Bob Duff

Senate Majority Leader

Bob Duff

Standing Up For You!

April 11, 2025

New Haven State Legislators Welcome State Bonding for Key City Projects

HARTFORD—Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, Senator Gary Winfield, and State Representatives Pat Dillon, Roland Lemar, Juan Candelaria, Al Paolillo, Steve Winter, and Toni Walker today announced the approval of over $9.5 million in state bonding to support critical community projects in New Haven. These projects focus on neighborhood revitalization, youth programming, affordable housing, and park improvements.

The funding includes:

-$6,121,390 to the Greater Dwight Development Corporation, Inc. to create 11 units of affordable housing and community space for local nonprofit and community-based organizations.

-$2,000,000 to United Way of Greater New Haven to support the development of a mixed-income, mixed-use, transit-oriented housing project in downtown New Haven—an effort to address both the housing crisis and climate resiliency through smart, sustainable development.

-$250,000 for Mount Hope Temple to support planning activities for an expansion and renovation of the historic church, enhancing its ability to serve the community with expanded services and programming.

-$250,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Haven to assist with re-design and renovation planning for the Columbus Avenue Clubhouse, ensuring that young people have a safe, modern, and engaging space for after-school and summer programs.

-$500,000 in grant-in-aid to the City of New Haven for capital improvements at Peat Meadow Park, supporting needed upgrades to a vital recreational space for local families.

-$500,000 in grant-in-aid to the City of New Haven for capital improvements at East Shore Park, another step in revitalizing New Haven’s parks and green spaces.

 

“These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening New Haven’s neighborhoods and ensuring opportunity and quality of life for all residents,” said Senator Looney. “From housing to parks to youth development, this state funding will uplift our communities and build a stronger, more equitable future for our city. Whether it’s a child walking into a newly renovated clubhouse, a family finding an affordable home near public transit, or neighbors enjoying improved parks, these dollars will make a real and lasting impact. I want to thank Governor Lamont, the Bond Commission, and all my colleagues who represent New Haven in the General Assembly for their advocacy on behalf of our city. I look forward to seeing these projects take shape and benefit residents across every neighborhood.”

“Each of these investments speaks to a fundamental need in our community,” said Senator Winfield. “From safe spaces for our children to affordable homes for our families, this funding will help improve residents’ day-to-day lives in meaningful ways. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to support a more vibrant and equitable New Haven.”

“The $9.5 million New Haven has received from the State Bond Commission will make a big difference in our city – providing affordable housing for our residents, enhanced services for our kids, and improved parks for our community,” Rep. Candelaria said. “Thank you to the State Bond Commission for their support and my legislative colleagues for their advocacy.”

“I am proud to be a part of this team effort in supporting all of these initiatives,” said Rep. Paolillo. “Whether it is housing, education, healthcare, food security, community and youth, or other vital services, given the current state of affairs on the federal level, this funding is needed now more than ever. This provides direct assistance to some of our most vulnerable people on the front lines and at the grassroots level. That is also the exact purpose of the Community Investment Fund – the first step before State Bond Commission approval – which is to provide equity to all residents in cities like New Haven.”

“New Haven has been featured prominently in this round of funding, with several projects focused on improving quality of life and benefiting the city as a whole,” said Rep. Winter. “I am especially pleased that Mount Hope Temple, an institution that has positively impacted countless lives and provides essential services to our community, will receive much-needed funds to expand its reach and operate a life-saving warming/cooling center for vulnerable residents. I’d like to thank my colleagues and Governor Lamont for prioritizing these crucial initiatives for New Haven.”

“I am honored to be part of a delegation that collaborates on behalf of New Haven, and this funding is a testament to our shared commitment,” said Rep. Walker. “The agenda covered a range of important areas, including strengthening our transportation and housing infrastructure, enhancing parks and recreation, and providing opportunities for children and young residents. I am excited to see these projects move forward for the benefit of our great city.”

“Affordable housing, great parks, high-quality after-school and community programs — these are all essential components for New Haveners to enjoy a high quality of life and to create vibrant communities where families can live, work and play,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “This $9.5 million in state bonding will go a long way towards advancing several important projects and programs that will help improve the lives of our residents and strengthen our neighborhoods.  I want to thank all the members of our New Haven Delegation, the Bond Commission, and Governor Lamont for supporting these wonderful projects.”

“Each of these projects will make improvements that enhance the quality of life for people who live in New Haven and make the city an even better place to live and do business,” Governor Ned Lamont, chairman of the State Bond Commission, said. “I am glad that our administration could partner with the city and these organizations and get these projects done.”

The bond agenda was approved on Friday, April 11.

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