Gary Winfield

New Haven Delegation Delivers Critical Funding for Mill River Cleanup, Chapel Street Bridge Repairs, Dixwell Q House, Youth Continuum and Public Schools

NEW HAVEN—New Haven’s legislative delegation today announced that the State of Connecticut has given final approval to funding for cleanup of the Mill River, repairs to the Chapel Street Bridge, school improvements, relocation of the Stetson Library to the new Dixwell Community House, reconstruction of Dwight Gardens and housing through Youth Continuum.

“This session, New Haven’s legislative delegation worked as team to help win funding for critically important projects,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (New-Haven). “Innovation is crucial to Connecticut’s economic competitiveness, and continued investment in the redevelopment and conversion of the former Department of Transportation garage at 470 James Street into a technology incubator further positions New Haven as a center of technological innovation. I want to thank Governor Malloy for his continued support of investment in New Haven.”

Connecticut will invest $2 million for remediation of sediment contamination in the Mill River adjacent to the former DOT bus garage in New Haven.

“There is nothing more important than investing in the young people in our community, and moving the Stetson Library to the Q House will provide endless resources and opportunities to our kids and their families,” said Sen. Gary Winfield (New Haven). “This investment proves that the state is serious about ensuring our residents have access to opportunities that enhance and advance their lives, and I am proud to be an advocate for this project.”

“Affordable housing remains a huge priority for me and the rest of the New Haven delegation, and I am so pleased that the state is continuing to invest in the Dwight Gardens Cooperative,” added Sen. Winfield. “We are serious about continuing to rebuild and invest in this neighborhood in a way that is good for the city, and for the people who live here.”

The state Department of Housing will provide a $3.75 million loan to assist with completing the renovations to 80 units of affordable housing at the former Dwight Gardens Cooperative in New Haven. The loan will be provided at 1 percent through December 31, 2040, with no interest during construction. A HUD-enforced deed restriction will ensure that 60 units are available for residents at 25 percent to 80 percent of area median income until 2035, with resale of the complex restricted until 2040.

“I am excited about the funding being infused into the neighborhoods which so badly need a centerpiece to keep families and children engaged,” said Rep. Toni Walker (D-New Haven). “We have worked hard to secure this victory for the Dixwell and Newhallville neighborhood.”

The New Haven Free Public Library will receive $1 million in aid for relocation of the Willis K. Stetson Library to the new Dixwell Community House (Q House). The new open, flexible, modular space will allow for increased resources and enhanced technologies targeted for exploration and discovery with children and families; teen development and creativity; adult literacy, workforce development and job preparedness; heath, wellness and nutrition resources; and cross-generational active learning and skill development.

“I’m very pleased that the state has decided to continue its funding to enhance all aspects of the New Haven community,” Rep. Robyn Porter (D-New HaveN) said. “I’m especially proud that the state granted funding will be used to complete renovations of 80 units of affordable housing at the former Dwight Gardens Cooperative as well as seven units of rent restricted, supportive housing for young adults on Winchester Avenue. It is important that New Haven seeks to find long-term and sustainable solutions to the homelessness issue rather than continue to manage episodes of homelessness as they occur.”

Rep. Porter also commended the State for their funding of the relocation of the Willis K. Stetson Library to the new Dixwell Community House also known as “Q-House.”

“This new space will allow for increased resources, cross-generational active learning and skill development, and job preparedness,” Rep. Porter said. “The Q-House on-site pre-demolition ceremony is set on Saturday, June 4th at 10:45 a.m.”

“Any advancement in the Q-House project is welcome news,” said Rep. Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven).

“This is a prime example of what can be accomplished when a delegation works together to make sure New Haven stays on the radar in Hartford,” Rep. Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) said. “Despite difficult budgetary issues, we were able to bring funds home to support important programs from housing and environmental remediation to transportation infrastructure.”

The State of Connecticut will provide a $950,000 grant-in-aid to Youth Continuum, Inc., to assist with creation of seven units of rent restricted, supportive housing for young adults on Winchester Avenue in New Haven.

“I am very pleased New Haven has received these funds to improve our schools, housing, library, and transportation,” Rep. Roland Lemar (D-New Haven) said. “I have advocated for relief for New Haven since I’ve been in office, and I truly appreciate the governor for identifying funds that minimize the financial impact to taxpayers. This funding not only saves New Haven hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it also dramatically improves the quality of life in our community.”

The New Haven School Public School District will receive a grant-in-aid of nearly $157,000 in Alliance District funding to assist with paying for general improvements to school buildings.

Additionally, the City of New Haven will receive $491,337 to cover repairs to the Chapel Street Bridge over Mill Street.