FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2024
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Aaron Johnson
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Bysiewicz, Looney, Elicker Join ConnCORP Officials to Break Ground on Historic Dixwell Plaza Project
NEW HAVEN, CT (October 15, 2024) – The Connecticut Community Outreach Revitalization Program (ConnCORP) marked a major milestone today with the groundbreaking of the first phase of the ConnCAT Place on Dixwell (CPOD) project. The ceremony, held at the Dixwell Plaza, brought together community leaders, local officials, and residents to celebrate the start of the 7.5 acre sustainable, mixed use development designed to revitalize the Dixwell corridor.
Phase 1 of the project will deliver community amenities, including a workforce training center, child mental health and family clinic, quality daycare, and a grocery store. It will also feature a food hall for local businesses, a 65,000-square-foot outdoor plaza for greenspace, additional retail storefronts, and a 186-unit mixed-income apartment tower.
ConnCORP leadership and key community stakeholders, including Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Mayor Justin Elicker, delivered remarks on the significance of CPOD, emphasizing its role in fostering economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and community empowerment in New Haven.
This vision for revitalizing the Dixwell corridor is driven by our steadfast commitment to uplifting the community and creating lasting impact,” said Founding CEO of ConnCAT and ConnCORP Erik Clemons. “This project goes beyond architecture, and the construction of buildings – it is about honoring the glorious history of this iconic neighborhood, while unearthing a latent power that bears witness to a glorious future.”
“And let us not forget the visionary New Haven Black Leaders whose excellence and whose achievements provided both the inspiration and the hopeful optimism our team needed to encourage us to dream and to undertake this bold and ambitious project,” said ConnCAT Board Chair Carlton Highsmith.
By creating spaces that encourage innovation, creativity, and local business growth, ConnCORP aims to address systemic inequalities and ensure that long-term economic prosperity is accessible to all residents. The project also aligns with New Haven’s broader urban development plans, reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
There is a resurgence underway in the Dixwell community, and the new ConnCAT Place is going to accelerate Dixwell’s revitalization and springboard its renewal to a new level. This is one of those “game changer” initiatives that will be felt across the Dixwell community and beyond. This year, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of one community pillar, the Dixwell Community House -- and with the groundbreaking of ConnCAT Place, we’re marking the beginning of what’s sure to be another,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “I want to congratulate and thank ConnCAT, the many collaborators and partners, and all the Dixwell residents who have been involved and invested in this project. I can’t wait for the ribbon cutting!”
ConnCAT Place on Dixwell will serve as a dynamic hub, featuring new commercial spaces, cultural centers, and community gathering areas. Once completed, CPOD will be a vital resource for underserved neighborhoods, offering opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, and social engagement.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting day as we break ground on a new space that will not only benefit the community of New Haven, but our entire state,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “As we embark on this journey of continued growth and revitalization here in the heart of the Dixwell neighborhood, let us remember that we are not just building structures; we are building homes and fostering a sense of belonging. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make today possible. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”
“This groundbreaking is potentially a transformative event for the city of New Haven particular for the Dixwell neighborhood," said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney. "The mix of economic development and housing and other uses on this site will - in concert with the development across the street with the Dixwell Q House, Stetson Library, and the Cornell Scott Health Center — will create a synergy that will be so critical for the future of this neighborhood and this city and we need to find ways to replicate it in other neighborhoods throughout the city. I want to credit Carlton Highsmith and Erik Clemons for their vision in this. I’m happy to be able to participate by helping to secure the $10 million community investment fund grant and we see now how many partners are already involved, the federal, state, and municipal governments, private philanthropy, all that needs to come together on projects like this.”
“Today marks the beginning of major economic revitalization in New Haven as we break ground on ConnCORP’s ConnCAT Place on Dixwell,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “This new project will make a real difference in the lives of countless individuals by bringing critical, desperately needed services to the community. I am pleased that federal funding is supporting ConnCORP and their economic justice mission, and am thrilled this new project is coming to life.”
In addition to its economic benefits, CPOD will prioritize cultural enrichment by preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Dixwell neighborhood. The development will include public art installations, cultural programming, and spaces dedicated to local artists and community events. ConnCORP envisions CPOD as a place where residents can connect, share their stories, and build a stronger, more unified community for generations to come.
“Today’s groundbreaking of ConnCAT Place on Dixwell marks a new beginning for our community,” said New Haven Alder Troy Streater. “Once known as "Black Main Street," Dixwell has faced many challenges, but this project brings hope. ConnCAT Place will tackle key issues like housing, jobs, and healthy food access. I commend ConnCORP and all involved for their dedication. This is a major step toward a brighter, more prosperous future for Dixwell and New Haven.”
“I am overwhelmed with excitement that our Dixwell corridor is once again coming back to its full life and potential,” said New Haven Alder Jeanette L. Morrison. “The residents of Dixwell deserve the best and with ConnCorp coming on the scene as a brother to the Dixwell Community Q House and Dixwell Congregational Church, Dixwell residents once again will be able to have all their needs met within walking distance of their door steps.”
The ceremony included a ceremonial groundbreaking shoveling by dignitaries. Attendees were also treated to visual renderings of the future development.
CONNCORP’S MISSION
ConnCORP seeks to drive economic development in the Dixwell and Newhallville sections of New Haven by investing in local commercial and residential real estate. The objective is to deliver well-planned multi-use real estate investment, which can help stabilize the local economy, provide affordable goods and services, and create local jobs. Their mission is to drive economic development and economic justice in impoverished communities by investing in local commercial and residential real estate, and minority-owned businesses. Learn more at Conncorp.org.
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