Martin M. Looney

Senate President Pro Tempore

Martin M. Looney

An Advocate for Us

June 29, 2022

Sens. Looney And Winfield Announce $10.2 Million In State Bonding For Housing, Youth, And An Independent Library In New Haven


NEW HAVEN – Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney (D- New Haven) and state Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of more than $10 million in state funding for various New Haven improvements, including housing redevelopment, a new youth center, and repairs to Connecticut’s oldest independent circulating library.

The total $10.262 million in state funding was approved earlier today when the State Bond Commission met in Hartford.

“Once again the State of Connecticut has come through with some essential funding for major investments in our communities, this time for much-needed affordable housing and senior housing improvements in New Haven, a re-born youth center for children who may still be struggling through the ramifications of the COVID pandemic, and a significant investment in the Institute Library, which really fills a special, cultural niche in the social fabric of New Haven,” Sen. Looney said.

“I’m also very pleased with the planned improvements to the phone system at the New Haven correctional facility, which is 20 years old and doesn’t even allow for voicemail. Regular contact with friends and family members is an integral part of rehabilitation, and that’s what these upgrades will provide,” Sen. Looney said. “All of these state investments will improve the quality of life for thousands of New Haven residents, and I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their commitment to our citizens.”

“The investment made here will have real impact in the lives of the citizens of New Haven,” Sen. Winfield said. “Whether it’s more affordable housing units, desperately needed places for our youth, or repairs to one of our centers of knowledge, what is being done with these monies is critically important to our great city. The governor and the bond commission are to be commended for such important investments.”

Today’s approved bonding includes:

  • $5 million for the Science Park/Winchester Works housing development project. This project will result in 1,000 total housing units, including 200 units of affordable housing (for incomes that are 50% of the area median income).
  • $1.75 million for the Institute Library for urgent repairs to the roof, elevator, bathrooms, and safety systems. Founded in 1826, the Institute Library provides quiet reading areas, a large circulating collection of up-to-date literature, unique programming and rich opportunities to engage with members and the surrounding neighborhoods of downtown New Haven; its mission is “mutual assistance in the attainment of useful knowledge” for its members and the New Haven community at large through literature, civil discourse, and the arts.
  • $1.5 million for the relocation and construction of the Trowbridge Youth Center. This project will convert a former recreation center that is currently uninhabitable.
    $1.3 million for The Towers at Tower Lane for improvements to senior housing and programming space, allowing for an expansion of senior activities for its 328 senior residents.
  • $737,000 to upgrade the outdated telephone system at the New Haven Correctional Center. Upgrades include lightning protection, testing cabling and jacks, labeling, and replacing cabling