – and they work to foster community resilience through educational and public information efforts as outlined below.

The City has prepared a variety of citizen-oriented resources for flood resilience. First, the City is working to inform residents of localized flood risks and equip them with preventative resources. The City maintains a collection of flood maps available at City Hall (165 Church Street) in the City Plan Department or the Building Department. These maps include basic and advanced flood zone information, flood depth, and historical flood information.

Residents can also ascertain their specific flood risk by looking at maps at https://msc.fema.gov/portal, or in the main branch of New Haven Free Public Library (133 Elm Street). Residents are also encouraged to sign up for New Haven Alerts (at https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/emergency_info/alerts.htm) to receive informational emails, texts and/or phone calls during flood emergencies. These alerts may include safety information and other measures to be taken during a flood. The Emergency Management site also includes information about evacuation routes, basic preparedness strategies, and links to other informational sites. Information regarding hurricane preparedness can also be found on the City’s website.

To protect commercial and industrial properties, business owners can find a “Commercial Industrial Toolkit,” a preventative guide for business owners whose businesses are at risk for flooding at https://circa.uconn.edu/new-haven-commercial-industrial-toolbox/. Residents and business owners throughout the city should also visit the New Haven Office of Emergency Management webpage at https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/emergency_info/default.htm for additional resources on flooding and other weather related events.

New Haven maintains a Class 7 rating under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). This rating provides up to a 15% discount to most NFIP policies for properties in special flood hazard areas (SFHAs). Check with your realtor and/or insurance provider to ensure that the discount has been applied to your policy.

City officials will continue to take seriously, prepare for, and inform residents about the threat posed by flooding. For more flood information and additional tips on preparing for and staying safe during flood events, please visit https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/city_plan/flood.htm or contact the City Plan Department at (203) 946-6377.

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23 June, 2018 – SHOOTING DEATH INVESTIGATION

At 12:28 PM, Officers were dispatched to 128 Henry Street to investigate a reported assault. Officers located a twenty-three year old New Haven man who’d suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital. At 1:00 PM, he was pronounced deceased.

The shooting likely occurred inside the residence and not on the public street.

Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes unit and the Bureau of Identification are at the scene investigating.

Anyone who witnessed this shooting or who may have information valuable to investigators is urged to phone police at 203-946-6316 or Text-A-Tip. Text “NHPD plus your message” to 274637 (CRIMES) Calls may be made anonymously.

22 June, 2018 – SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

At 10:31 PM, Officers were dispatched to ShotSpotter® reported gunfire in the area of 66 Lilac Street (near Newhall Street). They located ballistic evidence there.

Two shooting victims were located at a home on Bassett Street. Neither suffered life-threatening wounds and were treated at local hospitals. Jermaine V Lee (9-28-1988), of New Haven was shot in the leg. Richard S Davis (5-26-1993), of Hamden, CT, was shot in the buttocks and thigh.

Detectives recovered a High-Point 9mm handgun at the scene.

A short time later, gunfire was reported nearby on the five-hundred block of Winchester Avenue. A parked Jeep Cherokee sustained gunfire damage. Detectives recovered a 38 Special revolver from that scene. Three men were seen fleeing the scene. One was heavy-set with glasses.

Anyone who witnessed this crime or who may have information valuable to those investigators is urged to phone police at 203-946-6316 or Text-A-Tip. Text “NHPD plus your message” to 274637 (CRIMES) Calls may be made anonymously.

CITY OFFICIALS SEEK PUBLIC INPUT THURSDAY AS THEY WORK TOWARD ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN

GOAL IS TO IMPROVE CITY STREETS AND INTERSECTIONS

New Haven, CT – The city’s Department Thursday at which public input will he of Transportation, Traffic & Parking will host a community workshoplp create its first-ever Active Transportation Master Plan.

The goal of the event is to identify intersections and streets that need improvements for safety and walkability – members of the public will be asked to help make these determinations.

Areas identified will be included in the Master Plan. Six street improvement projects identified at this workshop will be rolled out across six neighborhoods in the summer and fall of 2019. Residents are encouraged to show up to make sure their neighborhoods are represented.

These improvement projects are a part of a larger plan to increase active transportation in New Haven. “Active transportation” means getting around in a way that is powered by human energy – walking and bicycling, which includes accessing public transportation. Those who live in communities that prioritize active transportation tend to be healthier because they’re more active in their daily routines and the air they breathe tends to be cleaner.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in Thursday’s workshop:

Residents who attend the workshop will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Master Plan, make recommendations, identify initial street improvement projects, and share their vision for future transportation in New Haven. Dinner will be provided for those who attend. Free parking is available four blocks away in the lot at State and Wall Street (10 Wall Street – Park New Haven lot).

Plans for this workshop are a collaborative effort by the City of New Haven Department of Transportation, Traffic & Parking, the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Street Plans, and Community Alliance for Research & Engagement (CARE).

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New Haven Community, Clergy, and Politicians to hold Press Conference Calling for Good Jobs in New Haven

New Haven - Pastor Kelcy G.L.  Steele of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church and State Representative Toni Walker will gather a press conference calling on the the New Haven board of Alders to  hold a public hearing regarding the employment opportunities that Yale University is providing to New Haven residents. They will be joined by a group of New Haven residents, job seekers, and Yale Undergrads.

WHAT: Press Conference with Sen. Toni Walker and Pastor Kelcy Steele

WHEN: 10:00am, Wednesday December 12, 2018

WHERE: 1 Prospect Street, Corner of Grove and Prospect

Community Leaders Call for a Public Hearing on Yale Jobs in New Haven

On December 12^th, elected leaders, clergy, and other community leaders called on the President of New Haven’s Board of Alders, Tyisha Walker-Myers, to hold a public hearing regarding the employment opportunities that Yale University is providing to New Haven residents.  The speakers called for this hearing to better understand the University’s progress on the hiring agreement that it signed in 2015.  In that agreement, the University committed to hiring 1,000 New Haven residents with 500 of those residents coming from neighborhoods of need.  Neighborhoods of need are seven neighborhoods that have consistently had the highest rates of unemployment in New Haven: The Hill, Dwight, West River, West Rock, Newhallville, Dixwell, and Fair Haven.  The University must hit these goals by April 1, 2019.

Speakers noted that the recent gubernatorial campaign and current gubernatorial transition made this hearing even more urgent.   State Representative Toni Walker, who is also serving as a Co-Chair for Ned Lamont transition team, provided the context for the hearing, “I have been fighting to uplift Connecticut families my entire life.  Yale deserves praise for committing to its hiring agreement, and I always believed that the agreement could be an important model for our city.  So, I was encouraged to see Lamont and other state leaders recognize the importance of this agreement during campaign events this fall.  As Lamont’s transition team focuses on expanding job opportunities in our cities, we need New Haven’s Board of Alders to hold a public hearing that can help our city understand the opportunities that Yale is providing for our neighborhoods of need.”

Pastor Kelcy G.L. Steele of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church said, “I supported Ned Lamont’s campaign for governor because he shares my vision that large employers must do more to provide opportunities for all neighborhoods in our city. At a public hearing, Yale can show us that it is credibly committed to helping the people of New Haven end decades of economic and racial inequality in our city

6 August, 2018 – CRASH INVESTIGATION

At 11:37 AM, Firefighter/ EMTs were dispatched to Howard Avenue at First Street regarding a reported pedestrian/ vehicle crash. Police responded to conduct the investigation.

Daycare workers had tried stopping traffic to allow the children in their care to cross Howard Avenue. Two children (believed to be between 3 and 5 years old) were struck by a motorist as they tried to cross.

The motorist stopped and has cooperated with the investigation. The children have been taken to the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Both have remained conscious and alert.

The investigation is on-going. No conclusion has yet been determined as to fault

This is what the News Media and the New Haven Board of Alders ARE NOT telling you regarding Mayor Toni Harp's decision to give raises to her executive and confidential staff:

1) The Mayor's executive and confidential staff raises amounts to 1/20 of 1% of the city budget.

2) Some city employees had not received a raise in the last 20 years.

3) The Mayor's executive staff never received a raise in the last 4.5 years (this was the first raise given since she has been mayor).

4) Local Union 3144 . . . and the New Haven Board of Alders . . . and the mayor's staff received the SAME raises. The Question is: Why was no one upset when the Board of Alders gave it's staff a 12% raise last year (that the union stopped)?? . . . and why is the Board of Alders saying that they are conducting an investigation when it's staff also received the same raise??

The Media is trying to sell newspapers and advertisements . . . The New Haven Board Of Alders is trying to point it's fingers at someone else. What you should know is that only the Board of Alders can raise taxes. They are trying to say that the mayor scared them into doing it. No one believes that. IT IS NOT TRUE! They are not afraid of the Mayor.

Youth Services Department, NHPD, and Dalio Foundation to make winter warmer for kids with plan to distribute 700+ coats

New Haven – The city’s Department of Youth Services, along with the New Haven Police Department and the Dalio Foundation will team up this week for a third annual Winter Coat Project. Last year this project matched winter coats with approximately 700 young people.

Barbara Dalio leads the Dalio Foundation’s work to strengthen public education in Connecticut through collaboration. The Foundation has a strong belief in giving back to youth across the state.  The Foundation also funds the Connecticut RISE Network, the YouthStat Freshman Project, and Clifford W. Beers Guidance Clinic.

This year, the New Haven Police Department will assist Youth Services and the Dalio Foundation with logistics to store and distribute more than 700 coats donated by the Dalio Foundation. Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett worked to secure arrangements between the City of New Haven and the Dalio Foundation.

Who: A collaborative group of Youth Department staff and the New Haven Police Department will work together to sort, set up and distribute over 700 coats to New Haven Youth to help make winter warmer for them.

Where: 116 Wintergreen Ave., New Haven, Connecticut (The New Police Training Academy).

When: Tuesday, October 16^th, 2018 at 11:30 a.m

10 October, 2018 – GUNSHOTS FIRED AT CAR IN WESTVILLE VILLAGE AS CROWDS LEAVE ROOSEVELT’S BAR

This marks the third gunfire/ shooting event in one year related to a bar in the heart of the quiet Westville Village. At 1:03 AM, Officers responded to calls of gunfire that had occurred outside Roosevelt’s Bar, 883 Whalley Avenue.

An officer had been flagged down at the corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue by a person reporting a chaotic scene just blocks away. As he approached, the officer heard gunfire and spotted a Subaru Forester leaving the area. He pulled over the car on West Rock Avenue. The car’s windshield had been shot at.

About two hours later, an officer in Fair Haven was contacted by a man admitting he’d fired at the vehicle after its driver sped directly at him. The twenty-five year old Hamden, CT man told police he was leaving Roosevelt’s when a man pulled up to him and addressed him. He said the man drove off, made a U-turn and sped toward him. He told officers he jumped into his own car but couldn’t get it started in time to flee. He said the man struck his car and he thought the man would harm him. He said he fired at the driver, who in turn fled.

Video of the incident, viewed by the officers, generally corroborates the victim’s story. The victim has a valid pistol permit. It appears he was not the antagonist in this incident.

The case remains under investigation. An arrest has not yet been made.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, Officers, as had become routine, were posted at Roosevelt’s bar to clear out the crowd after closing time. At 1:52 AM, those officers heard gunfire and found the victim in front of the closed business at 867 Whalley Avenue. Tomone Archie Lindsey, thirty-two, of New Haven, had been shot in the leg. He claimed to have no knowledge as to who’d shot him. A parked car was struck as well.

Though Roosevelt’s Bar often hires an Extra Duty officer on weekends, routinely, it takes many on-duty officers to clear out the area after closing.  

UP DATE.  

This marks the third gunfire/ shooting event in one year related to a bar in the heart of the quiet Westville Village. At 1:03 AM, Officers responded to calls of gunfire that had occurred outside Roosevelt’s Bar, 883 Whalley Avenue.

An officer had been flagged down at the corner of Fountain Street and Central Avenue by a person reporting a chaotic scene just blocks away. As he approached, the officer heard gunfire and spotted a Subaru Forester leaving the area. He pulled over the car on West Rock Avenue. The car’s windshield had been shot at.

About two hours later, an officer in Fair Haven was contacted by a man admitting he’d fired at the vehicle after its driver sped directly at him. The twenty-five year old Hamden, CT man told police he was leaving Roosevelt’s when a man pulled up to him and addressed him. He said the man drove off, made a U-turn and sped toward him. He told officers he jumped into his own car but couldn’t get it started in time to flee. He said the man struck his car and he thought the man would harm him. He said he fired at the driver, who in turn fled.

Video of the incident, viewed by the officers, generally corroborates the victim’s story. The victim has a valid pistol permit. It appears he was not the antagonist in this incident.

The case remains under investigation. An arrest has not yet been made.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, Officers, as had become routine, were posted at Roosevelt’s bar to clear out the crowd after closing time. At 1:52 AM, those officers heard gunfire and found the victim in front of the closed business at 867 Whalley Avenue. Tomone Archie Lindsey, thirty-two, of New Haven, had been shot in the leg. He claimed to have no knowledge as to who’d shot him. A parked car was struck as well.

Though Roosevelt’s Bar often hires an Extra Duty officer on weekends, routinely, it takes many on-duty officers to clear out the area after closing

9 October, 2018 – MAN CLAIMS SELF-DEFENSE IN STABBING. THE INJURED PERSON DISAPPEARED

At 9:36 PM, officers were dispatched to 154 Frank Street after somone reported an assault.

The arriving cops found a pool of blood on the front porch and a trail of blood leading inside to the second floor. There was more blood in a bedroom, but no one was in it.

Suspicious of the noises above, the basement tennant emerged and told the cops he’d seen two women leaving the building after hearing an argument. He said his upstairs-neighbor came outside and was bleeding from his face. He said the women cut him.

Police cought up with the victim at Yale New Haven Hospital. The sixty-six year old told the officers he was in his bedroom, when the door opened and two men entered. One had a “shiny knife”. The blade-wielding man aproached  him. The victim armed himself with a screwdriver and ordered the intruder to stop.

The victim said the man kept coming and sliced his face and hand. The victim said he stabbed the intruder several times with the screwdriver. The last time, said the victim, the screwdriver remained in the man’s chest.

The victim’s wounds – though deep, were not deemed life-threatening. The intruders were not found despite frequent checks for the impaled one – male or female.

9 October, 2018 – HURLBURT STREET RESIDENCE STRUCK BY BULLETS

At 9:13 PM, the city’s ShotSpotter® system alerted to gunfire on the one-hundred block of Hurlburt Street. Officers narrowed their search to a bullet struk home at 109 Hurlburt Street. Bullet shell casings, found outside on the street and front porch, were collected and the house was searched. One of its occupants, Travis Jenkins (3-30-1975), of that address, had two outstanding warrants (larceny 6^th and failing to appear in court) and was taken into custody. His custody was otherwise unrelated to this case.

We’re looking into the who and why and are interested in hearing from anyone who has information on this case. 203-946-6304, if you’re interested in talking. Calls may be made annonymously.

Senator Kamala Harris, Michael K. Williams, Tichina Arnold, John Forté, DA Larry Krasner, Shaun King and Many More Come Together to Push for Criminal Justice Reform on May 9th in Washington, DC at “Vote for Justice”

Event will launch innovative campaign to inspire people to vote for justice at the polls.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2018) – The Justice Roundtable , a Washington-based coalition of over 100 justice organizations and advocates advancing federal criminal justice policy reforms, announces the launch of a six-month social media impact campaign, Vote for Justice.

The campaign will kick off with a May 9th event, Vote for Justice: An Evening of Empowerment with Artists and Activists at Washington DC’s Newseum. The event will take audience members through a historic exploration of the different sectors where the criminal punishment system wreaks havoc; identify the generational, human and equity costs of mass incarceration; and offer solutions to reform our criminal justice system.

The event will be hosted by Tichina Arnold and Michael Eric Dyson .

Readings and testimonials will be performed by Senator Kamala Harris, Michael K. Williams, Congressman Cedric Richmond, Congressman Lacy Clay, State Attorney Kim Foxx, District Attorney Larry Krasner, Open Society Foundations President Patrick Gaspard, Mic Video Columnist Brittany Packnett, Shaun King, Desmond Meade, 11-year-old Naomi Wadler, Carmen Perez, Kemba Smith, Jamira Burley, Jessica Perez, Judith Browne Dianis, former NFL player Donté Stallworth, Charlene Carruthers, Udi Ofer and more. The evening will feature performances by Grammy-nominated artist John Forté, Goapele, Raheem Devaughn and Wes Felton, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Ayanna Gregory and Ka'Ba Akintunde .

There will be an open-press red carpet. In partnership with Mic, the full program will be live-streamed , and Mic will spotlight featured participants in opinion columns following the event, bringing the topics of the night to life in video.

The Vote for Justice campaign will bring art and culture together with education and civic engagement, encouraging the public to imagine what justice looks like in the months leading up to the midterm elections. At the same time, Vote for Justice will normalize progressive narratives on criminal justice system transformation by making the concept of justice personal and proximate to voters and potential voters.

The Vote for Justice campaign will highlight the overarching political, economic and human costs of our country’s criminal punishment system,” says Justice Roundtable Convener Nkechi Taifa . “The campaign will challenge celebrity, athlete and policy influencers to inspire and mobilize their fan bases to ‘vote for justice’ at the polls. We hope to lift up the work of advocates on the ground, who push back on a daily basis against policies and practices that have allowed mass incarceration to flourish.”

Following the Vote for Justice event, The Justice Roundtable will lead a public call to action for justice reform, titled #JusticeLooksLike. The action-oriented, social media challenge will lead up the 2018 midterm election. The nonpartisan Vote for Justice event and campaign will not endorse or support any particular candidate.

About The Justice Roundtable

The Justice Roundtable is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 organizations working to reform federal criminal justice laws and policies. Founded in 2002, the Roundtable’s mission is to bring value to the Justice Movement by coordinating the federal legislative and advocacy efforts of the Washington criminal justice advocacy community.

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9 October, 2018 – SUSPECTED ASSAILANT SHOT DEAD AFTER STABBING

At 10:00 PM, Officers and EMTs were dispatched to Sperry Street at Goffe Street after an assault with gunfire was reported.

Here’s what police know at this time. According to the victims, one, a twenty-seven year old New Haven man was walking on Sperry Street from Whalley Avenue toward Goffe Street, when he was confronted by an adult black man holding a knife. The knife wielding man said “Happy Halloween” and stabbed the victim. The victim’s cousin, a twenty-four year old Hamden, CT man was waiting in his car. He heard the commotion, got out of his car, and was also stabbed by the assailant.

The twenty-four year old had a pistol on him and shot his assailant in the chest. The shooter has a valid pistol permit and his gun was lawfully registered to him, according to information obtained in a police records check. The shooter has not been charged – though this investigation is active and remains active.

The deceased assailant has not been identified. The stabbing victims’ wounds are not life threatening. The twenty-seven year old was stabbed in the elbow and the twenty-four year old, in his bicep.

Officers and detectives from the department’s Major Crimes and Forensics Division remain on the scene and are investigating this crime and collecting evidence for this case.

Police are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information on this crime is urged to phone us at 203-946-6304, the Anonymous Tip Line at 203-946-6296, Text a tip by texting, NHPD plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES) or email at ecic@newhavenct.gov.

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DAY OF PRAYER EVENT ON NEW HAVEN GREEN SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON

New Haven – Leaders of the city’s faith community have organized ‘a day of reflection, prayer, faith, and gratitude’ to be held on the New Haven Green Sunday afternoon, November 11. Mayor Toni N. Harp, Chief of Police Anthony Campbell, and Fire Chief John Alston are among those planning to join the interdenominational clergy members and participate on Sunday.

The event is planned to encourage, ‘wisdom, direction, courage, and strength’ for city leaders, teachers and school administrators, nurses, doctors, other hospital and medical personnel, young people, all those who face daunting challenges, and those who suffer.

Sunday afternoon’s event is scheduled to be held from 3:00 until 5:00. 

Mayor Harp, Environmental Leaders to introduce city’s Climate and Sustainability Framework today

Will Call For Local Action to Support a Just & Healthy Climate, from Rock to Rock and Beyond

(New Haven, CT) - In the face of federal attacks on environmental protections and the planetary emergency posed by climate change, Mayor Toni Harp will join local environmental leaders to:

• Share the city’s commitments through its new climate action framework and greenhouse gas reduction commitments.
• Challenge local organizations and city residents to share their vision for a healthy, just climate -- and to take real actions to make this vision a reality -- taking the lead from art and poetry created by our city’s young people.   
• Invite community members to join in the 10th Annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride -- raising critically needed support for more than 30 local organizations, and bringing more than 1,000 neighbors together on Saturday, April 28th..   
• Announce a special 10th Anniversary Rock to Rock Bonus Fund, made possible through support from MFUNd, the Watershed Fund, and Faxon Law Group, that will add $10 to every $50 donated through this year’s Rock to Rock -- until the fund is used up!

WHO

City leaders, young people, & representatives from 30+ environmental organizations supported by Rock to Rock, will stand together with a mural sharing young people’s vision for a just & healthy climate in the background. Remarks from:

Mayor Toni Harp
Giovanni Zinn, City Engineer

Rock to Rock organizers Joel Tolman (Common Ground) & Chris Schweitzer (New Haven Leon Sister City Project)

Ihsan Abdussabur, Common Ground Senior & Spoken Word Artist

Lead sponsors of the Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride: The Watershed Fund, MFUNd, and Faxon Law Group, along with The Devil's Gear and Denali/Patagonia

WHEN

TODAY – 1:00 - 1:30 PM

Thursday, February 1, 2018

WHERE

New Haven City Hall

165 Church St, New Haven

#

and Sustainability Framework today

Will Call For Local Action to Support a Just & Healthy Climate, from Rock to Rock and Beyond

(New Haven, CT) - In the face of federal attacks on environmental protections and the planetary emergency posed by climate change, Mayor Toni Harp will join local environmental leaders to:

• Share the city’s commitments through its new climate action framework and greenhouse gas reduction commitments.
• Challenge local organizations and city residents to share their vision for a healthy, just climate -- and to take real actions to make this vision a reality -- taking the lead from art and poetry created by our city’s young people.   
• Invite community members to join in the 10th Annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride -- raising critically needed support for more than 30 local organizations, and bringing more than 1,000 neighbors together on Saturday, April 28th..   
• Announce a special 10th Anniversary Rock to Rock Bonus Fund, made possible through support from MFUNd, the Watershed Fund, and Faxon Law Group, that will add $10 to every $50 donated through this year’s Rock to Rock -- until the fund is used up!

WHO

City leaders, young people, & representatives from 30+ environmental organizations supported by Rock to Rock, will stand together with a mural sharing young people’s vision for a just & healthy climate in the background. Remarks from:

Mayor Toni Harp
Giovanni Zinn, City Engineer

Rock to Rock organizers Joel Tolman (Common Ground) & Chris Schweitzer (New Haven Leon Sister City Project)

Ihsan Abdussabur, Common Ground Senior & Spoken Word Artist

Lead sponsors of the Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride: The Watershed Fund, MFUNd, and Faxon Law Group, along with The Devil's Gear and Denali/Patagonia

WHEN

TODAY – 1:00 - 1:30 PM

Thursday, February 1, 2018

WHERE

New Haven City Hall

165 Church St, New Haven

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Households Which Earned $54,000 or Less in 2017 Can File State and Federal Taxes for FREE
WHAT: The Mayor’s office will join members of the Greater New Haven Family
Economic Security Coalition, coordinated by the Connecticut Association for Human
Services (CAHS) to kick-off the start of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
season with a press event. Speakers include: Sheila Carmon, Interim Community
Service Administrator; Jim Horan, Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Association for
Human Services; Amy Casavina Hall, Chief Impact Officer, United Way of Greater New
Haven; Alisa Lebovitz, IRS Taxpayer Advocate; Janice Vargas, VITA Client
WHEN: Thursday, January 25, at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Financial Empowerment Center, 316 Dixwell Ave., New Haven, CT
BACKGROUND: VITA is a program sponsored by the IRS, where trained volunteers
prepare and file state and federal returns for low-moderate income families for free.
Families who had an income of $54,000 or less in 2017 may qualify for free tax
preparation services.
Last year, trained VITA volunteers in New Haven prepared almost 4,500 tax returns,
returning $7.1 million in state and federal refunds to local families including $2.4 million
in federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) which may have otherwise gone
unclaimed. The Connecticut EITC provides an additional credit for working families
which is 23% of the federal EITC. This tax credit helps low-income working families with
children have more money for monthly bills, pay off debt and to save for emergencies.
The IRS wants to remind taxpayers that the PATH Act law requires the IRS to hold
refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax
Credit (ACTC) until February 15. In addition, the IRS wants taxpayers to be aware it will
take several days for these refunds to be released and processed through financial
institutions. Factoring in weekends and the President’s Day holiday, the IRS cautions. that many affected taxpayers may not have access to their refunds until the week of
February 27.

“We are pleased to be able to offer families and individuals who qualify, free tax
preparation and filing.” said Jim Horan, Chief Executive Officer of CAHS, an
organization that helps to coordinate the VITA campaign across the state. “This is an
important service and offers a significant savings to those who are challenged by the
extra expense of tax season. In addition to free tax services, CAHS also offers
educational programs that help build long-lasting financial stability.”
“VITA provides much needed free tax advice and guidance to people who cannot afford
tax accountants or are confused by our complex tax rules. Too many people fail to
receive refunds or the earned income tax credit that are owed to them- leaving on the
table billions of often critical hard earned dollars.” stated U.S. Senator, Richard
Blumenthal.
Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org, the United Way’s free information
hotline to find out more information or to locate the closest location. For more
information about federal or state EITC eligibility, residents can visit www.irs.gov or
www.ct.gov/drs/eitc.
This year’s VITA campaign is made possible through the generous support of the
following funders: United Way of Greater New Haven, Wells Fargo, Citi Community
Development, and People’s Bank Foundation.
About the Connecticut Association for Human Services
The Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit
organization, uniquely combines outreach into working poor communities at the
neighborhood level with broad-based policy work at the state and federal level.
Founded in 1910, CAHS is focused on helping families and children build the skills and
assets they need for lasting economic success, strengthening Connecticut’s economy,
and improving its workforce. In addition to advocacy and outreach, CAHS publishes
consumer guides, policy briefs, and KIDS COUNT, a highly-regarded data and policy
book supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. For more about CAHS, please visit
www.cahs.org.
List of 2018 VITA tax sites in Greater
New Haven: New Financial Life @ Clemente School, @ Columbus Family Academy, @
Gateway Community College, @ Yale New Haven Hospital, Brookside Estates, Christian
Community Action/ARISE Center, Community Action Agency of New Haven, Emanuel Lutheran
Church, New Haven Library’s Downtown and Wilson branches, New Haven Opportunity Center,
Southern Connecticut State University School of Business, Evergreen AAA VITA, Yale New
Haven Hospital Pediatrics
East Haven: East Haven Adult Learning Ctr., Hamden: M.L. Keefe Center, Hamden High
School
Woodbridge: Woodbridge Senior Center

photo credit https://seeclickfix.com/

November - December 2017 Fall Sweeping Schedule

DPW collects brown paper leaf bags

New Haven residents and supporters! Please join Mayor Toni Harp​ alongside Senator Chris Murphy on Saturday, November 4th from 2pm - 3pm. The rally will take place at Nica's Market on 604 Orange St, New Haven, CT. We hope to see you there!

The fifth annual celebration honored Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, Patricia Arquette, Ashley Judd,

Heather Heyer, who posthumously received the Humanitarian Award for Social Justice.  Her mother, Susan Bro, accepted the award.

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (September 23, 2017) — The fifth annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards presented by Brown-Forman took place this evening at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. The fundraising gala celebrated people from around the world who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. In addition to awards given to seasoned humanitarians, six young people, age 30 and under, were honored with an award for each of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

"The Fifth Annual Humanitarian Awards are a key milestone for the Ali Center," said Lonnie Ali, co-founder of the center. "Not only does this annual event amplify the powerful impact of Muhammad's legacy, but our awards also incentivize others to a life of service--as Muhammad and I envisioned when we helped launch the awards. Year after year, I am amazed at the quality of our awardees and the humanitarian and philanthropic work they are doing around the world.  These young people give me hope that the future of our global community will be one of promise and opportunity for everyone."​​

The 2017 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardees:

• HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, Executive Director of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), medical doctor, geneticist, and humanitarian, was honored as the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award.
• Patricia Arquette, Academy Award-winning actress, activist, founder of GiveLove, and humanitarian, received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement.
• Ashley Judd, Actress, activist and Kentuckian, was presented with the Muhammad Ali Kentucky Humanitarian Award.
• Paige Elenson, global humanitarian and founder of the Africa Yoga Project, received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Global Citizenship.
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• Hill Harper, Actor, author, and philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, was honored with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Education.
• Heather Heyer, who posthumously received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Social Justice. Heyer lost her life last month in Charlottesville, VA while fighting for her beliefs and campaigning against hate. Her mother, Susan Bro, accepted the award.

For more information about the seasoned humanitarian awardees, visit https://alicenter.org/news.

The 2017 Muhammad Ali Six Core Principle Awardees (age 30 and under):

• Gavin Armstrong, age 30, Toronto, Canada was honored for his Confidence in advocating against hunger and malnutrition.
• Mohammed Ashour, age 30, Austin, Texas received the Conviction Award. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aspire, a company that develops the most advanced insect farming technology in the world.
• John-Son Oei, age 30, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia received the Dedication Award. He is the co-founder and CEO of EPIC, a company that aims to build relationships between the urban and rural divide through the activity of building homes for underprivileged Malaysian communities.
• Iseult Ward, age 26, Dublin, Ireland received the Giving Award. She is the co-founder and CEO of the award-winning social enterprise FoodCloud.
• Anoop Jain, age 30, Oakland, California was honored for his Respect working on public health initiatives in India.
• Hannah Taylor, age 21, Winnipeg, Canada received the Spirituality Award. At age 8, she founded The Ladybug Foundation, a charity that has raised millions of dollars and helped more than 65 homeless shelters and food banks across Canada.

For more information about the Six Core Principle awardees, visit https://alicenter.org/news.

This year’s host and presenters were:

• Michael Buffer, professional ring and sports announcer
• Lonnie Ali, Co-Founder of the Muhammad Ali Center, widow of Muhammad Ali, and advocate for children’s rights and Parkinson’s disease research
• Jamillah Ali-Joyce, daughter of Muhammad Ali and Illinois Secretary of State Employment Counselor in the City of Chicago
• Mark Hogg, Founder and CEO of WaterStep, motivational speaker, and the 2013 Kentucky Muhammad Ali Humanitarian awardee
• Donald Lassere, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center
• Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Outreach for ESPN
• Geoff Thompson, Former 5-time world karate champion, sports administrator and politician, and Founder and Executive Chair of UK-based Youth Charter
• Ruth Riley, General Manager of the San Antonio Stars, former WNBA player, and NBA Cares Ambassador

**Previously announced presenter, Allan Houston, was unable to attend. Ruth Riley presented in his place.

This year’s performers were:

• IMAJ, multi-talented singer-songwriter, described as a “country darling of peace and love,” who can perform in six languages.
• The Paragon Project, a platform designed to give voice to the talented high school performing arts students, musicians, producers and poets at The Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, a Grammy Award-winning performing arts high school in Ohio.
• Tom Strahle, LA-based guitarist, songwriter and composer who has written with Justin Bieber, Taboo, Taylor Swift, and many others.
• CJ Vanston, Hollywood-based film composer, record producer, songwriter, keyboardist, and music director for Spinal Tap

Sponsors
In addition to Brown-Forman, this year’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards are also supported by: Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Fusioncorp, H. C. S. Foundation, Tandem PR & Marketing, Ashbourne Farms and River Bend Farm.

About the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards

The Fifth Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, presented by Brown-Forman, will take place on September 23rd, 2017 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky USA. This charitable event of celebration and recognition will honor individuals around the world who have made significant contributions toward the attainment of peace, social justice, or other positive actions pertaining to human or social capital. In addition to awards presented to seasoned humanitarians, six young people, 30 years or younger, are honored with an award for each of Muhammad’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. This event is the premiere annual fundraiser for the Muhammad Ali Center.

About the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, was co-founded by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The international cultural center promotes the Six Core Principles of Muhammad Ali (Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality) in ways that inspire personal and global greatness and provides programming and events around the focus areas of education, gender equity, and global citizenship. Its newest initiative, Generation Ali, fosters a new generation of leaders to contribute positively to their communities and to change the world for the better. The Center’s headquarters also contains an award-winning museum experience. For more information, please visit www.alicenter.org.