Blogs

Mayor Elicker and New Haven Free Public Library to Make “Fine Free” Announcement

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tomorrow morning New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, members of the Board of Alders, City Librarian John Jessen, Library Board President Shana Schneider, Library Foundation President Michael Morand, and fellow Board Members and Library Staff will host a press conference on the steps of the Ives Library announcing NHFPL has gone fine free. Many municipalities across the country have implemented fine free protocols, with the Elm City being the latest to implement such a policy.

Under the new policy, NHFPL materials will no longer accrue daily overdue fines. Library members remain responsible for the replacement charges for lost and damaged items and library card replacement fees. Materials not returned for 14 days after the final due date will be considered lost and members will be billed the replacement cost and borrowing privileges will be suspended for cards with a balance of over $20.  At any time, returned materials will have all associated fees cancelled and borrowing privileges for library cards will be restored when materials are returned or balance is paid in full.  Materials that are obtained through Interlibrary Loan are borrowed from other libraries, and therefore may still be subject to fines incurred at the lending library.

NHFPL Fine Free Press Conference

Mayor Elicker, Alders, John Jessen, Shana Schneider,

Michael Morand, Library Board Members and Staff

133 Elm Street,

New Haven, CT 06510

Steps of the Ives Main Library

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

10:00 AM

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NEW HAVEN BLACK LIVES MATTER STREET MURAL

The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs welcomes the first of a series of Black Lives Matter street murals to the City 

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with Black Lives Matter New Haven, community organizers, and local artist Kwadwo Adae welcomed a series of mural projects being implemented in solidarity and support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the City of New Haven. The mural painting and the all-day event occurred Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Bassett Street between Dixwell Avenue and Watson Street.

In response to the growing number of Black Lives Matter street murals across the country, New Haven became the latest community to do so. The project aims to support the ongoing efforts of Black Lives Matter New Haven, who is helping shape the larger meaning of the project in the community, as well as provide an opportunity for creative expression and professional development to local artists and community members. The first mural planned for Bassett Street will be a part of what hopes to become a city-wide effort to establish cultural districts throughout New Haven and provide opportunities for Arts & Culture related to economic development through an anti-racist lens.

“I was so grateful to be a part of this celebration of black and brown culture in New Haven,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “I am looking forward to future art installations across the City, and want to thank Adriane Jefferson and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Department, Black Lives Matter New Haven, artist Kwadwo Adae, and all those that came out today to make this such a great success,” he concluded.

The frontline artist, Kwadwo Adae, directed the artistic rendering of the mural with the community-at-large, collectively helping to paint each letter in 1-hour intervals throughout the day. Black Lives Matter New Haven had a series of art vendors, open mic performers, and tables for community organizations, and voter registration throughout the day. All activities will take place across Bassett Street between Dixwell Avenue and Watson Street with the open mic performances happening on the Watson and Bassett Community Greenspace.

“I am overjoyed to see so many public art projects being installed in the City of New Haven during the difficult times we have all been collectively experiencing during the pandemic,” said artist Kwado Adae.

The mural and event were 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.

“We are excited about the Black Lives Matter murals that will be going up around the city and with our partnership with BLM New Haven,” said Adriane Jefferson, the City’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. “This is the continuation of an emergence of art in our City that rethinks public art through an anti-racism lens and centers Black, Indigenous, people of color’s voices. Last month, we were able to install the work of Isaac Bloodworth right outside of City Hall in a beautiful commissioned piece that showcases the importance of Black Joy and amplifying marginalized voices. Today’s event embodied that same message and spirit,” she concluded.

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

About the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs:

The mission of the Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism is to improve the quality of life for New Haven residents. By celebrating arts, culture, and tourism, it becomes a catalyst for economic development, civic engagement, and spiritual uplift. We assist, promote, and encourage artists, arts and cultural organizations and events in New Haven. Our department serves as the steward for the municipal collection of globally inspired public art.

For more information on the Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, click the link here and follow on Instagram @NewHavenCultural. For more information on Black Lives Matter New Haven, follow them on Instagram @BlackLivesMatter NewHaven. For more information on Kwadwo Adae follow him on Instagram @KwadwoAdae.

###FACEBOOK LIVE LINK NEW HAVEN BLACK LIVES NH MATTER STREET MURAL

Willam Lanson....The first rich black man in New Haven. He built the long wharf dock, the New Haven portion of the Farmington canal and was a founding member of the Dixwell Congregational church....Including he was the owner of a hotel he built for slaves (former) in Wooster Square...
The event will be held on Saturday 9/26/2020, at 10am to 11:30am 55 lock street

For more Info RSVP click here William Lanson Dedication

NEW  HAVEN BLACK LIVES MATTER STREET MURAL

The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs welcomes the first of a series of Black Lives Matter street murals to the City, Mayor Elicker to Attend

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The City of New Haven Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with Black Lives Matter New Haven, community organizers, and local artist Kwadwo Adae welcome a series of mural projects being executing in solidarity and support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the City of New Haven.

The mural painting and the all-day event will occur Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Bassett Street between Dixwell Avenue and Watson Street. Mayor Elicker will join the event at 5:30 PM. The rain date is Sunday, September 20.

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 by local dignitaries and Mayor Justin Elicker

The mural and event are 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.

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, click the link here and follow on Instagram @NewHavenCultural. For more information on Black Lives Matter New Haven, follow them on Instagram @BlackLivesMatter NewHaven. For more information on Kwadwo Adae, follow him on Instagram @KwadwoAdae.

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The City of New Haven Releases Guidance on Low to High-Risk Sports

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Given the growing concern from the community surrounding sports activities, the City of New Haven today released guidance for low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk sports amid the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. This information will be posted on the City’s COVID-19 hub.

“We know that sports are a vital part of our community and deeply important to many residents. We must be guided by science and the public health parameters set by the State of Connecticut and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I want to thank our team for putting this together with the health and well being of our residents in mind,” said New Haven Director of Public Health Maritza Bond.

“This decision is difficult and not taken lightly. We know that this has been a frustrating and challenging time for many members of our community,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.  “However, it is the right decision to follow State Department of Health guidance regarding sports to ensure that we reduce the spread of COVID-19 and more quickly return to normality and regular sports seasons,” he concluded. 

Below are the City of New Haven’s classification of each sport in accordance with state and federal guidance, and a final determination by the New Haven Public Health Department. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance from the State Department of Public Health (DPH), high-risk sports will not be allowed during the fall 2020 season. In addition, moderate risk sports will be allowable only within compliance with State DPH guidelines using mitigation strategies as outlined by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which can be found here.

In accordance with DPH guidance, pre-season conditioning is a critical safety component for high school athletes and, therefore, will be allowed under the following conditions:

• The activities are limited to those directed at improving athletes’ aerobic conditioning, as well as sports-specific contact drills
• Athlete cohort size should be limited to 10 individuals
• Cohorting of athletes during conditioning and practices should continue through the entire season, when practicable
• To the extent possible, all conditioning and practice activities through the entire season should take place outdoors in areas with sufficient space to allow for appropriate distancing. If indoor gym spaces or weight rooms must be used, they should be limited to use by a single cohort at one time and only used in compliance with the DECD sector rules for commercial gyms (i.e., use of masks, adequate spacing of machines, capacity limits, etc.). Schools that do not have appropriate space or other resources to comply with commercial gym sector rules should limit conditioning and practice activities to outdoor only.
• Sufficient staffing should be available to directly supervise the activities of each cohort of athletes separated at all times
• Face coverings, social distancing, and all other mitigation strategies outlined in the CIAC Resocialization of Interscholastic Athletics & Activities Guidance should continue to be strictly enforced, trained, and reinforced.”

*All of this information is subject to change based on updated guidance from the Department of Public Health and as we continue to closely monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  For more information, visit the New Haven COVID-19 website.

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Ideas Being Sought for Monument Pedestal in Wooster Square Park

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The statue of Christopher Columbus stood in Wooster Square Park for more than 100 years as a symbol of the Italian-American presence in New Haven. After its removal on June 24, a decision was made to replace it with an appropriate memorial to the Italian-American experience. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker appointed a Wooster Square Monument Committee to decide how best to honor the contributions of Italian-Americans in New Haven through a collaborative community process. That Committee, chaired by Bill Iovanne, Jr. and Laura Luzzi, has met several times.

The Committee just announced that any interested person may submit their concept or vision for this public art project. Submissions may, but need not, include details about how that concept or vision can be realized. While there is broad latitude for suggestions, the existing base/pedestal will remain. Ideas must be submitted to the Committee via woostersquaremc@gmail.com by midnight on October 12, 2020. 

One or more submissions will be selected for further consideration. After a selection is made, the Committee will issue an open call for artists to submit preliminary designs that capture the vision. Based on these submissions, the Committee will choose an artist to design and execute the project. The monument, statue, or other symbol should reflect and represent the dreams, aspirations, hardships, and family values of those in New Haven of Italian ancestry, but also of others so that it will be appreciated by all. The project will be funded wholly through private donations.

Questions may be addressed to Rev. Harlon L. Dalton at woostersquaremc@gmail.com.

Mayor Elicker, Gov. Lamont Celebrate 100th Anniversary of New Haven Union Station

Federal, state, & local officials and development partners also on hand for a salute to City landmark, unveiling of the new management agreement, and planned station improvements.    

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Mayor Justin Elicker joined Gov. Ned Lamont, and a delegation of federal, state, and local elected officials and economic development partners to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of Union Station. The celebration, initially scheduled for April 5, the actual centennial of the station's April 5, 1920 dedication, was postponed amidst the shutdown in response to COVID-19. In addition to celebrating the building itself and its vital importance to City and state, officials used Thursday's event to announce a new partnership agreement to manage the two rail stations in New Haven owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

"This is not just a celebration of the important place this building holds in the history of New Haven, it is a tribute to the vital role it continues to play in the state's transportation infrastructure and the redevelopment of downtown," said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. "It is not only an architectural landmark, but it is also the gateway to the City and a cornerstone in our ongoing revitalization efforts. Union Station is so much more than a building; it is an essential element of the City's evolution in the century to come," he concluded. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Union Station was designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the creator of the towering neo-Gothic Woolworth building in lower Manhattan. With its 30-foot coffered ceilings, grand clock, soaring windows, and wide wooden benches, Union Station is an architectural gem as well as a busy transportation hub for New Haven and the Greater New York Region. Union Station is the busiest rail facility in the state of Connecticut and one of the most active rail lines in the United States: transporting 125,000 passengers on weekdays, 39 million a year, and driving nearly $50 million of revenue annually into the local economy.

The station is also a centerpiece of redevelopment projects taking shape in the downtown neighborhoods surrounding it. Those projects include Downtown Crossing, a long-term, multi-phase project reconnecting the City's medical district and Hill neighborhood with the central business district. As part of that plan, a section of Route 34 – a limited-access highway connector – is being converted into urban boulevards and new city streets. Construction on Phase 2 - funded by a $21.5 million grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic Development (DECD) and $7 million from a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) - is expected to be completed by summer 2021.

Partnerships with private developers and institutions are also reshaping the downtown landscape, including the construction of 101 College Street, a 500,000 square-foot medical and life sciences office building; Parkview City Crossing, a 148,000 square-foot mixed-use development at 22 Gold Street featuring 600 units of new housing; and the ongoing growth and innovation at Yale-New Haven Health and Yale University fueled by a $400 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

"Union Station is no longer just a commuter hub, it's a focal point of a neighborhood – a welcome mat for New Haven," said Michael Piscitelli, Economic Development Director for the City of New Haven.

Other dignitaries in attendance Thursday included Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti, U.S Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, State Rep. Roland Lamar, Ward 6 Alder Carmen Rodriguez, and members of the New Haven Board of Alders.

The terms of the partnership agreement outlined in a letter of intent and signed by the state of Connecticut and the City, include operation of Union Station and State Street Station, capital improvements to the Union Station Campus, and the area around the station. The agreement establishes a new 35-year lease and funding agreement between CTDOT and the City, with two 10-year extension options, that will allow the City through Park New Haven to lease and operate the Union Station Transportation Campus. Improvements include revamping the basement, first and second floors of the station to allow for new retail options, and reconfiguring escalators, elevators, and stairs for better access and use of space.

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Swearing-In of New Haven Police Recruits for P.O.S.T. Academy.  

WHEN: Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 12:00 PM.

WHERE: 3^rd Floor Atrium of New Haven Police Department, 1 Union Avenue, New Haven.

WHO: NHPD Chief Otoniel Reyes, Assistant Chief Herb Sharp, Assistant Chief Renee Dominguez, Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson, Training Academy Commander Lieutenant Robert Maturo, Training Academy Deputy Commander Sergeant Shayna Kendall, Recruitment Sergeant Dana Smith, NHPD Command Staff, Law Enforcement, News Media, and Invited Guests.

WHAT: Six Police Candidates Will Be Sworn-In Prior to Attending Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy

Mayor Justin Elicker and City Staff Announce Budget Surplus, Despite Ongoing Pandemic 

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today Mayor Justin Elicker,  acting City Controller Michael Gormany, and City staff announced that the City ended FY 2020 with an estimated fund balance surplus of  $17.6 million, an increase of $1.9 million. The City’s annual budget cycle ends June 30, but it takes approximately two months each year to reconcile and report exact year-end budget figures. That process is nearly complete. 

Elicker attributed the bigger surplus this year to a combination of difficult financial decisions made by the City’s budget office, New Haven Public Schools, the Board of Alders and many department heads and hard work by staff of departments that bring in revenue. Reduced expenses related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the increase.  

“Through various initiatives and expenditure controls introduced early in the fiscal year, The City was able to offset the decline in revenue by reducing expenditures by $5.9 million,” Elicker said. “Our coordinated approach to trimming costs contributed to this positive outcome for City taxpayers, as did lower than expected expenses in health care and other areas. At a time when many municipal budgets are being upended, New Haven has managed through this fiscal year without laying off or furloughing City employees and without a deficit, ” he concluded.

At a press conference Tuesday, Elicker and Gormany detailed the findings of a Pre-Audit Report issued by the controller’s office. The report will be available online later this week for review. According to the report, the City had a projected general fund deficit of $650,000, a significant reduction from the $13-$15 million deficit projected in March. When the general fund deficit is combined with the medical fund, workers compensation fund and liability insurance fund, the City is ending with a $1.9M surplus.

Contributing factors included higher tax collection, building permit, and real estate conveyance tax revenues. The City also collected more revenue from parking tags and meters between June and March. However, that revenue was still less than budgeted.

Cost control measures contributing to the $5.9 million reduction in expenditures over revenue declines include:

• The Board of Education balancing its budget despite a significant deficit earlier in the year;  
• Hiring controls enacted by the Office of Management and Budget and Human Resources departments;
• Switching retirees to a Medicare Advantage Plan, among other measures, that resulted in City  Medical Fund revenue exceeding expenses by $2.2 million;
• Savings from lower medical costs;
• Lower than expected workers compensation claims;
• Resolving outstanding claims within the Litigation Fund budget

“All these factors increased the City’s fund balance from $15.7 to $17.6 million,” Gormany said. “That’s good news for taxpayers and a testament to our ability to find significant savings even in these challenging times. I want to thank City department heads and staff for the hard work they did to help achieve these savings while still maintaining services. That is no small achievement. We can be very proud,” he concluded.  

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Mayor Elicker, Rep. DeLauro to Announce $1M Awarded to New Haven Firefighters

Will Conduct a Live Exercise at the Fire Training Academy

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – On Wednesday, September 9, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Fire Chief John Alson, and City Officials will announce the City has been awarded $920,400 for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, the largest recipient in the state. AFG is administered through FEMA, and these funds will be used to acquire new breathing apparatuses for the New Haven Fire Department.

AFG Announcement and Live Burn Demonstration

Mayor Elicker, Rep. DeLauro, Chief Alston, Rick Fontana, Alder Antunes, City Officials

New Haven Fire Training Academy

230 Ella T. Grasso Boulevard

New Haven, CT 06519

Wednesday, September 9

1:00 PM

Speakers will include New Haven Mayor Elicker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, New Haven Fire Chief John Alston, and Emergency Operations Director Rick Fontana. Following the speakers, New Haven Firefighters will conduct a live burn on-site to demonstrate the proper use of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

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Mayor Elicker Launches Assistance Program for Renters, Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19

Program to help income-eligible residents, faced with eviction, housing court costs, and foreclosure

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today, Mayor Justin Elicker joined HUD’s Regional Administrator David Tille along with state, and local housing officials and stakeholders, to launch the City of New Haven’s Emergency Housing Response aimed at helping residents experiencing housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, known as CASTLE: Coronavirus Assistance and Security Tenant Landlord Emergency Program. The event was held at the New Haven Opportunity Center in New Haven.

“This collaborative program will provide New Haven tenants and homeowners with financial and technical resources to ease the burdens created by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a sense of housing stability to our residents,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. 

David Tille, the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, praised the program as a model for other cities bracing for a possible wave of COVID-19 related evictions and foreclosures. “The New Haven Emergency Housing Response Program shows what’s possible when city and community organizations collaborate with state and federal agencies to find resources and solutions to keep people stably housed. This program is just one example of how the more than $88 million in CARES Act funding that HUD has invested in Connecticut is making a difference,” Tille said.  

The Mayor was also joined by the Commissioner of the Department of Housing, Seila Mosquera-Bruno, whose agency has its own programs to help renters and homeowners throughout the state; she applauded Mayor Elicker’s efforts. “The economic upheaval from COVID-19 has been far-reaching. I have been able to develop a great working relationship with Mayor Elicker and the City of New Haven, starting with our collaboration to decompress the shelters.  It’s great to see a municipality be proactive in providing another pool of funding to assist the residents of their city,” said Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno.

Livable Cities Initiative (LCI) Director Neal-Sanjurjo outlined details of the program and criteria for eligibility. Along with direct financial support, it offers a hotline that renters and homeowners can call to get help assessing state and local housing programs. LCI will operate the hotline and has established an eviction resolution fund and a housing stabilization fund for qualifying renters and homeowners — working in collaboration with local housing counselors and mediators. “This response will provide a vital safety net for residents at risk of losing their homes,” she said. 

“Keeping people in their homes has the added benefit of shoring up the local housing market,” said New Haven Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli. “Rental housing is a vital element of the local economy, and the tax revenue generated by homeowners is essential to New Haven’s fiscal health,” he said. “This program will not only shield already struggling residents from further hardship, but it will also help sustain the local economy until we can get it fully up and running post-pandemic,” he concluded.

For more information on the program, please call LCI at 203-946-7090.

June 2020 Suspicious Death Being Investigated as a Homicide

New Haven| The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined a woman whose body was found in an Arthur Street driveway in June died due to strangulation. Deceased is 33 year old Nancy Rivas of West Haven, Connecticut.  The New Haven Police Department is investigating her death as a homicide. 

Detectives continue to ask anyone with information to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.

Previous 6/15/2020

New Haven| New Haven Police continue to investigate the death of a woman found deceased in a residential driveway on Arthur Street in the Hill neighborhood.  Detectives have identified the woman as 33 year old Nancy P. Rivas of West Haven. 

On Friday, June 12, 2020, just after 8:15 a.m., New Haven Police and Fire responded to the 911 call of a pedestrian passerby and found an unresponsive Rivas.  Emergency medical responders were unable to revive Rivas and pronounced her deceased on scene. 

NHPD Major Crimes detectives and NHPD Bureau of Identification forensic detectives responded to the location.  At the scene, personnel from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner removed the deceased.

When asked about the death at an unrelated Friday afternoon press briefing, Assistant Chief of Investigations Karl Jacobson said the case is a suspicious death investigation. 

Detectives ask anyone with information to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.  Callers may remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1-866-888-TIPS (1-866-888-8477)

City of New Haven to Cover Digital Divide Ahead of 10-Weeks of Distance Learning for Students

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – With the recent announcement of the Connecticut State Department of Education allocating $100M in funding to local schools from the CARES act, the City of New Haven and the State of Connecticut will announce that every child will have access to the internet and to a device to facilitate online learning. Given that New Haven Public Schools will start the school year with online-only learning, the City, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), and the Board of Education are working to provide access to all students that would have been left behind in the digital divide by expanding WiFi internet access in neighborhoods of need, providing devices for students and families that need them for distance learning, and additional connectivity support.

Mayor Elicker, Superintendent Dr. Tracey, and others will host a press conference tomorrow morning in the parking lot of Career High School to outline plans for NHPS to cover the digital divide while meeting residents in line for their devices.

City of New Haven Press Conference Addressing the Digital Divide

Mayor Elicker, Superintendent Dr. Tracey, BOE COO Mike Pinto, Sabina Sitaru

Hill Regional Career High School

140 Legion Ave., Orchard Street Parking Lot

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

10 AM

City of New Haven Announces Director of Youth and Recreation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Busch Williams as the first Director of the Youth and Recreation Department. This inaugural role will ensure the fluidity of recreation activities from the Parks Department to the Youth Services Department, as entailed in the Approved Budget for FY 2020-2021. The New Haven FY 20-21 Budget takes the recreation activities from the Parks Department, and it places them under the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“I am so excited for Gwen to lead this newly formed department and serve the youth of the Elm City,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Though our City faces many fiscal challenges, we have always maintained services for our youth and populations of need, such as our homeless populations and the elderly. I am looking forward to working with Gwen, serving, leading and inspiring the youth of New Haven,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams started her career at City Hall in 2007 when the Youth Employment Program was brought back to the City as Youth at Work. Her latest role in City Hall was Program Manager in the Youth Services Department. She will now lead the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“Gwen is a strong advocate, a highly capable administrator, and an enthusiastic leader,” said Dr. Mehul Dalal, the City’s Community Services Administrator, who oversees the Youth and Recreation Department. “She is perfectly suited to lead the newly integrated Youth and Recreation Department,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams has acquired an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Connecticut (UCONN), a Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), and a Masters of Social Work from SCSU. She is currently completing her Doctorate Degree in Social Work at SCSU. Additionally, Mrs. Busch Williams is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with her State of Connecticut 071 certification for school social work.

“To whom much is given much is required. I am humbled to have been selected as the inaugural Director for the Youth and Recreation Department. Thank you to Mayor Elicker for this honor. I pledge to continue prodigious programming to serve the youth of this City and will not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,” concluded Director Bush Williams.

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City of New Haven Announces Director of Youth and Recreation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the appointment of Gwendolyn Busch Williams as the first Director of the Youth and Recreation Department. This inaugural role will ensure the fluidity of recreation activities from the Parks Department to the Youth Services Department, as entailed in the Approved Budget for FY 2020-2021. The New Haven FY 20-21 Budget takes the recreation activities from the Parks Department, and it places them under the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“I am so excited for Gwen to lead this newly formed department and serve the youth of the Elm City,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Though our City faces many fiscal challenges, we have always maintained services for our youth and populations of need, such as our homeless populations and the elderly. I am looking forward to working with Gwen, serving, leading and inspiring the youth of New Haven,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams started her career at City Hall in 2007 when the Youth Employment Program was brought back to the City as Youth at Work. Her latest role in City Hall was Program Manager in the Youth Services Department. She will now lead the newly formed Youth and Recreation Department.

“Gwen is a strong advocate, a highly capable administrator, and an enthusiastic leader,” said Dr. Mehul Dalal, the City’s Community Services Administrator, who oversees the Youth and Recreation Department. “She is perfectly suited to lead the newly integrated Youth and Recreation Department,” he concluded.

Mrs. Busch Williams has acquired an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Connecticut (UCONN), a Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), and a Masters of Social Work from SCSU. She is currently completing her Doctorate Degree in Social Work at SCSU. Additionally, Mrs. Busch Williams is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with her State of Connecticut 071 certification for school social work.

“To whom much is given much is required. I am humbled to have been selected as the inaugural Director for the Youth and Recreation Department. Thank you to Mayor Elicker for this honor. I pledge to continue prodigious programming to serve the youth of this City and will not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,” concluded Director Bush Williams.

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New Haven Police Announce Drag Racing Initiative 

New Haven| On Saturday, August 22, 2020, the New Haven Police Department began enhanced enforcement of motor vehicle laws for drag racing.  The enforcement was aimed at those motor vehicle operators and participants who engage in street racing, reckless driving, and illegal obstruction of city streets.

During the effort, which began at sunset and went into the overnight, uniformed and plainclothes officers and detectives monitored areas of the city where drag racing has been reported or known to occur.  Law enforcement personnel shut down motor vehicle traffic and took enforcement action whenever racing started.

Assistant Chief of Operations Renee Dominguez said, “Our efforts are in response to citizen complaints and public safety concerns for other motorists, pedestrian spectators, and the drag racers themselves. This weekend’s enforcement resulted in no reported injuries to the motoring public, racers, or our officers.”

One city resident complainant from the Foxon Boulevard (Route 80) and Quinnipiac Avenue area recently wrote, “But when you can’t have a conversation on the side porch in the afternoon because of the frequent roar of loud cycles and cars, and then the weekend late night noise that disrupts the peace and quiet of the area, we believe it is our obligation not to surrender our streets.”

While officers monitored Foxon Boulevard and other locations this weekend, most of enforcement was conducted when racers gathered near a Sargent Drive gas station; on a portion of Ella Grasso Boulevard in the Hill section of New Haven; and near Fort Hale Park.

Whenever possible, officers made arrests by issuing misdemeanor summonses rather than by making custodial arrests.  This weekend’s enforcement resulted in the following:

• 16 misdemeanor summonses.

• 18 infraction tickets.

• Nine vehicles towed.    

• Two custodial arrests.  

• One arrest warrant served.   

• Five drug arrests.  

NHPD Chief Otoniel Reyes added, “We are committed to addressing this quality of life issue in a safe manner that fits within our department policies and holds violators accountable. We will increase our enforcement efforts to include use of noise meters, window tint meters, and additional speed enforcement devices

Off-Duty New Haven Firefighter Injured By Saturday
Night Gunfire
New Haven| An off-duty City of New Haven firefighter remains hospitalized
in stable condition after being shot Saturday as he walked near his home.
The shooting happened Saturday, August 22, 2020.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., New Haven Fire, American Medical Response,
New Haven Police, and Hamden Police responded to a 911 call of a person
shot outside a residence on Shelton Avenue between Read Street and the
Hamden town line near Goodrich Street. Arriving emergency medical
responders treated the gunshot victim on scene and an ambulance
transported the 28 year old New Haven man to Yale New Haven Hospital.
New Haven and Hamden officers located evidence of gunfire in the roadway
and on the sidewalk. Officers held a crime scene on a portion of Shelton
Avenue in New Haven and Hamden. NHPD Major Crimes detectives canvassed
the neighborhood Saturday night and Sunday morning. The streets have
since been reopened.
As of Sunday morning, the victim remains hospitalized with non-life
threatening injuries.
New Haven Fire Chief John Aston said, “My office was notified immediately by
the Dispatchers at the Public Safety Access Point. We were shocked to hear
of the incident and are grateful for the rapid emergency medical service . 

provided to our member. A special thank you to the members of NHFD
Engine 8, NHPD, PSAP, and Hamden Medic Matt Kellick.
The members of Engine 8 were placed off-duty after this ordeal, to assist
them with processing the stress and trauma of responding to a critical
emergency involving one of our own. This highlights our concerns and
frustrations with gun violence in our city.
We are grateful our member is stable. We are here to support him and his
family during this trying time of trauma and healing. Our prayers are for a
speedy recovery.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the New
Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304. Callers may remain anonymous.

Two New Haven Men Due in Court after Yesterday’s Shooting

New Haven| Two New Haven men are facing criminal charges in Superior Court today after a police pursuit and shooting yesterday.  The incident began just after 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, when a New Haven patrol officer heard gunfire on Howard Avenue in the Hill neighborhood.  Simultaneously, a ShotSpotter alert indicated gunfire in the area of Howard Avenue and First Street.

The officer spotted a car travelling at a high rate of speed from the area of the gunfire.  The officer notified police dispatch and began to pursue the vehicle.  The pursuit went north on Howard Avenue, to Spring Street, to Union Avenue.  As the pursuit passed police headquarters on Union Avenue, additional officers began to follow the pursuit.

The pursuit continued north on State Street and eventually turned right onto Ferry Street and into the Fair Haven section of New Haven.  From Ferry Street the pursuit turned onto Fox Street which is a dead end street.  The pursuit ended as the pursued vehicle made a U-turn to face the pursuing police vehicles. 

Officers conducted a felony traffic stop and removed the occupants from the vehicle.  30 year old passenger Kenneth McCauley had two loaded handguns in his pants.  31 year old vehicle operator Troy Mitchell had a bullet in his sweatshirt pocket.  Officers detained the New Haven men without further incident and transported them to police headquarters.

Around the time the pursuit ended, a gunshot victim from Howard Avenue arrived by private vehicle at Yale New Haven Hospital.  As of Thursday morning, the 32 year old New Haven man remains hospitalized in critical condition with life threatening injuries.  The shooting investigation is ongoing and the two men arrested for the pursuit have not been charged for the shooting but only for weapons and pursuit related violations.

Kenneth McCauley is being held in lieu of $310,000 bail and is charged with the following:

• Carrying a pistol without a permit.
• Criminal possession of a firearm.
• Weapon in a motor vehicle.
• Interfering with an officer.
• A domestic violence arrest warrant.

Troy Mitchell is being held in lieu of $300,000 bail and is charged with the following:

• Criminal possession of ammunition.
• Interfering with an officer.
• Engaging police in pursuit.

• Additional motor vehicle violations.

This morning, officers transferred both men to the Superior Court at 235 Church Street.

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

itCity of New Haven Announces Community Crisis Response Team

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Community Services Administrator Dr. Mehul Dalal, Project Fresh Start Coordinator Carlos Sosa-Lombardo, Police Chief Otoniel Reyes, Fire Chief John Alston, City Staff, and community partners hosted a press conference at City Hall announcing the launch of a process to create a Community Crisis Response Team. In response to the New Haven Police Department fielding thousands of calls for service during the year, the Community Crisis Response Team program will be aimed at providing a more holistic approach to certain service calls that may not require Police. The vision for the mobile crisis intervention unit is that it will be made up of teams with expertise in harm reduction, mental health, substance use, and other social supports that will be dispatched to appropriate calls through the 9-1-1 call center. Mayor Elicker and others unveiled the vision for the crisis response team, the process the City has begun to undertake to create this group and outlined other details of the program goals at the press conference.

“Our goal with the Mobile Crisis Response Team is to ensure the people with the right expertise and skills respond to the right calls. Currently, our Police Officers are often required to respond to many calls that might be better suited for someone with other expertise such as mental health or substance use. The vision for the mobile crisis response team is to respond to lower acuity calls so Police can focus on violence prevention,” stated New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Our Police Department is working hard to ensure public safety in our community, but we must be more thoughtful about what it means to keep our community safe. The Mobile Crisis Response Teams are intended to reduce the strains on our Police Department and improve the outcomes of 911 calls,” he concluded. 

The proposal calls for the creation of mobile crisis intervention units that will be dispatched through the 9-1-1 call center. These units will be staffed by a social worker, nurse, or EMT to field service calls to lower acuity situations. The City of New Haven has learned from other programs in the country that have worked well in emphasizing de-escalation, harm reduction, and connection to City services. These findings from similar programs will assist the City in uniquely implementing a plan for the context of social issues in New Haven.

One program that the City learned from was called Crisis Assistance Helping Out On the Streets (CAHOOTS) program implemented by the White Bird Clinic in Eugene, Oregon. CAHOOTS relies on effective communication, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction. The goal of this program was not to fix an issue, but rather to connect the person in need with immediate services from the City. CAHOOTS also aimed at emergency room diversion and jail diversion for individuals. Early estimates of the CAHOOTS program indicate it saves Eugene, Oregon, about $8.5M annually. Another program, Denver Support Team Assisted Response (STAR), was spearheaded by the Denver Justice Project, and also aims at re-envisioning police response in the community. The STAR program was actually based on Eugene, Oregon’s CAHOOTS, and launched on June 1 or this year. STAR specifically diverts some 9-1-1 calls from the police department to mental health services by re-envisioning public safety using harm reduction models.

“There are so many ways in which the Community Crisis Response Team can help alleviate the calls for service to our first responders,” stated Community Services Administrator Dr. Mehul Dalal. “We have learned from many municipalities and local governments different ways to address issues residents are facing, but without impacting our limited resources,” he concluded.

The City’s vision is to implement the creation of the Mobile Crisis Response Teams in three phases. There will be a planning phase of approximately six months. During the planning phase, we will collect community and stakeholder input, and establish a strong collaboration with relevant city agencies and service providers to implement the program. During the first phase, we will pilot the program on a smaller scale, potentially with limited hours of service and geographic limitations within the City. The subsequent phases will scale up operations until the third phase, where the City hopes to implement a 24/7 service provision covering the whole City.

“Connecting residents to critical services in the City will greatly improve the work we do at City Hall,” said Fresh Start Coordinator Carlos Sosa-Lombardo. “Working directly with the reentry community has its challenges because many are caught up in a vicious cycle that leads them back to jail or prison. This program will seek to break that cycle. Having a program in place to link residents with services during the moment of a crisis is a step in the right direction to re-envision how local government serves our residents,” he concluded.

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City of New Haven to Announce Community Crisis Response Team

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tomorrow afternoon New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Community Services Administrator Dr. Mehul Dalal, Project Fresh Start Coordinator Carlos Sosa-Lombardo, Police Chief Otoniel Reyes, Fire Chief John Alston, City Staff, and community partners will host a press conference at City Hall announcing the launch of a process to create a Community Crisis Response Team.

In response to the New Haven Police Department fielding thousands of calls for service during the year, the Community Crisis Response Team program will be aimed at providing a more holistic approach to certain service calls that may not require police. The vision for the mobile crisis intervention unit is that it will be made up of teams with expertise in harm reduction, mental health, substance use, and other social supports that will be dispatched to appropriate calls through the 9-1-1 call center. Mayor Elicker and others will unveil the vision for the crisis response team, the process the City has begun to undertake to create this group, and outline other details of the program goals at the press conference.

Community Crisis Response Team Press Conference

Mayor Justin Elicker, Dr. Dalal, Carlos Sosa-Lombardo,

Chief Reyes, Chief Alston, City Staff, and Local Partners

New Haven City Hall

165 Church Street, 2^nd Floor Atrium

New Haven, CT 06510

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

5:00 PM

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