Blogs

Mayor Elicker Welcomes Hines Development to New Haven at Wooster Square Groundbreaking

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today the City of New Haven celebrated the start of construction on “The Whit” Wooster Square, a mixed-use community going up at 630 & 673 Chapel Street. New Haven Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli and New Haven City Officials joined at the groundbreaking, as well as Tommy Craig, Senior Managing Director at Hines, a global, Houston-based, privately-owned real estate investment firm developing the two-building project.

“The Whit” Wooster Square will bring 230 rental apartments and approximately 5,600 square feet of street-level retail space to the Wooster Square neighborhood. The two buildings are going up on the site of a surface parking lot and old office building. They have brick facades and steel accents inspired by the historic warehouse and mill buildings in the neighborhood. 

“We are pleased to be launching a project that will do so much more than add new housing and retail space to the City,” said Mayor Elicker. “The Whit Wooster Square will create a vibrant hub of commercial and residential life in the Wooster Square neighborhood. Its design pays homage to the City’s past but meets the needs of the evolving innovation economy on which we are building our future.” 

The five-story project, situated less than a mile from the New Haven Green and Yale-New Haven Hospital, is centrally located between State Street Station and Union Station, providing a walkable, bicycle-friendly neighborhood with easy access to rail transit envisioned by City and state planners. 

“The innovation-based economy of New Haven brings a global, forward-thinking demographic to the city,” Craig said. “As one of the first large-scale rental developments in the Wooster Square neighborhood, The Whit Wooster Square will catalyze the revitalization of the first few blocks east of downtown.”   

The site is located right at the edge of the Wooster Square neighborhood, connected to Downtown by the Chapel Street Bridge over the Northeast Corridor rail line and has long been contemplated for redevelopment in a manner consistent with the architecture and sense of community in Wooster Square, as well as the vibrant, mixed-use character into the Downtown. The vision was articulated in the Wooster Square Planning Study, which was completed in 2017 following an extensive engagement process with the community.  

“As part of our efforts to support economic recovery, we are building a much stronger community connected to job opportunities here and along the regional rail system,” Piscitelli said. “The Hines team is delivering on a vision of lasting quality, consistent with the objectives of the Wooster Square Study. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Hines over many years,” he concluded.

About Hines

Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence in 225 cities in 25 countries. Hines has approximately $144.1 billion of assets under management, including $75.5 billion for which Hines serves as investment manager, including non-real estate assets, and $68.6 billion for which Hines provides third-party property-level services. The firm has 165 developments currently underway around the world. Historically, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired 1,426 properties, totaling over 472 million square feet. The firm’s current property and asset management portfolio includes 576 properties, representing over 246 million square feet. With extensive experience in investments across the risk spectrum and all property types, and a pioneering commitment to sustainability, Hines is one of the largest and most-respected real estate organizations in the world. Visit www.hines.com for more information.

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City of New Haven Unveils William Lanson Statue

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today the City of New Haven, artist Dana King, Al Marder and the Amistad Committee, State and local elected officials formally unveiled the statue of William Lanson. William Lanson was an historical figure, an 18^th century runaway slave, who was a major property owner in New Haven, provided opportunity for many other people of color in the community, and a master engineer who worked on an array of monumental infrastructure projects that shaped the City into what it is today. The event was live streamed on the City’s FaceBook Page.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said, “Not much is known about Mr. Lanson’s early life, but one thing is abundantly clear: he has made an incredible mark on New Haven. His perseverance and ingenuity has had a lasting impact on our community that we still see today,” he concluded.

During his remarks, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker highlighted some of the great feats from William Lanson that would transform the New Haven community. At the reception just two days prior to the statue dedication, Elicker reminded attendees that Lanson extended Long Wharf in a project that lasted two years (1810-1812), making New Haven’s Long Wharf the longest wharf at that time, which would greatly improve and link the economic hubs in the community. The site of the statue dedication, the Farmington Canal Trail, also holds serious significance, as Lanson was contracted to build the wall of the harbor basin where the canal would empty.

Artist Dana King released the following statement:

I am honored to have taken a prominent role in memorializing William Lanson, who was such an important figure in the New Haven community. William Lanson built an integrated community in what is now Wooster Square, advocated for voting rights for free Black people, building vital infrastructure that increased wealth for New Haveners, yet never received the credit he deserves. He gave everything he had to create a better New Haven and died after having his property taken from him and his reputation deliberately tarnished. Now more than ever, we must honor Black lives, by rectifying mistakes of the past and present. William Lanson represents so much to African descendants: our history, our struggles, and our triumphs. Thank you to the Amistad Committee for giving me this extraordinary opportunity.

 Alder ward 22 Mrs Morrison 

Others in attendance at the event included Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs at the City Adriane Jefferson, former Mayor Toni Harp, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, President Al Marder and members of the Amistad Committee, members of the State Delegation and Board of Alders, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

For information on William Lanson, read below or visit this link.

William Lanson, a runaway slave: a leader in the struggle for the right of free Blacks to vote; one of the founders of the Temple Street Church (now Dixwell United Church of Christ); harbored runaway slaves; owned Wooster Square.  Lanson succeeded at most everything he aspired to accomplish by pushing open and bravely walking through doors that were closed to him and other formerly enslaved and freemen/women in 19th century America. He did it by turning empty, mostly undesirable land into vibrant neighborhoods filled with housing for marginalized, invisible people. He did it employing Black people in the construction of New Haven’s early infrastructure. And he also spoke out on behalf of those whose voices were ignored. Later in life, the white power structure determined that William Lanson’s time was up. He had become way too powerful for a Black man. When that happened, the system felled him like the deeply rooted tree that he had become.

For more information on artist and sculptor Dana King, read below or visit this link.

Dana King is a classical figurative sculptor who creates public monuments of Black Bodies in Bronze. She studies the strength and resilience of African descendants and create pieces made of clay with her hands that are then cast in bronze. King prefers sculptures because they inhabit space and space is power. She believes sculpture provides an opportunity to shape culturally significant memories that determine how African descendants are publicly held and remembered. Research is fundamental to her work. When digging for threads to weave together stories of the past, there are historically generalized and racist ideologies that demand a wholesale upheaval of the normative misrepresentation of Black peoples’ emotional and physical sacrifices. African descendants deserve public monuments of truth that radiate their powerful and undying resilience created from a Black aesthetic point of view. King’s sculptures link generations by revealing common threads: shared values, experiences, and aspirations. She knows they help those alive today compare and contrast their world with that of social pioneers, both enslaved and free, whose courage and commitment to excellence helped create modern society. Dana King creates memories, hoping you see yourself and those you love in her work.

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East Coast Lyricist, Billboard G's Sophomore Album "T.I.Me" is setting streams afire

Billboard G born Amir Rashon Williams on February 5, 1989, in Newark, NJ has made a name for himself in the underground hip-hop scene. Before the release of his sophomore album "T.I.ME" (this is me), Billboard has been able to share stages with some of the world’s biggest artists such as A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, PNB Rock, Ja Rule, Fetty Wap, and plenty more. He made it on primetime television with an appearance on "The Steve TV Show."

Being a full-time father, artist, and business owner is no small task for someone who manages and publicizes his music career. His influences are Jay Z, Eminem, Drake, Lil Wayne, and DMX- just to name a few. The album "Billboard Bound" is the freshman release that did 25k streams on all platforms combined. Even with the drive and dedication and two-year absence after the "Billboard Bound" release, BBG manages to build his fanbase, perform on 30 plus shows in 2019 and work with TikTok influencers to promote his sophomore release. Additionally, the release amasses 100,000 plus streams on all streaming platforms, talk about sticking to your guns. The next and last major lyricist is right here- in front of your ears- now go out there and look up, the incomparable BILLBOARD G!

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Mayor Elicker and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz to Promote the Second Week of Restaurant Week and Officially Open Three New Restaurants in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. –  Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23, at 12:30 PM, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and New Haven Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli will host a ribbon-cutting for three new restaurants on Court and Orange Streets and promote the continuation of New Haven’s Restaurant Week.  

The masked, socially-distant event will begin with brief remarks and ribbon-cutting in front of Crafted by Hand Café at 167 Orange Street, followed by a walk to 129 Court Street for brief comments and a ribbon-cutting for Vegan Ahava and Edible Couture.   

New Haven Restaurant Opening Press Event

Mayor Elicker, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Michael Piscitelli, Alders, Business Owners

167 Orange Street

New Haven, CT

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

12:30 PM

New Haven Police Investigate Westville Incidents

New Haven| New Haven Police are investigating a burglary and a shooting which occurred over the past weekend in the Westville neighborhood. 

The first investigation began around 3:12 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020, when officers responded to a residential security alarm on Birch Drive between Ray Road and Hemlock Road.  Arriving officers met with the homeowners and were told one or more burglars had entered their home as they slept.  The suspects stole several items from inside the house and were in the process of stealing a car from the driveway when the homeowners looked outside and realized what was happening. 

Two men were stealing the victims’ parked white 2018 Volvo S90 sedan which was blocked in the driveway between another parked vehicle and the house.  In making their getaway, the thief operating the car rammed the vehicle in front of him, struck the house behind him, and hit a utility pole as the two men fled out the driveway.  

Additional officers responded to the area and canvassed the neighborhood.  At the scene, officers located additional evidence.    

The second incident occurred several blocks away and two hours later.  At approximately 5:11 a.m., patrol officers responded to reports of gunfire on West Rock Avenue between Whalley Avenue and Yale Avenue.

Arriving officers found a 19-year-old man had been shot in the shoulder after he exited the rear of his house to check on his car alarm.  Detectives believe the victim interrupted two men breaking into his vehicle.  The two men fled prior to the arrival of officers.

An ambulance transported the gunshot victim to the hospital where he has since been released.

Almost five hours after the shooting and just before 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of two males running away from a disabled white Volvo sedan in the roadway on Second Street between Howard Avenue and Greenwich Avenue in the Hill neighborhood.  The abandoned vehicle had been stolen in the earlier burglary.

Numerous officers responded to the area, spoke with witnesses, and searched for the suspects.  Officers reviewed video from a nearby exterior security camera that showed the Volvo being driven from Howard Avenue to Second Street as it struck a curb and a parked car. 

For further investigation, officers impounded the vehicle.

The investigations are ongoing.  Detectives are aware of similarities in the two Westville incidents but have not determined if they are in fact related.   

NHPD district manager Lieutenant Elliot Rosa said, “These incidents are not typical occurrences in Westville.  Most of our crimes are those of opportunity.  Residents and visitors are asked to please be aware their surroundings and try not to confront criminal suspects one-on-one.  Phone 9-1-1 for emergency police assistance.”

In light of recent activity, Lieutenant Rosa said NHPD patrol officers will give increased attention to portions of Westville.  He said officers will patrol the area more often.   

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

Previous 9/19/2020

New Haven| Saturday, September 19, at approximately 5:11 AM, New Haven patrol officers responded to a report of gunfire on West Rock Avenue between Whalley Avenue and Yale Avenue in the Westville neighborhood.

Arriving officers found a gunshot victim outside his W. Rock Avenue residence.  The 19-year-old man had been shot twice.  Emergency medical responders arrived and an ambulance transported the victim to the hospital where he remains in stable condition. 

Investigators believe the man was shot after he exited the rear of his house to check on his car alarm.

For several hours, officers held a crime scene as detectives canvassed the area.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304.  Callers may remain anonymous

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)