INNER-CITY NEWS

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Mayoral Candidates Report Raising Over Combined In 3 Months Financial Justice a Key Focus at $200K 2016 NAACP Convention New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS Volume 29 . No. 2448 Volume 21 No. 2194

“Jazzy” “DMC”

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems: Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime” Soul Is On 9th Square’s Menu

Color Struck?

EMILY HAYS PHOTO Stephen Ross and Jason V. Watts outside their soon-to-open restaurant and music spot.

Snow in July?

Cars Crowd Hill Zoning Tour Community Oasis “Blooms” in Westville FOLLOW US ON

Woods (center) with Hill residents Claudette Kidd and Sarah McIver.

Amelia Treat, Shizah Mangi, Eddy Caves, Vijor McCray, and Crutchfield-McLean.

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Cars Crowd Hill Zoning Tour THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

City Plan Director Aïcha Woods walked past a car parked in the middle of the sidewalk on Howard Avenue.

She paused, turned around, pulled out her phone, and took a picture.

“This,” she declared, “is what I call a parking problem.”

Woods spotted that sidewalk-blocking sedan Monday afternoon during a zoning-focused walking tour of the Hill.

Joined by city Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli, (soonto-be-former) city transit chief Doug Hausalden, and a half-dozen Hill South alders and community management team stalwarts, Woods led the tour as an opportunity to talk with Hill neighbors in their own neighborhood about a controversial rezoning proposal currently making its way through City Hall.

The rezoning proposal has two parts: The first would make it easier for owneroccupants to convert attics and basements and garages into apartments. The second would reduce the minimum lot size for new housing to 4,000 square feet citywide.

At City Plan Commission public hearings and community management team meetings, Hill residents have pushed back against that first half of the proposed zoning amendment — the part encouraging new accessory dwelling units (ADUs), sometimes known as “motherin-law apartments.”

Their primary criticism has been that the new law might make the neighborhood’s current dearth of parking even worse. The rezoning proposal as currently pitched by the city does not require a landlord to provide new on-site parking to accommodate a new ADU. Thus Monday’s walking tour.

Woods, her city colleagues, and Hill neighbors met up at the police substation at 410 Howard Ave. They spent nearly two hours walking along Greenwich Avenue, Arthur Street, Howard Avenue, Salem Street, and the residential blocks in between.

Along the way, Woods explained the details and goals of the rezoning proposal: To incrementally create more housing across the city. To legalize and regulate existing ADUs that already exist. To offer a potential new source of income for homeowners looking to stay put. To drive down the overall cost of rental housing by increasing the supply of affordable units.

“It’s very, very gradual,” Woods said about the proposed zoning reform. It’s not going to result in “a sudden influx of ADUs.” This is about trying to find a way to use local land-use law to promote safe, affordable, and sustainable neighborhoods, she said.

Hill neighbors, meanwhile, consistently pointed out how they thought the new zoning law might cause more harm than good: By promoting greater density in an already-crowded section of the city.

By exacerbating parking problems that already spill over into every nook and cranny of pedestrian life in the Hill.

“We want to look at it street by street,” Hill Alder Kampton Singh said, and not just apply this ADU ordinance as is across all of the Hill, let alone all of the city.

Portsea Street resident Roni Elliott agreed: “It shouldn’t be across the board.”

“Cars Definitely An Issue From Street To Street” And what did the walking tour find?

Well ... a lot of cars. Parked all over the place.

Some in driveways ... ... some on front lawns ... ... some on the sidewalk ... ... and some fenced in, alongside a dozen other stationary vehicles.

At the start of the walk, Woods told Elliott that part of the reason the ADU proposal is slated for neighborhoods across the city is that “a lot of neighborhoods have similar fabrics.”

That is, many of the residential neighborhoods across the city have two- and three-family homes that were built in the early 20th century, and could likely accommodate an extra housing unit.

Woods lives in the Goatville section of East Rock. “It’s easy to live there without a car,” she said.

She also acknowledged that “there may be more barriers to being able to walk to work” in the Hill. “That may be a reason why there are more cars.”

Elliott added another reason: In Goatville, she said, “you’re going to have more Yalies. Here, you’re not.”

Hill Alder Carmen Rodriguez described how she has seen neighbors on Carlisle Street and elsewhere use garbage cans to block off on-street parking spaces in a competitive attempt to reserve a place to put their car.

“We want to keep the peace,” she said.

In the Hill, that sometimes means making sure that there aren’t too many cars fighting over too few parking spaces.

At the end of the tour, Woods said she was surprised to see some streets, like Arthur (pictured above), with more open space — and fewer parked cars — than she anticipated.

On other blocks, and on other lots, that wasn’t the case.

“The cars are definitely an issue from street to street,” she said.

She said she and her staff will take all of the feedback and observations from Monday’s tour and think about how to translate them into potential, proposed updates to the rezoning proposal as it makes its way from the City Plan Commission to

Elliott and Hill Alder Carmen Rodriguez.

Woods and Alder Kampton Singh. the Board of Alders Legislation Committee later this summer.

“Housing Choice Citywide” Woods, city staff, and Hill neighbors didn’t see just parked cars during Monday’s zoning-focused walk through the neighborhood.

They also found plenty of houses — and vacant lots ripe for new places for people to live.

Every step seemed to present another opportunity to talk about what it’s like living in the Hill today, and what local land-use laws can and should do to promote a healthier and happier neighbor-

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hood.

Elliott pointed out two two-family houses standing just inches apart on Greenwich Avenue. Would the new ADU and minimum lot size laws allow houses to sprout up less than a foot away from where current houses already exist?

“You wouldn’t be able to build anything that close together” today, even if the rezoning proposal passed, Woods said.

That’s because new housing and ADUs would still have to follow all of the bulk regulations around height and setback that already exist in the zoning code.

“Zoning is setting rules,” she added.

Just because a zoning law changes doesn’t mean that every single ADU that can be built will be built. New housing production also depends on the availability of financing. Zoning reform could be one way that the city makes building more, affordable housing just a little bit easier, she said.

Why isn’t the city focusing on zoning reforms that add more affordable housing to exclusive, white wealthy neighborhoods like East Rock and Westville? asked City Point resident Andrew Giering. One of the explicit goals of zoning reform across the state and the country is to desegregate neighborhoods. Why pass a zoning reform that would treat East Rock and the Hill the same way, when the latter is already so racially and economically diverse?

“We’re trying to promote housing choice citywide,” Woods replied.

Woods later asked Hill South Community Management Team Chair Sarah McIver if the city should prioritize promoting more housing in the Hill South neighborhood, or if the city should focus its efforts elsewhere.

“I think we need opportunities for other neighborhoods,” McIver replied.

At Arthur Street and Rosette Street, the group found Martha Dye sitting on her porch behind a front garden in full bloom.

Dye showed Woods a rental property that sits directly behind her house.

“It’s lovely back here,” Woods said.

How is it having a house so close to the back of your own home? she asked Dye. Is it tough?

Yes, Dye replied.

Why? Because the home is owned by an “absentee landlord.”

Mandy, Mandy Everywhere Throughout the walking tour, city staff and Hill neighbors marveled at just how many homes on nearly every block they visited bore the same dark-blue, whitelettered Mandy Management signs.

Look at that, Elliott said on Greenwich Avenue: “Mandy’s got every single one.”

Elliott made that remark while looking at a row of two-family houses on the western side of Greenwich Avenue between Third Street and Fourth Street. On that one-block stretch, companies affiliated with the local megalandlord Mandy Management own the houses at 312, 314, 320, and 324.

“How does Mandy buy so many properties?” McIver asked at the end of the tour.

“They are very aggressive in the marketplace,” Piscitelli replied.

The city has the money and the interest to invest in helping first-time homeowners buy properties across the city, including in the Hill, he said. “We often aren’t fast enough.”

Challenger Eyes Heights Alder Seat THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

Shootings, trash, and potholes on Quinnipiac Avenue.

Kurtis Kearney pointed to those three social maladies — and a desire to do his part to try to address them — as his primary motivations for running for the Democratic nomination for Ward 11 alder.

Kearney, 47, is a resident of the Bella Vista apartment complex for low-income seniors and people with disabilities on the far east side of town.

The current chair of the Quinnipiac East Community Management Team and a former co-chair of the Ward 11 Democratic Ward Committee, Kearney has filed papers to run for another neighborhood-representative seat: on the Board of Alders.

Ward 11 is bounded by Foxon Hill Road to the north, Quinnipiac Avenue and Eastern Street to the west, East Grand Avenue to the south, and the East Haven town border to the east. Many of its constituents live in the five-building, 1,413-unit Bella Vista complex on Eastern Street.

The Ward 11 seat is currently occupied by two-term Democratic incumbent Renee Haywood. Haywood has not yet filed papers with the city clerk’s office to run for a third term representing Ward 11. She did not respond to a request for comment by the publication time of this article.

When asked why he’s challenging Haywood for the Democratic nomination

for the Ward 11 seat, Kearney said he’s “throwing and seeing what sticks.” He respects Haywood, whom he described as a “strong woman.” But, he said, living conditions on the far east side of town have gotten rough lately — and he’d like to try to do his part on the Board of Alders to advocate for those who live in and around Bella Vista.

What’s going on in the neighborhood today?

“There’s a lot of violence in our area,” Kearney told the Independent during a Monday afternoon phone interview. There’s dumping. There’s bad sidewalks, giant potholes in the road” up and down Quinnipiac Avenue.

Kearney said that, before Covid-19, he would walk around the neighborhood every year on his birthday — June 15 — picking up trash that people had tossed on the side of Quinnipiac Avenue and elsewhere in the ward.

“We have a beautiful area; there’s just a lot of unnecessary dumping.”

As for public safety, Kearney said he and his neighbors have seen an uptick in shootings and robberies as of late. “I think there should be better patrolling out here, since there are random shootings,” he said.

If elected to represent Ward 11, Kearney promised to prioritize those three issues within and outside of City Hall: advocating for more police walking beats and patrols in the area, for more city-led and neigh-

THOMAS BREEN FILE PHOTO Kearney (right) with Secretary of the State Denise Merrill at 2018 DTC campaign event.

borhood-volunteer trash cleanups, and for fixes to cracks and holes along Quinnipiac Avenue. That street is already slated for a $2.7 million redo between Foxon Boulevard and Townsend Avenue as part of the city’s Major Corridors initiative.

“My Adopted Hometown, & I Love It” While this alder campaign marks Kear-

ney’s first run for public office, it’s not his first time pushing to make his neighborhood—and New Haven—a better place to live.

Born and raised in and around Bridgeport, Kearney said he moved to New Haven from Atlanta in 2004 when he found out he was going to have a child. “I don’t

abandon my children,” he said about the decision to move north.

He worked in pest control at the time, he said.Then he had to leave that work when he was diagnosed with cancer. He moved into an apartment at Bella Vista in 2011.

Kearney said a turning point in his time in New Haven came about a decade ago, when one of his son’s teachers asked him what his parents did. His son said his mom was a social worker. When the teacher asked about his dad, and his son replied that he didn’t work, the teacher said, “So he must be on vacation all the time.”

“That kind of hurt,” Kearney recalled.

So, even while battling cancer, he threw himself into volunteer work.

He volunteered twice a week at Fort Nathan Hale Park in the East Shore, went through the Community Foundation’s Neighborhood Leadership Program, became an ambassador for Long Wharf Theatre, served as the co-chair and then the chair of the neighborhood management team starting in 2015, served as the co-chair of the neighborhood Democratic ward committee, served on the city’s Commission on Disabilities, and is currently on the tenant association and is a building representative at Bella Vista.

“This is not really my hometown,” which is Bridgeport, Kearney said. But New Haven “is my adopted hometown, and I love it.”

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A Necessary Tool?

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

In My Opinion: Ms Barbara Fair, Steering Committee, Lead organizer for Stop Solitary On June 30, 2021 with the stroke of the governor’s pen Ct democracy took a hit.

The people’s voice was nullified .At a time when human decency called for a limit be placed on solitary confinement another group demanded the governor ignore the people’s voice and the will of our legislators because torturing people is “a necessary tool” to maintain safety behind bars.

“A necessary tool”. I cringe whenever I hear that phrase. It triggers the recalling of America’s long history of establishing “necessary tools” to control the lives of African people from the time they were brought here in chains to establish the institution of slavery to provide a free labor force from the brilliance of Africa.

It triggers so many scenarios of “neces-

sary tools” sanctioned by a twisted and sadistic people. Among the first “necessary tools” to come to mind was the leather whip used to beat people until they renounced their names, their religion, their language their values and any other cultural attachments to the motherland. It also brings up gut wrenching scenes of mothers and fathers begging their master to not sell their children off to another master. It conjures up the commonly held practice of raping African women and girls, as a tool against resistance, the nooses that held the bodies of African people as they hung from trees across the land. It conjures up more subtle and commonly used “necessary tools” such as redlining, segregation, miseducation, 50 year old war on drugs, felony disenfranchisement, and the most sadistic and current, placing anyone who resisted oppression in tiny, dark, filthy spaces isolated from human contact and tortured until their will to resist was broken and their minds shattered.

Correctional staff, legislators and the governor supportive of solitary confinement should be deeply ashamed of sanc-

tioning what any decent human being defines as nothing less than human torture.

The silence of the “good people” during public debates, hearings, legislative votes and even now after the governor vetoed the bill is most deafening. Convincing the public torturing people is a “necessary tool” is an indicator of just how sadistic and inhumane we have become as a society. I have to wonder if those suffering weren’t 90% African Americans would it be such a monumental task to get legislation passed to end the use of this “tool”.

Will there ever be a time when America will no longer have a need for “tools” to control African people? Each year my ability to breathe in Connecticut is becoming more difficult.

Lamont’s veto of SB1059 and attached executive order is equivalent to granting African Americans a Juneteenth holiday to soften the blow of denying reparations centuries overdue. It is a meaningless gesture propped up to be a meaningful alternative to what the people demanded.

Attached was a statement filled with misleading information. Obviously someone didn’t do their research. We need coura-

geous leadership in the House and Senate to now deliver on what the people asked for instead of caving into the demands of those who prefer people caged 22 hours a day so they don’t have to work. We the people look to our legislators to have the integrity to override this veto and allow the people’s voice to reign. The Department of Corrections shamelessly justifies mental and physical suffering as a “necessary tool” to maintain safety in the prison environment? One must ask whose safety are we talking about. It is certainly not the broken men, women and children who suffer daily caged 22 hours a day or chained in cells in torturous positions for days at the will of officers. It’s certainly not safe for the communities they return nor for the wellbeing of officers or others who come in to provide professionalized services and uplift to some of the most vulnerable in this state.

For more information: Ms Barbara Fair, Steering Committee, Lead organizer for Stop Solitary 323 Center St, West Haven, Ct 203-893-1234 Barbfair848@gmail.com

Community Oasis “Blooms” in Westville

by NATALIE KAINZ

New Haven Independent

A “community oasis” is blossoming on the corner of Edgewood and Central Avenue where handmade birdhouses hang from the ceiling, flowers spring from shelves, and a garden sprouts lavender.

The self-described lifestyle boutique is called BLOOM. It is located at 794 Edgewood Ave. in an old office space that has been repurposed into a store, cafe, and social space for the neighborhood.

When BLOOM opens on July 8, store owner and creative director Alisha Crutchfield-McLean hopes it will be a space where people can attend community-run workshops, sit and sip a plant-based mocktail, and get to know their neighbors.

Crutchfield-McLean’s vision for “BLOOM” lies somewhere between an urban oasis and a community center.

“BLOOM is powered by nature,” said Crutchfield-McLean, who is lives in Westville. “It’s a community space for upliftment and rejuvenation; that’s why I chose the name.”

BLOOM plans to host movie nights, bingo, chess, and workshops for the local community with a low, nominal fee.

Crutchfield-McLean hopes to invite community members to lead workshops of their own in the space. For now, she plans to teach people to make terrariums and the handcrafted birdhouses that hang around the store. The birdhouses are made out of recycled wood from the building’s old ceiling.

NATALIE KAINZ PHOTO Alisha Crutchfield-McLean at her new lifestyle boutique.

When Crutchfield-McLean leased the space in March, she intended to fuse her background in fashion — she helped style Kanye West, Ludacris, Trey Songs, and Bette Midler at different points in her career — with her love for the community.

“I asked myself: What would my community want from me?” said CrutchfieldMcLean. “I knew Westville didn’t need another clothing store. But how about a lifestyle boutique?”

One aspect of BLOOM is born out of a

recognition for the work-from-home lifestyle. The store will offer a membership program intended for those who would like access to office space. Members would have full access to the boutique’s workspace and private courtyard as well as to food and beverages, printing, and wifi.

Traveling aestheticians, massage therapists, or other wellness workers will be able to rent out the store’s health and wellness room, which will feature a windowside sunbed, aromatherapy diffusers, and a

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selection of health products.

Crutchfield-McLean’s four employees are all artists in one way or another. Amelia Treat and Shizah Mangi, both 18 years old, helped draw a large flower on BLOOM’s chalk wall. Treat enjoys watercolor and oil painting, while Mangi uses her talents to raise money for impoverished villages in Pakistan through the Ali Hasan Mangi Trust.

Eddy Caves, who runs BLOOM’s beverage program, has worked as a bartender and mixologist at New Haven eats ranging from Barracuda to House of Naan. He designed a nonalcoholic drink menu for the lifestyle boutique, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Many of the herbs for the syrups Caves uses in drinks are sourced from BLOOM’s backyard — including lavender, rosemary, and basil.

“I want to offer people refreshments and a jolt of energy,” said Caves. “I see this as an artistic space which can attract other artists and people can be inspired.”

Vijor McCray, who is 25, is a painter, stylist, and creative director from New York.

She said BLOOM is a space that can bridge the gap among neighbors, artists, and friends and can be transformed into anything that the community needs.

BLOOM is still a work in progress. Some of the store’s equipment, flowers, and furniture are still arriving. By the official opening day and ribbon cutting on July 8th, Crutchfield-McLean said, she plans to make everyone feel welcome.

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“Jazzy” Soul Is On 9th Square’s Menu THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

by EMILY HAYS

Jason V. Watts and Stephen Ross are bringing food from across the African diaspora — from jollof rice to jerk chicken to collard greens — to the spot the former home of the high-end Indian restaurant Thali.

The new restaurant, Jazzy’s Soul Kitchen and Lounge, is slated to officially open at the corner of Orange and George in September.

“The menu is meant to bridge the African diaspora. One month, the special will be from Haiti. Another month, the special will be from Ghana,” Watts said.

“We’ve done the research, and we aim to have the most diverse menu in the region.

The word ‘diaspora’ is the only way to describe it.”

The Perfect Pair The 4 Orange St. restaurant combines the event management experience of Watts with the culinary expertise of Ross.

Watts has planned events as the founder of the Urban Professionals Network (UPN) for 15 years.

Most recently, Watts organized a block party on Orange Street as a tester for the restaurant’s grand opening. Watts, 39, paid for the DJ out of pocket on Friday, June 25. The block party on Jazzy’s opening weekend will include vendors from the Urban Professionals Network and beyond, who will recover the cost of the event.

Both Watts and Ross grew up in the New Haven area. Ross, who is 42, is a Hamden native and James Hillhouse High School graduate. He started his culinary career at New Haven soul food establishment Sandra’s. He trained formally at the Connecticut Culinary Institute and has cooked at Zinc, Barcelona and Anchor.

Ross founded his own restaurant, Cast Iron Soul, in 2010. In its seven years of operation, it seeded the relationship be-

Watts, near the site of his Friday-evening block party.

tween Ross and Watts. Watts lived nearby and became a regular at the Congress Avenue restaurant.

Watts is the official owner of Jazzy’s; Ross is the executive chef and manager.

Watts was originally looking for a permanent event space for the Urban Professionals Network during the Covid-19 pandemic. No space quite fit the bill.

Then Watts drove by the former Thali restaurant in October 2020 and realized

that a restaurant-plus-event space might just work.

Ross was the first person Watts wanted to partner with, he said.

Watts’ mother, founder of Remember The Lilies Florist, and other family members are investing in and helping out with the business. Watts plans to continue to work full time as a telecommunication manager at another company.

The name Jazzy comes from Watts’

nickname for his daughter, Jasmine, who just finished pre-kindergarten at the Montessori School on Edgewood. Watts is taking inspiration from the floral and musical sides of Jasmine’s names for the restaurant’s decor.

Dinner And A Concert It’s important to Ross to represent the variety of cuisines on Jazzy’s menu with care, so someone from Nigeria can taste home when they eat his jollof rice.

Ross has personal experience with how picky people are about their home cuisines. His wife’s family is from Jamaica.

She is his toughest critic for any food he makes, let alone his jerk chicken.

So Ross promised not to skip any steps for Jazzy’s clientele. To make jerk chicken, he marinates the meat in a dry rub overnight. Then comes the soy sauce marinade. Then he grills the chicken.

This is an important step to get the essential smoky flavor in the jerk chicken, he said. The last step is to add sauce.

The whole dish will take roughly 48 hours from start to finish.

Meanwhile, Watts is planning an expansive lineup of entertainment and events for guests to enjoy with dinner. The acts will vary from poetry to comedy to music. Watts also envisions Black business pop-ups, business workshops and guest chef events.

Watts did not want to name the local artists he wants to invite, joking that he would receive hate mail from those he left off the list. He was willing to name an Atlanta-based performer, Saunders Sermons. Watts met the two-time Grammy Award winner at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York ten years ago; the two have stayed in touch.

Sermons, a trombonist and singer, has played with greats like JAY-Z and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. Watts would likely sell combined dinner and tickets for Sermons’ concert series.

According to Watts, 4 Orange St. will be one of the largest, Black-owned restaurant spaces in New England. One of the dining rooms can hold 30 people and is rentable for private parties.

“My generation hasn’t had a place to go to bump into the who’s who [of our community],” Watts said.

Watts and Ross are hiring servers, hosts, bartenders, kitchen staff and managers.

To apply to Jazzy’s, visit this website.

Students Sought For Youth Rowing Program The following release and these photos were sent in by a nonprofit looking for students to participate in summer and fall rowing programs on Long Wharf.

Crew Haven Corporation and Canal Dock Boathouse have partnered to create the Crew Haven Youth Rowing Program, a Sports Based Youth Development program that will bring competitive and recreational rowing, as well as academic after-school programming, to students in underrepresented communities in New Haven. The program, which launches this Fall, will be underwritten

by Crew Haven Corporation (“CHC”) and operated by the Canal Dock Boat-

house.

The Crew Haven Youth Rowing Program, also known as Crew Haven, will begin full after-school programing this September. In the meantime, Crew Haven is already conducting summer rowing camps out of New Haven’s Canal Dock Boathouse, with the majority of the camp spots offered to qualified high school students for free.

“Our summer introductory rowing clinics have started,” said Hollis Martens, Executive Director of Canal Dock Boathouse. “We anticipate teaching over twenty novice rowers basic rowing skills during the summer. After a long

year of sheltering in place and remote learning, our kids finally have a safe and fun way to be on the water.” Martens said that the goal by the end of this Fall was to have twenty students participating in the year-round program, with full academic programing and mentoring added to an expanded rowing and water safety program.

According to Lawrence Lopez-Menzies, President and co-founder of CHC, CHC has donated over $100,000 to the Canal Dock Boathouse to help get Crew Haven off the ground, with the majority of the proceeds going to hire both a Con’t on page

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Hamden Department “Merger” Questioned

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD New Haven Independent

When New Haven native Erik Johnson was named Hamden’s acting town planner in April, he was welcomed home with open arms.

When Mayor Curt Leng added the job of economic development director to Johnson’s responsibilities, some members of the public became concerned ... and confused.

One of those citizens, Joseph McDonagh of Hamden’s Planning and Zoning Commission, filed a formal complaint Wednesday that asks the Board of Ethics to investigate whether or not Leng’s decision to assign Erik Johnson to two roles violates the 2011 revised version on Town Charter.

On May 7, Leng wrote to the Legislative Council to recommend that the town “combine and enhance” the two departments in a letter titled. “Recommendation to Merge Economic Development and Planning & Zoning Departments.”

“It is not often that you have an individual with the kind of credentials that our Acting Town Planner Erik Johnson possesses,” Leng wrote. He stated that the merger could minimize the cost of salaries associated with the two positions and maximize the “impact and effectiveness” of the respective departments.

In his complaint, McDonagh questioned whether this “merger” constituted a unilateral creation of a new department or reorganization of two departments. He argued that either action may have necessitated additional procedural steps, as laid out by the Town Charter, that were not followed.

McDonagh quoted the following rules from the charter: The creation of a new department would require an ordinance proposed by the mayor and approved by the Legislative Council. A movement to reorganize departments must include a “reorganization plan” detailing the specific department functions that would be carried out in response to alterations in department structures. That would also have to be approved by the Legislative Council and accompanied by an opinion of the town attorney.

McDonagh said he worked alongside other community members and legal advisors to review documents concerning Johnson’s appointments to the two positions. In his complaint, McDonagh questioned Johnson’s credentials as a town planner, asserting that he has not been accredited by any planning and zoning professional organization or previously served as a town planner.

Mayor Leng told the Independent Wednesday that there is a distinction

MACMILLAN FILE PHOTO Acting Town Planner Eric Johnson.

between reorganization or unilateral creation of a department or departments and “shared management.”

In other words, Leng argued, the Planning and Zoning Department will remain separate from the Department of Economic Development. Johnson will simply serve as the head of both.

He said that this is a standard strategy used by diverse towns and cities to “save town money and streamline governmental functions.”

Furthermore, he said that both departments were voted on separately by the Legislative Council during the final budget vote.

He clarified that the only unilateral decision he made was appointing Johnson as Hamden’s acting town planner, meaning he temporarily placed Johnson into that role for 90 days. The charter and local law empower Leng to make that decision.

Since Johnson took on that position back in April, he will have to go through a formal process of (re)appointment in a few weeks. When that time comes, the Legislative Council will vote on his appointment and there will be a public hearing.

Johnson has said himself that he believes the two positions should be separately occupied. Mayor Leng agreed that “having qualified individuals in both positions would be optimal, but we do this

sometimes to save money and sometimes because we have individuals who have the qualifications to do both positions at once.”

“Hamden is extremely fortunate to have Erik Johnson,” he said. “He’s not only qualified, he’s over-qualified.” He added that a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is not a requirement to hold the position of Town Planner within the Charter.

The position does require a master’s degree in urban planning and at least eight years of experience in urban/community development or municipal planning. Johnson’s resume does show these qualifications, as stated in an email from the Hamden Personnel Civil Service Department to Mayor Leng and other administrators.

“In hindsight, I should’ve used a different word” other than “merger” to describe the move towards shared management, Leng acknowledged. “If clarifying that word would help, I would gladly change it.”

It will be up to the Board of Ethics to decide next steps — and up to the Legislative Council and the public to work together to decide who should become the official town planner in a matter of weeks.

Mayoral Candidates Report Raising Over $200K Combined In 3 Months

by PAUL BASS

New Haven Independent

$74,726.55 gone. $137,000 back in.

That replenishment-plus took place in Karen DuBois-Walton’s mayoral campaign coffers as she rebounded from having to return contributions raised earlier this year.

DuBois-Walton reported those new numbers Tuesday as she and the incumbent mayor she’s challenging for the Democratic mayoral nomination, Justin Elicker, released their campaign fundraising totals for the quarter that ended June 30.

Campaigns often present the best possible spin on fundraising reports to advance a picture of popular support.

The short take on the latest numbers: Both candidates have plenty of money to mount serious campaigns, including marketing materials and boots on the ground.

The numbers reported, according to releases distributed by their campaigns: • Elicker’s campaign reported raising $103,978 in the three-month period from 705 individual donors, plus $43,176 in matching dollars from the agency that administers New Haven’s voluntary public-financing system, the

PAUL BASS PHOTOS Justin Elicker, Karen DuBois-Walton on the second-quarter campaign trail.

Democracy Fund. Seven out of ten donors this quarter live in New Haven; 773 of 1,159 overall individual donors to date live in the city.

• DuBois-Walton reported pulling in “just over $137,000.” That reported figure combined individual donations from 764 different contributors plus $30,867 in grants and matching donations from the Democracy Fund. Av-

erage individual donation: $114; 41 percent were $30 or under. “Just under half” of contributors live in New Haven.

DuBois-Walton had had to return $74,726.55 left over from her preofficial-announcement “exploratory” phase campaign for mayor in order to continue participating in the Democracy Fund and qualify for matching

6

dollars.

The spin: Both candidates say the outpouring of small donations demonstrates momentum as well as widespread grassroots support for their campaigns. Both also claimed “firsts” for candidates participating in the Democracy Fund: • Besides trumpeting a higher percentage of city residents contributing,

Elicker’s camp stated that it is “on track” to raise the maximum $368,000 allowed in a primary under the Fund’s rules, a “first in the Fund’s history.”

He officially announced his candidacy months before DuBois-Walton, so he has had two reporting dates; once he receives an expected additional $18,500 in new Democracy Fund matches, the campaign projects having raised $288,883 to date.

• DuBois-Walton — for whose campaign this was the first fundraising quarter — heralded that the $137K haul represents “the most that any candidate has recorded in a quarter under the Democracy Fund, and the most contributions and most contributors ever reported in a quarter under the Democracy Fund.” Elicker campaign manager Kim Agyekum argued that when the Elicker camp’s Democracy Fund and and individual-donation totals for the quarter are added together, the $147,154 total constitutes the Democracy Fund record.

The official reports detailing who donated how much money to whom are due to be filed with the state by July 10. Neither campaign released those reports Tuesday.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

On Eve Of Filing Deadline, Elicker Camp Hits BAR For Show Of Strength

by ISAAC YU

New Haven Independent

As candidates fished for last-minute cash in advance for a reporting deadline, Justin Elicker brought a crowd of supporters to a familiar celebration spot for an early show of strength.

Around 50 of the mayor’s supporters gathered at the pizza/craft beer brewery BAR on Crown Street Tuesday night for his reelection campaign’s end-of-quarter fundraiser.

The one-term incumbent had been there before. He used BAR’s back end for his first end-of-quarter fundraiser in 2013 as well as the election night party of his unsuccessful bid against former mayor Toni Harp that year. He returned six years later for a triumphant party after besting Harp in the Democratic primary, a night at which many previous Harp endorsers joined his bandwagon.

“I love this room,” Elicker told those assembled Tuesday night. “In 2013, the night that we lost, we talked about the future and the potential to see what we could accomplish. And here we are today.”

Elicker urged his supporters to max out their donations, noting the limit of $390 set by his participation in New Haven’s Democracy Fund. His main Democratic primary opponent, Karen DuBois-Walton, is also participating in the fund and has been sending out similar fund appeals in advance of Wednesday night’s deadline

Alders in the house for Elicker’s reelection: Festa, Sabin, Brackeen, Singh, and Roth.

for contributions that will be reported in upcoming 2021 first-quarter campaign finance filings, which candidates then present as proof of widespread support.

According to a campaign email sent on Monday, the mayor’s team was 26 short of its 1,000 contributor goal with more than a day left. Both the Elicker and DuBoisWalton campaigns said they expect to re-

lease exact dollar and contributor numbers after the fundraising quarter ends Wednesday at midnight.

Elicker reiterated a campaign mantra Tuesday night: “One and a half years is not enough.”

Attendees munched on mashed potato pizza and craft beers as they mingled with the candidate throughout the night. The

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crowd included five alders — Ward 1’s Eli Sabin, Ward 5’s Kampton Singh, Ward 7’s Abby Roth, Ward 10’s Anna Festa, and Ward 26’s Darryl Brackeen, Jr. — plus city attorney Mike Pinto and Ward 9 cochair and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro campaign manager Sarah Locke.

The early wave of endorsements this cycle has generally favored the mayor and

could signal a reversal from the 2019 election, when 16 alders — including nowElicker supporters Singh and Ward’s 16 Jose Crespo — backed Harp in the primary.

Singh, a first-termer who is running for reelection, said Elicker’s record on Covid-19 testing and vaccination won his support.

‘In March of 2020, he really stepped up.

He deserves the next two years,” Singh said.

The Hill alder acknowledged that his ward backed Harp against Elicker by a significant margin in 2019’s primary. Though it’s still “too early to see”, he said he has heard a consensus of support for Elicker from his constituents.

For Sabin, who serves as the director of the state’s Democratic Party Progressive Caucus, Elicker’s record on equity gets his vote: “He’s been very focused on progressive values, and I think that’s what we need in this city.”

Robert Greenberg, a historian and executive director of the local museum Lost in New Haven, recalled first meeting the mayor during the 2019 race.

“I called him, and he came over the next day on his bike,” Greenberg said. “He cared enough about the history to actually visit the collection.” The mayor’s responsiveness and visibility throughout New Haven are important to his vote, he added.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Mullins filed his candidacy with Town and City Clerk Patricia Horvath on Thursday.

Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for Mayor of the City of West Haven Mullins said that he has been deeply passionate about creating positive change in the lives of all West Haven residents, regardless of where they live or their political party affiliation.

A planning & zoning commissioner since 2006, Mullins served six years as Commission Chairman or Vice Chairman. “As Mayor, I will work toward making West Haven more attentive to the needs of its citizens, including building a strong tax base, providing a civil, professional and transparent government and improving the quality of life for all residents.” Mullins said. “We have among the highest taxes in Connecticut, we lack efficient services and blight has made parts of the City look like “mini-Detroit.” He said. “We deserve more and should expect better from our Mayoral administration. With all due respect, Mayor Rossi is in over her head and has proven her inability to lead the City properly.” he said. “During the entire Coronavirus pandemic, we heard regu-

larly from Mayors and First Selectmen from other Connecticut communities, but only heard from Mayor Rossi a couple of times. Last summer when protesters and police clashed at a rally where a car drove through the crowd, Mayor Rossi made no timely statement in response to the situation. That is not providing the leadership that West Haven so desperately needs.”

Mullins said.

During the next several weeks and months, Mullins will be actively engaging residents and neighborhoods across the city to better understand their unique needs.

“As West Haven’s next Mayor, my focus will be on serving communities that make up the City and solving problems and providing the leadership that has been absent for nearly a decade. “ Mullins said. “We Steven R. Mullins need a leader who is unafraid, who will Born in rural Glenwood, Alabama, Mulprovide solutions to our challenges and someone who will empower each and ev- lins, 46 moved to West Haven with his ery citizen and neighborhood. I am that parents at the age of five. He has been deeply invested in the City and believes leader.”

that politics as usual is not working. He has been civically and politically active in the City for half of his childhood and his entire adulthood. “I want to continue to serve West Haven in this time of need and bring bold, innovative solutions to the table. I want to lead us forward as we rise above our current politics. I want to see every citizen and every neighborhood in West Haven thrive.” Mullins said.

In recent months, Mullins has been an organizer and featured speaker at several rallies in support of local municipal zoning rights throughout the state of Connecticut. In addition to serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission, Mullins served as Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years, marrying over 700 couples, He is a volunteer firefighter in the Allingtown District and is Chairman of the West Haven Black Heritage Committee. He also served as Chairman of the finance committee of the West Haven High School Building Committee. An advocate for young people,

Mullins has presented the “Commissioner Mullins Youth Leadership Awards” to numerous West Haven High School students over the years.

Mullins’ wife, a registered oncology nurse serves as Secretary of the West Haven Board of Health. Together they have a 17 year old daughter that graduated from West Haven High School last month and a 14 year old son, that will begin his freshman year at the school this fall. Both children have used their dancing, singing and acting talents to raise money for a multitude of charitable causes in West Haven since they were toddlers. Mullins is a Past Worshipful Master of Annawon Lodge, #115, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of West Haven and is a communicant of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven.

“For thirty years, I have always had West Haven’s best interest at heart. I have always put West Haven first and will continue to do so as Mayor.” Mullins said.

Hillhouse Track Team Looks To Nationals—And Asks New Haven For Help

by Julia Rosado, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Seven members of the James Hillhouse Academics have qualified for a national competition across the country—but they need the community’s help to get there. After a year of pivoting, their latest fundraiser may be the last hurdle they face in a year upturned by Covid-19.

Coached by Gary and Michele Moore, the Academics are Hillhouse’s track team. This spring, the team won several statewide championships that helped seven members qualify for the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF) Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon. Before they can go, the Moores are working on raising the money to get there.

The competition, which will be held at the historic Hayward Field, is scheduled for June 30 through July 3 of this year. It is normally held in North Carolina, which is less expensive to travel to. Moore estimated that plane tickets, food, and lodging will amount to close to $17,000. That amount comes after a year when the team hasn’t been able to bring in ticket revenue.

“We’re competing against kids who are in the inner city, suburbs, everywhere,” said Michele Moore in a recent interview over Google Meet. “And for us to pull our athletes together and be able to come out on top, that too was something to be proud of. And I think the kids should be proud of what they did, because they did it, we just coached them.

They have to get out there and perform.

It was awesome. I’m still smiling about it, watching videos about it and just elated.”

Moore, who coaches Hillhouse Boys Track, wasn’t always a coach. Originally, she was a science teacher who attended students’ sports games to get closer to them. Then she became a volunteer on the track team, where she met her nowhusband Gary Moore, Sr..

With no background in coaching, Moore started as a volunteer, jogging alongside the kids, hanging around and helping out. Around 2000, the boys’ team lost its head coach. The remaining coaches suggested she step up. Through clinics and conferences, she learned the fundamentals of coaching and became an assistant coach before becoming boys track head coach in 2011.

“I grew over the years—I kept learning

because if I was going to do it, I wanted to do it well,” she said. “The coaches really mesh, and that’s probably why we continue to win year after year- it’s because we work so well together.”

To get to championships, both she and students put in long hours—and got creative. While lockdown restrictions were still in place, the coaches held practices for the team over Zoom. They continued to hold athletes accountable for both their schoolwork and athletics, which she says may have helped many overcome the difficult year.

The abilities that young people gain from being in athletics are invaluable, said Moore. She added that Hillhouse coaches hope that the rigor and dili-

8

gence of sports—doing something even if you don’t want to do it—will translate from track and field to the classroom and the rest of the athletes’ lives.

And that diligence and training has paid off. This June, both teams won their divisional state championships. Boys also won state opens.

“There were a lot of people, and good competition,” said sophomore Bernadette Karpel. “States was fun, we all had a good time.”

Karpel ran three individual events at divisional state championships, placing ninth in the 1600 meter run, third as part of the 4 x 400 meter relay, and fifth in the 4 x 800 meter relay. The relay team continued on to State Opens, placing

19th in the 4 x 400.

The Academics also triumphed in individual events, where Gary Moore Jr. took down a 52-year-old discus record.

“It was so exciting, and it was so rewarding,” Michele Moore said. “I think this is probably one of my most prized victories to see the kids win, because of how things were, how Covid affected some kids, how Covid affected our lives to a certain extent. It was just so great to see the kids be able to come out on top.”

Now Moore is looking ahead to the NSAF Outdoor Nationals and calling for the community’s help. This location switch from the South to the Pacific Northwest, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic, has created a few challenges for the team.

During a regular season, the team’s main source of income would come from hosting meets. This normally helps cover travel fees to nationals as well as other expenses, like meet fees and discounted shoes for students who may not have the resources to get them on their own. But this year, the lack of indoor invitationals and less outdoor meets due to Covid restrictions has made the trip impossible without outside help.

Moore is looking at a fundraising goal of $10,000. After starting a GoFundMe for the cause, her husband started another one that has raised just over $11,000 following an article in the New Haven Independent. Because every dollar raised is one that students don’t have to pay, the team has kept it open. Donate here.

Julia Rosado is an alum of the Arts Council’s Youth Arts Journalism Program. She is a rising junior at James Hillhouse High School.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Black Lives Matter Awards Its First Two Scholarships

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Shaniya Butler has wanted to be a pediatrician for as long as she can remember.

This summer, she got a $1,500 boost for her budding medical career from Black Lives Matter New Haven—just in time to buy books and supplies for college.

Butler and Ty’Jair Bember, both of whom graduated from James Hillhouse High School last month, are the inaugural recipients of the Black Lives Matter New Haven Scholarship Award, an ongoing effort to help young Black New Haveners pay for their next steps in a year turned on its head. The scholarships come from the group’s growing scholarship fund, which was born and largely communitysupported in the midst of the pandemic.

“It makes me feel amazing,” said Butler, who is headed to the University of New Haven with a plan to study health sciences. “I’m very grateful for it. It will help me pay for some things in college.

It’s also very important, because around here we don’t get a lot of opportunities.

Having scholarships—it gives us those opportunities.”

This year, members of the group were able to raise enough to award both students $1,500. Butler, who lives in the city’s Newhallville neighborhood, hopes to go from UNH on to medical school.

Bember will be attending Porter & Chester Institute in Hamden. After losing his mother earlier this year, his studies at Porter & Chester mean he can stay close to home, where he and his grandmother are caring for his 11-year-old sister.

For Butler, the scholarship was welcome and surprising news. She’s had her eyes on pediatrics since she was a student

Black Lives Matter New Haven core members MiAsia Harris, ala ochumare, Sun Queen, Ashleigh Huckabey, and Sy Frasier. Black Lives Matter New Haven

Shaniya Butler and her dad, Rondell Butler. Black Lives Matter New Haven Photo.

at King/Robinson Interdistrict Magnet School, and someone pushed a slip of paper into her hand asking what she wanted to be when she grew up. While students around her got older and changed their minds, she never wavered.

She said the choice always felt natural—she hates seeing other kids in the neighborhood suffering or in pain. She likes caring for her younger cousin, who is now eight years old. By the time she was in high school, she’d developed a love for chemistry that made her want to know what existed beyond color-coded datasets and valence electrons. She said she’s excited to take that knowledge into her classes at UNH this fall.

“It gives you a new perspective of the world,” she said. “I ask a lot of questions, so it’s very good for me.”

The scholarship also became a sign that she made it. While Butler has long excelled in school, this year “has been really stressful,” she said. When schools went remote in March of her junior year, she didn’t expect the transition back to inperson learning to take almost 15 months.

Her time playing basketball and volleyball for Hillhouse was cut suddenly short as schools shuttered and classes stayed online.

She struggled to stay motivated as she watched her teachers work through a screen. Even after returning, school was a balancing act: she kept her grades up while working a part-time job at Cracker Barrel in Milford. She’s holding tight to a visual she has in her mind, of her bursting through a school’s doors in a starched white medical coat.

Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Sun Queen said she was excited to give out the awards as a celebratory start to the

Photo. Bember. Black Lives Matter New Haven Photo.

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summer. Hillhouse holds a special place in her heart: she graduated from the school in 2001 and was on the volleyball team during her time there. While she selected Butler after getting a nomination from her gym teacher, Black Lives Matter New Haven Co-Founder ala ochumare chose Bember.

In early June, they drove to Butler and Bember’s homes with large checks, buzzing with excitement. In a video the group posted, Butler’s smile is infectious, even beneath a mask. Queen and ochumare both bestow blessings upon her, and include a word of advice: it’s okay to not always know the answer. They intend to support and expand the scholarship program in the coming year.

“It was my duty to do that,” Queen said.

“We always talk about the fact that we’ve got to serve the community. It felt good to be a reflection of the community.”

She added that she sees it as part of the group’s natural growth in New Haven.

Black Lives Matter New Haven started with neighborhood coat and mitten drives six years ago. In addition to its anti-racist organizing work, the group has become known for its backpack, coat and mitten, and hygiene drives and public gatherings dedicated to arts and culture, whether in the streets or on a screen. On the same day that its five core members awarded scholarships, they also distributed hygiene kits to thousands of New Haveners.

“This is a beautiful thing,” Queen said.

“We’re taking care of our community, first and always.”

To find out more about Black Lives Matter New Haven or contribute to the scholarship fund, click here https://blacklivesmatternewhaven.com/blmnh-scholarship-fund/

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

As Downtown Reopens, Te Amo Thrives On Temple Street

by Alma Mendoza, The Arts Paper www.newhaven.org

On a recent Saturday night, almost every seat at Te Amo Tequila was full. An aroma of sweet corn, chorizo and bubbly cheese drifted out onto the street.

Customers laughed and chatted, some spilling out onto the restaurant’s outdoor seating while others remained inside.

Vintage Marc Anthony blared over the speakers. A single corner table sat open behind a Frida Khalo painting, as if it was waiting for a new arrival.

Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos is located on 182 Temple St., where restaurants, package stores and ice cream shops sit cozily shoulder to shoulder and pull in foot traffic. Walking down the street, the restaurant’s hi-top tables and black seats are easy to spot.

A year after reopening its doors during the pandemic, Te Amo is bouncing back.

Restauranter Sonia Salazar has kept the business afloat while also managing Barracuda Bistro & Bar down Chapel Street.

The restaurant has welcomed back customers with new public safety guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic. This summer, it has been buzzing.

“I wake up every day, thinking of that support,” Salazar said in a recent interview at the restaurant. “We’ve always had that from our clients.”

Salazar said the Temple Street restaurant never truly closed down—it just pivoted. When the state issued shelterin-place orders last March, Salazar was in the midst of thinking about opening a third restaurant. Ultimately, she put those plans on hold to ride out the pandemic.

While the world shut down, she said her employees didn’t hesitate to come to work and keep the restaurant running.

Given statewide orders, she implemented a pickup and delivery model in April of 2020. Salazar said that even one day of unexpected closure can be “fatal:” takeout and delivery helped the restaurant stay afloat as bills, rent, and taxes piled up.

Salazar worked to keep 14 staff members employed even though the restaurant’s focus was more on takeout and delivery. She implemented smaller shifts to keep kitchen staff safe. Meanwhile, dedicated customers kept ordering food and some bought gift cards that they planned never to use.

“My customers is my motivation,” she said. “I get 100 percent support.”

During that time, Salazar was able to secure Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, a form of federal small businesses relief. Salazar used the funding to bring back her employees and hire four new staff members at Te Amo and three at Barracuda She said that much of the funding went to Barracuda, which is located on Chapel Street, because it struggled more. She attributes that to the

size of the restaurant and the restrictions she had to implement to keep everyone safe.

Her staff worked overtime making sure social distance procedures were being followed, and sanitation around the restaurant was maintained. Having a clean and safe environment in place was a top priority, she said. But it wasn’t easy.

As restaurants reopened gradually last summer, customers were not eager to comply with citywide mask wearing mandates, she said. Staff struggled to keep them in check.

“At the beginning it was very difficult … customers weren’t following rules,” she said. “Once they knew we weren’t playing games, everybody started listening and came to the restaurant with a different attitude.”

Salazar said that with the addition of delivery, both restaurants are now busier than they were before the pandemic. She and several of her team members are now fully vaccinated.

Bartender Erick Matamoros, who has worked at Te Amo for a year, experienced the change within the restaurant.

He helped implement new mask rules, a 90-minute time limit on tables, and a limit of six people per table. When the restaurant first reopened, he said that customers wouldn’t respect the guidelines. Several months ago, he struggled with customers who did not want to obey mask orders.

He said that now that vaccines are available and Covid-19 rates have started declining, things are a little more relaxed.

“It was difficult to accommodate but we did our best, we had our good days and bad days,” he said.

Matamoros said he likes working at Te Amo Tequila. When Covid-19 hit, he lost his job working at another restaurant. Originally, he went to work for Amazon, but described the work as “out of my comfort zone.” He joined staff at Te Amo a year ago, and now works as a full time employee. He said he likes the volume of customers and the chance to meet new people.

“It’s a fast paced restaurant,” he said.

“Even with Covid, we’ve been very lucky. It’s been very busy.”

Matamoros added he feels very thank-

11

ful and happy to be back to work. He sees the restaurant coming back to life and hopes that customers continue to follow regulations.

“It’s not easy working at a restaurant, especially now,” he says. “Just be friendly and nice to your bartenders.”

Salazar said that there’s a twist to her food, because she doesn’t like following the rules. She makes dishes inspired by her mother and grandmother, and uses ingredients that pay homage to her Colombian roots. While Te Amo is more Mexican inspired, she said that there’s a fluidity between the two.

That twist comes through in every bite, particularly when patrons mix what is on their plates. Biting into a quesadilla packed with elotes and chorizo, one can taste the salt and smoke of cured, paperthin ham and the cream of the street corn.

There is guacamole, fresh and studded with bits of avocado and finely chopped onion.

In the nachos, one can see and smell the melting cheese—sharp and tangy— and has the option to mix it into hot jalapeno peppers. Salazar’s grilled shrimp is

done until it is almost crispy. The elotes are warm, with a thick cream and finely sprinkled cheese. Those are just a few of the items on the menu.

Going forward, Salazar is still focused on keeping her two restaurants afloat.

While she was dreaming of opening a third restaurant before the pandemic, she has pushed it to the back of her mind for the time being. She said that she knows that Te Amo and Barracuda have been fortunate to weather the past 16 months without closing.

“I’m really thankful for the support, and I hope that other restaurants in New Haven get that same support,” she said.

“So that we can help each other in our businesses.”

Alma Mendoza is a rising senior at Metropolitan Business Academy. This piece comes to the Arts Paper through the Spring 2021 cohort of the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative (YAJI), a program of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. This year, YAJI has gone virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the program here or by checking out the “YAJI” tag.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Stetson And ConnCAT Play In Summer In Dixwell

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Michael Mills and Brian Jawara Gray pounded out a heartbeat, deep and resonant as it rang over the parking lot. A chorus of drums sang back almost immediately. A few feet away, Diamond Tree slipped a silver-striped hula hoop over her wrist and began to move to the sound.

She closed her eyes and rolled her shoulders in the sun.

Saturday, Dixwell Plaza came alive for Stetson On The Street, a summertime series meant to keep the neighborhood engaged as Stetson Branch Library prepares for its move to the Dixwell Community Q House in August. At the most recent session, Stetson Branch Manager Diane Brown announced an evolving partnership with the Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology (ConnCAT), which will be spreading its footprint in the Dixwell neighborhood this year.

“We’re all so close in the village,” she said. “We just wanted something to celebrate and bring the community together.

Today is called Ujima for collective responsibility. We’re all in the same village—it makes sense for people to start treating us as partners that are trying to provide services in the community.”

For Brown, the partnership felt natural.

Over the past few years, she has watched ConnCAT grow its presence in the community and been impressed with its work.

She said she likes collaborating with ConnCAT President and CEO Genevive Walker, just as she did with founding president Erik Clemons, who is now the president and CEO of the ConnCAT subsidiary ConnCORP. As the library prepares for its new home across the street, she envisions a space for programming within the library.

It also comes as both Stetson and ConnCAT expand. In the past several years, ConnCORP has been buying up properties that comprise the commercial strip off Dixwell Avenue in which the library is currently housed. Last January, ConnCORP announced its plans to rebuild Dixwell Plaza as a mecca for Black business development, job training, and entrepreneurship. In the time since, that vision has moved forward with the sale of multiple buildings.

“I think it feels like a very natural fit,” Clemons said Saturday, as he soaked in the sun. “ConnCAT is becoming a robust part of the Dixwell story. I believe it will pay a huge dividend for the community, writ large. This is about true transformation of the human soul.”

Saturday, neighbors came out to dance, drum, and learn about local resources.

At a table on the far edge of the parking lot, representatives from the Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE) and Women Of The Village talked to attendees about the resources

Lucy Gellman Photos: Elaine Peters and Eric Rey, Drumming, were among Saturday’s performers.

Stetson Branch Manager Diane Brown and ConnCORP President and CEO Erik Clemons.

they wanted to see in the community, from pedestrian safety to jobs and higher food security. By 2 p.m., Women Of The Village had given away 50 bags of fresh meat and produce, with several more to spare before the event was over.

Andrea Mastracchio, who leads the group, said that she thinks of the work as part of a neighborhood-wide ecosystem.

In the past 16 months, she’s seen food insecurity spike in a community that was already chronically under-resourced. Every Tuesday, the group holds a food pantry at the Dixwell community substation.

In addition to fresh food, the pantry offers freshly-cut flowers and prepared

foods that culinary partners contribute from across the city. Some people come specifically for the flowers, said Mastracchio. She’s happy that the group is able to provide that spot of brightness in the week.

“It’s a community,” she said. “We know people by their first names. Our food pantry is like a family.”

One tent over, Shelley and Tanaya Henry of Traveler On A Mission handed out bags with soap, hygiene products and coloring pages for kids. Two years ago, the mother-daughter team started the or-

12

ganization as a way to spread wellness and care in the community at no cost. In addition to hygiene drives and annual donations, the two teach hygiene workshops to young people between the ages of five and 16. In a recent one, youth learned to make their own soap.

In the midst of Covid-19, Tanaya said that work has taken on an additional weight. She and her mom have been working to make sure they are both providing basic necessities like soap, socks and hygiene products, and also that they are spreading the gospel around Covid-19 precautions, including hand washing and maintaining social distance.

“We want to let the community know we’re here,” Tanaya said, rearranging rows of clean cotton socks. A small “wellness wagon” peeked out from behind her, filled with supplies.

There representing the annual Freddy Fixer Parade, Chanelle Goldson stopped by to learn about the group with her two daughters, 4-year-old Brielle and 3-yearold Brooke. As the two approached the table, Shelley was ready with coloring books and colorful packets of crayons.

They smiled and looked over the designs, waiting to fill them in.

“It’s nice to connect with the community,” Goldson said. “We’re getting out and able to bond with one another” after months of quiet and pandemic-enforced isolation.

Across the parking lot, the smell of something grilled floated up from a food cart, and rose to meet the throaty calls of

the drums and percussion beneath a tent.

No sooner had Mills and Gray started to play with Billy Fischer, Elaine Peters, Eric Rey and others than a crowd gathered around them, moths to a flame. Families tested out small hand drums, cabasas and claves with their young musicians.

Brown later said that she was delighted: she and Mills grew up together, and he “is like a brother to me.”

There was a brief pause at the drumming tent as Brown made an announcement.

Artist Iman Hameen, who has long been a champion of the library, had stopped by—and it was her birthday. Drummers slipped seamlessly into a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday,” sound exploding from every corner of the tent. Haa-ppy birthday to youuuuu sang Mills, his voice rising over the drum. Hameen lifted her hands and danced.

Nearby, Hood Hula instructor Diamond Tree let the rhythm travel from her toes through her legs, hips, torso, arms, neck and head. She moved her arms to the beat, smiling beneath a camouflage gaiter fitted on her neck. Her eyes shimmered with thick, glimmering gold eyeshadow.

Around her, a circle of pint-sized hula hoopers practiced their moves. Suddenly, one student got the hang of it, the hoop suspended at her waist. She squealed in delight.

“Give her room!” Tree instructed gently, not missing a beat. “If somebody’s hooping, you gotta give ‘em room!”

Raised in the city’s Newhallville neighborhood, Tree learned about Stetson a few years ago, when she started attending martial arts classes at the Dynamic University Shadow Dojo a few doors down from the library.

She and Brown connected instantly, and she became part of the library’s robust rotation of after-school and weekend programs. While she has since moved closer to Goffe Street, she still returns to lead pancake breakfasts in Newhallville each week. It felt right to teach at Stetson, she said. With the library closed because of its upcoming move, she was thrilled when Brown asked her to teach outdoor classes.

Her goal is to spread the joy of hooping on to New Haveners of all ages. While she spent Saturday mainly with kids, she also welcomed Brown, who rocked a huge pink hula hoop as drummers played nearby. In the absence of her dog, a Chipin named Reindeer Pocky, Tree winked at Peters’ dog Coconut. She danced with her wrists, hands, and arms as well as her waist, hips and knees.

“It’s a total therapy for me,” she said.

“If I’m having a bad day, I just put on my tunes and I hoop. I’m of African origin, and I know that my ancestors act through me. I act through them.”

The next Stetson on the Street events are scheduled for July 10 and 24 from 1-3 p.m.

T:9.25"

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Simone Manuel U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Swimming

T:10.5"

At the Olympic Games Rio 2016, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Manuel emerged as the first African American woman to win gold in swimming – inspiring the team of tomorrow to take the plunge after her. Xfinity honors Simone and every Black athlete who has and will continue to make a difference on and off the field. To see their stories and more just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote.

Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. ©2021 Comcast. The use of Olympic Marks, Terminology and Imagery is authorized by the U.S. Olympic Committee pursuant to Title 36 U.S. Code Section 220506.

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Tracey Massey's Road To Art THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Tracey Massey’s upstairs studio on Arthur Street is small and neat, covered wall to wall with art. Newspaper clippings, year-old paintings and black and white photographs of old New Haven buildings greet the occasional visitor. Works in progress are propped up against the floor, table, and shelves. A vaccination card peeks out, crisp and white, near a collage of butterflies in flight.

Everywhere, there are reminders of friends and family members who have left the world—and everywhere, there are reminders of life.

Massey, who turned 49 on Monday, is on a mission to spread her artistic footprint across the city after years of raising four children and rediscovering the visual arts. After graduating from New Haven Adult & Continuing Education and starting a small boutique business, she wants to spend her next decades giving back to the community that raised her.

“I want my art to be an inspiration to other people,” she said in a recent interview at her home studio in the Hill.

“Other artists, other people. You know, especially young people—and adults too—who just don’t believe in their art or think that they’re artists. You don’t need anyone to tell you that you have a talent or gift.”

Massey’s dedication to the arts began decades ago in the city’s Newhallville and Dixwell neighborhoods. Born in New Jersey, she moved to New Haven in the early 1980s, when she was seven years old. Her mother and nine siblings lived on Winchester Avenue, and then moved to the Elm Haven projects, also known as the Ashmun High Rise/Low Rise.

As a student at the now-defunct Win-

chester School, she fell in love with learning, from weekly Friday spelling bees and weather reports to wet clay and pottery wheels in her art classes. Her music teacher, longtime education advocate Lydia Bornick, exposed her to Nina Simone. Her gym teacher, Ms. Sylvia Hare, would go out of her way to make sure students were completing assignments and getting the support that they needed at home.

The New Haven of her childhood was “so much about the village,” she said. After school, Massey, her siblings and their friends went to the old Dixwell Community Q House and Dixwell Avenue UCC for dance and drum classes. After teachers took her to the Yale Repertory Theatre, she realized she wanted to be on the stage and began choreographing dances for school assemblies. One, set to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” was so popular that she still remembers performing it multiple times for the whole school.

“We had so much,” she said, sifting through old report cards and photographs that she keeps in folders and boxes. “To me, you never wanted to grow up and you never wanted to leave New Haven.

I thought New Haven was the best place in the world.”

After fifth grade, her mother moved the family back to South Carolina, a small town with dirt roads called Conway, in an effort to protect her children from the crack epidemic that was ravaging New Haven. Massey had never seen the South before, and struggled with the move. Even years after Brown v. Board of Education, she said, de facto segregation remained the law of the land. She said she survived only thanks to the kindness of a few teachers who opened their classrooms.

“I didn’t know until later on that it was

because I was a little Black girl coming from the North,” she said. “I didn’t even know what the word Yankee meant. I would hear that term a lot. Oh, ‘she’s a Yankee, she’s a Yankee.’”

Massey stayed in South Carolina through high school. During the summers, she would visit her brother and aunts in New Haven, staying with them in the Church Street South Apartments. She was determined to get back to the city full time, she said.

But the path, which had once included college and a budding career in arts and music, wasn’t one she expected. When she was 17, she became pregnant with her first child. She left Conway for Myrtle Beach, and held onto the dreams of making it back home to New Haven.

Six years and another daughter later, she did. When Massey returned to New Haven in the 1990s, she enrolled her kids Sharod and Rahkiya in the city’s public schools, excited for them to have the same experience that she had. Massey

also met her husband, Michael Massey, on Congress Avenue 25 years ago. The two had two more daughters, Mikalla and Trayonna Massey, who became young artists themselves.

Massey found a city that had changed dramatically, she said. She didn’t feel the same emphasis on “the village” that she’d been so aware of as a kid. Arts opportunities seemed fewer and farther between.

For years, she thought about going back to school, but found that work and parenting always got in the way.

Still, she held fast to the arts: she took her kids to local art galleries and museums, dance performances, and theaters.

She signed them up for library cards when they were still in diapers and brought them downtown each summer for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. The art bug rubbed off on them too: her son Sharod started making his own clothes as a kid. Her daughter Trayonna later started to make jewelry and is studying to become a hair stylist.

“When you’re an artist or you love art, that’s something you can never get away from,” Massey said. “Even if you put a pause on it and you’re not doing it. You’re just attracted to it. Wherever it is, I have to be there. I have to see it. I have to be in the room. Even if I’m not doing it, I have to be a part of it. It does something to my soul, to my spirit.”

In 2017, Massey went back to school at the New Haven Adult & Continuing Education Center, where she was able to finish her GED and graduate two years later. In her classes, she fell back in love with art, drawing in different media for the first time in years. She became a neighborhood ambassador at Long Wharf Theatre, where a performance of Pride & Prejudice brought her to tears.

Through the Yale Repertory Theatre’s former Will Power! Program, she soaked in performances of Cadillac Crew and Father Comes Home From The War before the pandemic hit New Haven. She

Whalley Businesses Tackle Loitering, Drugs

by MAYA MCFADDEN

New Haven Independent

Two Whalley Avenue restaurant owners have noticed a lot of business taking place outside their new storefront. Unfortunately, it’s not the kind of business they had hoped for.

During a bimonthly Whalley Avenue Main Streets Committee (MSC) meeting Thursday evening via Zoom, the husband-wife business duo discussed witnessing panhandling in their restaurant, and drug deals and drug overdoses right outside of their shop on a daily basis.

The Whalley Avenue MSC is made up of city staffers, residents, and local business owners working together to revital-

ize commercial corridors like Whalley Avenue. During regular meetings the committee members provide updates on redevelopment plans and issues that business owners face with discussion on possible solutions in order to keep the corridor business friendly.

The duo own a restaurant on the 300 block of Whalley Avenue. The couple asked the committee for solutions to the restaurant’s daily concerns like drug use and public urination in front of the store front window.

“It happens pretty much all day,” said the husband.

Whalley MSC Chair Nadine Horton said she has been giving business owners

Nadine Horton with Steve Fontana: Helping businesses find solutions.

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the phone numbers of other city government contacts for dealing issues besides the police. Contacts include the Livable City Initiative’s neighborhood specialist.

“We can’t police our way out of this issue,” she said.

Lt. John Healy, the area’s top cop (aka district manager), agreed that a police presence isn’t always the only possible response. He pushed the committee and owners to work to provide residents with help for their substance abuse rather than seeking to have police arrest them for minor charges and releasing them the same day with a fine.

“Is there something else that we could Con’t on page 18

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Pardee-Morris Cooking Demo Goes Heavy On The Herbs

by Ivy Fan, The Arts Paper www.newhavenarts.org

In the backyard of the Pardee-Morris House, Nadine Nelson filled a pitcher with vibrant red tomato juice, neat chunks of cucumber and red onion, and plenty of lovage leaves from the herb garden behind her. She was going to be using a Caribbean spice mix, she explained to her audience. Some of them sat on the lawn in front of her; others watched online through a livestream.

“But if you don’t have it, just use what you have!” She laughed and gave the pitcher of gazpacho a vigorous shake before holding it up, audience members and chef alike admiring the swirling mix of color and vegetables.

Last Sunday, gazpacho was just one of many dishes showcased at “An Afternoon of Culinary Herbs, Cottagecore, and More,” a culinary workshop presented by the New Haven Museum at the historic Pardee-Morris House. The workshop kicked off a series of four events centered around the New Haven Museum Herb Garden. All are hosted by Giulia Gambale, who tends the colonial herb garden on the grounds.

Gambale introduced the various herbs grown there as Nelson, chef and Creative-in-Residence at the New Haven Free Public Library, incorporated the herbs into a delectable picnic spread.

Members of the public were invited to bring their own picnic spreads and join them in a cottage-core-themed epicurean experience of the past.

As guests made their way to the back

lawns of the Pardee-Morris house, they were greeted by a varied spread of cubed vegetables, earthy spices, and dark blueberry trifle in intricate cut-glass jars on a bold floral tablecloth. Slender arrangements of yellow, white, and purple flowers towered over the ingredients in tall glass vases. Nelson and Gambale greeted each of the guests warmly as they spread their blankets in the shaded grass.

Gambale took the stage first to explain the historical significance of the herb garden, composed of four garden beds in a square filled with carefully labeled plants.

During the colonial period, a similar garden would have been cultivated close to the kitchen to provide fresh herbs for the day’s meal.

She plucked several small sprigs from the garden, naming each herb and giving examples of its uses, both past and present. Feverfew, with dainty daisy-like white blossoms, remedied migraines and warded off insects. Chive flowers added aroma to meatloaf or burgers.

“My very favorite is lovage,” Gambale announced, holding up a stalk of jagged edge leaves. “Lovage makes celery taste even more bland than it already is.” She handed each guest a stem. It smelled strong and pungent, like she had said, somehow more celery than celery itself.

Another round of herb tasting earned appreciative exclamations from the audience.

Nelson stepped up to begin the cooking demonstration, framed by white flowers in her hair and the bouquets on the table.

Her inspiration for making a picnic spread came from her childhood in New Haven,

when her family used to pack a picnic and go out to a park to spend time together every Sunday. As an artist, she said, her practice also involved social engagement and relating well to nature. A picnic is the perfect way to combine the two.

Nelson prepared a menu of toss-together salads, easy sandwiches, and cold drinks perfect for the sweltering summer day, using herbs from the garden behind her.

First, she mixed a mango basil-seed spritzer, which turned out to be easier to

make than it sounded. A little mango puree, a few spoonfuls of translucent jellylike seeds, and a dash of sparkling water turned into a refreshing drink.

“I specialize in those things,” Nelson joked. “Kinda fancy but very easy.”

Next up, salads, including her signature quinoa salad with mango and kimchi.

Nelson held up each ingredient before tossing it into a large bowl, layering

colors, textures, and flavors into one giant dish. While this particular salad was Asian-inspired, she suggested changing the dressing or certain ingredients to skew it towards one cuisine or another.

Above all, she emphasized flexibility.

“I’m a freestyle cook,” she said. “I believe in showing people how to do things in a way where you can use things in your kitchen and can always adapt.”

One three-bean salad and a stuffed Italian chicken sandwich later, and her picnic feast lay ready as the audience leaned forward in eager anticipation. Each dish took inspiration from a different part of the world - Mexican, Asian, Italian - bringing together a blend of cuisines. Nelson said she loves visiting ethnic food stores and cooking international flavors, just as she encourages others to do through her business, Global Local Gourmet. In this demonstration, she hoped that seeing her cooking would make the recipes seem accessible and easy to imitate at home.

As the shade shifted across the lawn, Nelson began serving samples from her spread of food. Guests and hosts alike leaned over the table to share food and enjoy each other’s company. A photo booth captured candid moments to remember as people lounged together on the grass.

In the sun, the quinoa salad seemed almost to glisten with dressing, highlighting the yellow mangoes and pale fennel.

Sour, sweet, and crunchy, it tasted even better than it looked.

To learn more about events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit the New Haven Museum’s website.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ta-Nehisi Coates Join Howard Faculty “It is my pleasure to welcome to Howard two of today’s most respected and influential journalists,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, president of Howard University. “At such a critical time for race relations in our country, it is vital that we understand the role of journalism in steering our national conversation and social progress. Not only must our newsrooms reflect the communities where they are reporting, but we need to infuse the profession with diverse talent.

We are thrilled that they will bring their insights and research to what is already a world-class, highly accomplished team of professors.

Hannah-Jones will be joined by Coates, a multi-genre writer who was the 2015 recipient of the MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ award presented in part for his non-fiction works The Case for Reparations and the autobiographical Between the World and Me. Coates will teach in the newly reestablished HU College of Fine Arts.

According to officials, the appointments are supported by more than $20 million donated by Knight Foundation, the John

by Jarrett Carter, Sr. HBCU Digest

Acclaimed journalists Nikole HannahJones and Ta-Nehisi Coates, two of the nation’s leading voices on American intersections of race, class, politics, and culture, were today announced as the newest members of Howard University’s journalism and communications faculty ranks.

Hannah-Jones, a 2020 Pulitzer Prize winner as the architect of the 1619 Project, an anthology examining the impact of slavery on the construct of American life over 400 years, will receive full tenure at Howard following a controversial turn with the University of North Carolina’s flagship campus in Chapel Hill, which denied her tenure because of her work and recently rescinded the decision.

Hannah-Jones will serve as an endowed chair of journalism in the Cathy Hughes School of Communication and will establish the university’s Center for Journalism and Democracy, which officials say will be a training ground for journalists at historically Black institutions examing the nation’s critical areas of equity and opportunity.

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D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, as well as by an anonymous donor, to support Howard’s continued education of and investment in Black journalists.

“I am so incredibly honored to be joining one of the most important and storied educational institutions in our country and to work alongside the illustrious faculty of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications and the brilliant students it draws in,” Hannah-Jones said. “One of my few regrets is that I did not attend Howard as an undergraduate, and so coming here to teach fulfills a dream I have long carried.

I hope that the decision that Ta-Nehisi and I made to bring our talents to an HBCU will lead others to make a similar choice.”

“I heard a wise man once say, ‘A man who hates home will never be happy.’ And it is in the pursuit of wisdom and happiness that I return to join the esteemed faculty of Howard University. This is the faculty that molded me. This is the faculty that strengthened me,” Coates said.

“Personally, I know of no higher personal honor than this.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Why Are Black People Dying More With Traffic Accidents?

by Chicago Defender Staff

Black people made up the largest increase in traffic deaths in 2020 than any other racial group, Yahoo News reported, even with Americans driving less because of the pandemic and people staying home, according to recent data.

Nearly 40,000 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 — the largest projected number of deaths since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the article read.

Black people who died in these types of crashes were up 23 percent from 2019 — the largest increase in traffic deaths among racial groups, according to the administration’s report.

Norman Garrick, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Connecticut, said the numbers are devastating, but unfortunately not surprising.

“Black people tend to be overrepresented as walkers in this country,” Garrick said. “This is not by choice. In many cases, Black folks cannot afford motor vehicles. And people that walk in this country tend to experience a much, much higher rate of traffic fatality. We’re talking eight to 10 times more. It’s a perfect storm of a lot of horrible forces.”

Even at the start of the National Safety Council discovered that the emptier roads were “proving to be more deadly,” with a

14 percent increase in roadway deaths per miles driven in March. Black people are more susceptible to face traffic injuries overall; from 2010-2019, Black pedestrians were 82 percent more likely to be hit by drivers, according to a 2021 report from Smart Growth America.

Calvin Gladney, president of Smart Growth America, said the pandemic increased the longstanding issue. He said there are three primary causes that impact Black people when it comes to roadway injuries: infrastructure, design and rac-

ism.

“Predominantly Black neighborhoods are less likely to have crosswalks, warning signs and other safety road-related mechanisms,” he said in the article. And many high-speed highways are in communities of color.

“These fatalities have been going upward for a decade,” Gladney said. “You go to Black and Brown communities, you go to lower-income communities and you don’t see many sidewalks. You don’t see as many pedestrian crossings. The

types of streets that go through Black and Brown neighborhoods are like mini highways where the speed limit is 35 or 45.

You see this disproportionately in Black and Brown communities often because of race-based decisions of the past.”

“The pandemic illuminated issues that people have been ignoring,” Gladney added. “These are the same streets and the same roads that have always been there. If we have intentionality to get to racial equity and close the disparities, we actually can fix this.”

The First All-Black Orchestra to Perform at Carnegie Hall in 130 Years

Boston, Houston, Phoenix, and Detroit symphonies.

Their performance at the Carnegie Hall is a historic moment because even though the venue hosted several all-Black ensembles over the years, this is going to be the first feature performance of an allBlack classical symphony orchestra ever.

Lee Koonce, who took over as Gateways’ President and Artistic Director after Dumisani’s retirement in 2009, expressed his excitement over the historic debut.

“Gateways Music Festival’s journey to Carnegie Hall has been 28 years in the making. To be the first all-Black classical symphony orchestra to headline a performance there is momentous, especially at this time of racial reckoning in our country’s history. Hearing and seeing the Gateways orchestra on Carnegie’s revered main stage will show Black children that they can perform classical music at the highest level while reminding people of all backgrounds that this music belongs to everyone. We are grateful to Carnegie Hall for its belief in our mission and its commitment to showcasing the artistry of Black classical musicians.

It’s a sign of hope and heralds a brighter future,” Koonce told Harlem World Magazine.

By BlackNews.com

The Gateways Music Festival Orchestra is making history as the first all-Black classical symphony orchestra to do a feature performance at Carnegie Hall. It is the first time ever in the prestigious venue’s 130-year history!

The concert at Carnegie Hall will be held on April 24, 2022, which will serve as the conclusion of the 6-day festival in different venues in Rochester and New York City.

Throughout the orchestra, the musicians will perform in a full orchestral concert and participate in several chamber recitals, open rehearsals, professional development activities, lectures, panel discussions, and film screenings.

In 1993, Gateways Music Orchestra was founded by concert pianist and educator Armenta Adams (Hummings) Dumisani to bring together Black professional classical musicians. It also became a safe haven away from the discrimination many have experienced from their jobs.

Since then, it has expanded to an orchestra with around 125 musicians and instrumentalists who were also from several larger orchestras such as the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the National,

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Road To Art said that she learns from every performance that she sees.

“So many of us are still living under masters,” she said of Father Comes Home, which traces a Black American family through the Civil War. “We’re never taught to be our own leader—so many of us are still trapped. And we have to find a way to free ourselves.”

She started making time for her own art a few years ago, while still in classes at New Haven Adult Ed. Two years ago, she also joined the staff of the Music Notes Kids Club to teach art students at RossWoodward School over the summer, in a program called P.I.M.O.S.H. (People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher). That work dried up when the pandemic swept through New Haven.

She said that she is still working with the club to figure out what art classes might look like as the world begins to reopen.

During the day, Massey now works as a nanny to two kids, while plotting her next steps as an artist. At night, she steps into her studio for hours to work on her art. She is currently painting a series of ceramic angels and working on earrings and clothing designs that she can sell at craft fairs, as she did at a Juneteenth celebration last month. Inspired by the late Winfred Rembert, she has also started to tool leather.

She said that it helps her find inner peace. Prior to the pandemic, Massey lost several of her siblings. Then this year, her brother Kiwa, with whom she was especially close, passed away in March at the age of 56. She lost her niece to a heart attack in April.

She has been making painted boards, picture frames and three-dimensional collages to cope with the weight of Covid-19, including the loss of her close friend Charmaine McFadden, who died of the virus in January after picking it up at work. Often, she will work for hours alone. Sometimes, she said, her husband Michael will sit on the floor and color with her.

In her pieces, Massey has used pastels, paint, mixed fabrics and collage to tell a story of her grief—and how she moves beyond it. In the far corner of her studio, a painting of lovers peeks out, the two pressing their bodies into each other. She has kept pieces from Adult Ed: still lives of fruit and color wheels where squares of green, red and yellow are arranged beside each other. A painted motorcycle jacket hangs on the back of a door. By a window, an angel weeps in silver and blue.

“I’m still healing,” she said. “I’m healing and grieving at the same time. And what I learned to do, what’s going on in the world with everybody else, I don’t let it rile me anymore. That’s what we supposed to do. Turn something beautiful into something even more beautiful. Take our pain and turn it into something that will make you happy.”

HBCU Vice President

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

Black Mom of 3 Wins National Mother of the Year Award

heart. It comes with its challenges. It teaches you tenacity, patience, flexibility, knowing that every single day looks different. But I think those challenges make you stronger. And I can say that being a mother has made me a stronger professional, a stronger community servant. I bring everything along with that amazing maternal energy, and I get to put it into play every single day.”

Nominations for Mother of the Year® are accepted annually, Mother’s Day, May 9 – September 15, at AmericanMothers.org. For general media inquiries or to set up an interview with Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, contact news@americanmothers.org

By BlackNews.com

Dr. Mautra Staley Jones recognized for positively impacting communities around her; excellence in educational & organizational experience.

Known as one of Oklahoma’s youngest thought leaders, Dr. Mautra Staley Jones has been named the 2021 National Mother of the Year®. She was awarded this honor by American Mothers, Inc. on May 1 during their 86th National Convention held virtually this year.

American Mothers, Inc. (AMI) is an 86year old non-profit organization whose mission is to recognize mothers and their positive impact in communities through the annual Mother of the Year® award.

Jones is a mother of three and serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at Langston University and the Executive Director for the Langston University Foundation.

“I hope that being named Mother of the Year, if nothing else, serves as encouragement for other moms out there as well as people who are just going through trials and tribulations. I am a walking example that demographics don’t define your destiny,” said Jones.

She says that the honor of being recognized as the 86th National Mother of the Year is a fulfillment of a dream. “I knew that once I became a mother I wanted to just give everything I could to my children and make sure that their lives were full, and have more happy times than sad ones.”

At Langston University and through roles in various organizations, Jones has played a significant part in impacting the lives of community members, especially children and young adults. “When you have someone who understands the realities of growing up in extreme poverty, of having to really fight through and remain positive and cheerful. To remain an eternal optimist, it shows that life is what you make it. And, being a mother allows me to manifest all of that positivity,” she said. “There’s power in the words of our testimony—power to heal and help others, power to encourage or just simply give someone a spark of hope.”

For over eight decades, American Mothers has had the honor of recognizing inspirational moms from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. From these state honorees, the National Mother of the Year® selection committee selects one to be named the National Mother of the Year® annually. The committee is comprised of diverse individuals from across the country who represent the business, education, government, religious and/or non-profit sectors.

“The decision is never easy as the moth-

ers who represent each state embody all the admirable qualities for which the first Mother of the Year® was named in 1935.

We are excited to see Dr. Mautra Staley Jones join the legacy of our historic organization and the work we do. We believe she will be a strong representative to carry forward the voices of moms from across the country,” said Connell Branan, President of American Mothers, Inc. Jones said that she dedicates the honor to her late mother and her grandmother.

“Being a mother is not for the faint of

About American Mothers: American Mothers, Inc. (AMI) is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization given the responsibility of searching for and selecting the National Mother of the Year® from honorees representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Founded in 1931 as the Mothers Day Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation, AMI named the first Mother of the Year on behalf of the nation in 1935. Many outstanding individuals throughout America have served as officers, leaders, members and supporters of this organization such as Sarah Delano Roosevelt, J.C. Penney, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, Norman Vincent Peale, Congresswoman Lindy Boggs, Phyllis Marriott, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Today, their mission is to harness the power of maternal energy to make a positive impact in the world.

St. Aedan Pre School Now Accepting Applications for July!

CALL 203-387-0041

Celebrating Diversity Daily J O I N T H E T E A M T H AT T R A N S F O R M S L I V E S

*Our program is Full Day/Full Year/Open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm* *NAEYC Accredited* *Care4Kids accepted*

*Fully Licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood* **State mandated sliding scale fee based on income and family size**

Dr. James F. Acabbo, Director St. Aedan Pre School 351 McKinley Avenue New Haven CT 06515 203-387-0041

www.aces.org

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021 Con’t from page 14

Whalley

Businesses Tackle possibly do instead of calling the police?” asked the wife.

Horton said she plans to work on building connections with local groups that work with substance abuse like the Community Action Agency of New Haven to arrange a walkthrough in the area.

The couple also suggested the city cut some of the overgrown trees in front of the business that often obscure the street lights at night.

“I think that adding light is definitely going to be a very good contributing factor to deter whatever is going on,” said the husband.

City Deputy Economic Development Director Steve Fontana and Horton said they are in the process of collecting pole numbers in the area to submit to the city to get tree-trimming orders in place. The shaded area in front of the couple’s restaurant was added to the to-do list Thursday.

During the past two days, Horton said, she has heard similar concerns in meetings with other business owners in the area, like Island Spice and Paramount Liquor Store.

Horton is getting help arranging meetings with business owners like Allen McCollum from Whalley Avenue Special Services District (WASSD). The owners who deal with other issues like loitering, parking access, and littering agreed to work with the committee on proactive measures like camera use and parking signage.

During sit-downs, Horton reminded owners that they and have support from the community and are not alone.

“What benefits you benefits us,” Horton said.

Horton reported she would like to sit down with the owners of the large lot on the corner of Winthrop and Whalley Avenue, New York-based Mast Equities LLC. to push them to build on it. She said Mast Equities, which bought the property in 2000, said the construction of a synagogue is under consideration. (Mast has since sold the property to new owners in April. The couple expressed support for the idea, saying the growing Jewish community in the area could use more space for congregants to worship.

Participants in Thursday night’s meeting agreed that the recent demolition of the former Newt’s Cafe has reinvigorated the committee to continue the process of investing to improve Whalley Avenue.

Fontana describes Newt’s as the “central thorn on the side of the Corridor,” holding up progress.

Newt’s was “the one huge domino that had to fall,” said Horton. “The dam broke for everything.”

Con’t from page 05

THE QUALIFIED IMMUNITY OF WHITENESS Youth Rowing

The systemic racism in the American criminal justice system is obvious to all who care to see it. And one of its worst abuses is the policy of qualified immunity. It is not enforcement that is meant to be protected by qualified immunity; it is whiteness.

While there are tendrils of qualified immunity stretching back to the days just after the Civil War, this policy cemented a wall of protection around police forces across the county by the U.S. Supreme Court during the civil rights era.

In 1956, segregated bus terminals were held to be unconstitutional. And in1961, 15 Black and white priests, organized by the Rev. Robert L. Pierson, were arrested by local police when they entered a “whites only” section of a bus terminal in Jackson, Miss. A local judge sentenced each of the priests to the maximum four months in jail, plus a $200 fine. The charges later were dismissed on appeal. The priests then sued police Capt. J.L. Ray and two other officers under Section 1983 of the Ku Klux Klan Act for violating their constitutional rights through unlawful arrest.

The suit against the police officers made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court and was decided in 1967 in the case known as Pierson v. Ray. Chief Justice Earl Warren stunned civil rights advocates when he wrote the opinion of the Supreme Court ruling against the priests and handing down a decision that held that while police do not have absolute and unqualified immunity, they should not be held liable when acting in good faith.

Although Chief Justice Warren had come to be viewed as a champion of civil rights for all Americans, his opinion in Pierson v. Ray poisoned the well of law enforcement for people of color from that day through the present.

In this case, the racist police officers had argued that they only arrested the priests to prevent violence, while the priests argued that the officers’ intent was solely to enforce segregation in violation of the priests’ constitutional rights.

Given the history of fire hoses, dogs and batons being used to abuse African Americans of their

by Oscar H. Blayton civil rights, it is incredible that the high court could have found any credence in the version of facts presented by the racist police officers, but it did.

“Good faith” has become the “get-out-of-jail-free card” for so many vicious police officers who solemnly claim that they feared for their safety, or thought it was the best course of action to take at the time – as they stand over the body of a slain person of color.

The lack of justice in the policy of qualified immunity is glaringly obvious when a police officer of color is called to account for injuring or killing a white person.

Prior to the conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the horrendous murder of George Floyd in broad daylight and caught on cell phone video, the only Minnesota police officer to be found guilty of an on-duty killing was Mohamed Noor. Noor, who is Black, fatally shot Justine Damond, a 40-year-old white woman who had called 911 to report a possible assault of a woman in an alley behind her house. Noor testified at trial that when he and his partner arrived at the scene, he heard a loud bang against their squad car and his partner yelled, “Oh, Jesus!” Noor then testified that he then saw a blonde woman in a pink T-shirt raise her right arm outside the squad car’s open window and he then made a split-second decision to use his gun to protect his partner’s life.

No qualified immunity here. The prosecutor made a point of the victim’s blondness when arguing his case to the jury, and Mohamed Noor was sentenced to 121/2 years in prison.

In 2017, Marksville, La., Deputy Marshal Derrick Stafford was convicted in the death of a 6-year-old white boy. The boy, who was a passenger in his father’s car, was fatally shot after the father, Christopher Few, led officers on a two-mile

18

chase.

Stafford said he shot at the car because he feared Few was going to back up and hit Deputy Norris Greenhouse Jr. with his vehicle.

Stafford said Greenhouse had stumbled and fallen to the ground as he tried to back away from Few’s car.

No immunity here. Stafford was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

White fear of Blackness is a “getout-of-jail-free card” not only for the police, but for civilians as well.

In 2013, 28-year-old George Zimmerman was acquitted of murdering Trayvon Martin because the armed Zimmerman said he feared for his life during an altercation he initiated with the 17-year-old unarmed African American high school student who he had followed through his Florida neighborhood and accosted for no valid reason.

The policy of qualified immunity is a means of showing empathy for white people that is not afforded to people of color. This leads to lesser sentences for crimes or findings of innocence where there is palpable guilt.

The operative qualification in qualified immunity is whiteness.

There is no other way to account for the difference in outcomes when America’s criminal justice system weighs the actions of people of color as opposed to those of white people. While the base of qualified immunity is a floor that allows for people acting in good faith to be allowed some degree of grace, its bumpy sub-flooring is constructed of a racist bias that sees people of color as less deserving of grace.

Systemic racism has rendered the American judicial system grotesquely out of balance. Laws have been interpreted to serve an oppressive segment of our society at the expense of the oppressed. This systemic racism must be dismantled brick by brick, and the brick to start with is qualified immunity.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia. His earlier commentaries may be found at https://oblayton1. medium.com/

Program

program director and a rowing coach to help Martens prepare full programming for the Fall.

“One of Crew Haven’s key goals is to diversify the sport of rowing by making it more accessible to students of color”, said Lopez-Menzies, who lives in Connecticut and rowed on the varsity crew team at Yale. “We’re lucky that we have access to the Canal Dock Boathouse to teach young people how to row safely, and we’re excited to support Hollis in hiring experts to help augment that with academic support and mentoring.”

Martens and Lopez-Menzies stressed that the success of Crew Haven would be measured by the local community it is intended to serve. Martens intends to partner extensively with local public schools and community athletic organizations to help get more kids safely on the water.

“We love what Crew Haven is doing”, said Deirdre (Dee Dee) Hamilton, Assistant Rowing Coach and Community Outreach Facilitator at The Sound School, “The sport of rowing teaches kids that everyone is of equal importance. It’s a sport that emphasizes collaboration between peers. The fact that the Crew Haven program at Canal Dock exists, and is adding tutoring and mentoring to prepare our kids for the future, is outstanding!”

Canal Dock Boathouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Canal Dock has partnered with the City of New Haven to conduct community-oriented, waterfront boating activities at The Canal Dock Boathouse on Long Wharf. In addition to youth rowing, multiple types of recreational boating opportunities are already underway (including dragon boating, kayaking & adult rowing) and new programs are planned for the future. All programs for New Haven public school students are free. In addition, public education programs in environmental science will be a signature initiative in the near future.

CHC is a nonprofit organization that was created in January of 2021 to work hand in glove with the Canal Dock Boathouse, providing funding for the Crew Haven Youth Rowing Program and helping the Canal Dock Boathouse with strategy and execution. CHC underwrites the Crew Haven Youth Rowing Program through a combination of individual donors, outreach, grants and local New Haven events.

For more information on Crew Haven, or to enroll in the summer or Fall afterschool programs, contact Hollis Martens at hollis@canaldock.org.

INNER-CITY 27,07 2016 - August THE INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS July - July , 2021 - July02, 13,2016 2021

EnterpriseNOTICE Builders Inc.

(“EBI”), acting as General Contractor for Westmount, will receive qualified

sub-contractor proposals for the work associated with the project known as Hill VALENTINA MACRIBids RENTAL PREAVAILABLE Central (the “Project”). shallHOUSING be received viaAPPLICATIONS hand delivery, e-mail, or fax at the contact information below, on or before 3:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, July HOME INC, on bids behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, 15th, 2021.

The will be privately opened. is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Street, New Maximum income limitations The project includes theFrank construction of 64Haven. new wood frame apartment units,apinply. Pre-applications will be available 9AMdemolition.

TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y cluding related site development and from building The project will be 25, 2016 and endingPhase when 1sufficient pre-applications have constructed in phases. will be buildings 1, 2, 3, 4(approximately and associated100) sitework; been2received at the offices HOME will be mailied upon re-is Phase will be buildings 5, 6,of 7, 8 andINC. the Applications remaining sitework.

The project quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preanticipated to be Passive House. applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor,are New CT 06510.

There 55 Haven, bid packages available, including: Building Demolition and Abatement (Phase 1 and Phase 2), Temporary Fencing, Sitework, Paving, Permanent Fencing, Final Cleaning, Landscaping, Site Concrete, Concrete, Gypsum Cement Underlayment, Masonry, Steel, Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry/Casework, Wood Stairs, Siding, Air Sealing and Thermal Insulation, Asphalt Shingle RoofVALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES ing, Gutters and Downspouts, Membrane Roofing, Waterproofing, EIFS, Firestopping, Doors/Frames/Hardware, Glazing/Auto Entry Operators, New Passive HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está House Windows, Drywall, Tile, Resilient Flooring, Carpet, Painting, Signage, Toiaceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo let Accessories, Postal Specialties, Fire Protection Specialties, Residential Appliubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos ances, Window Treatments, Residential Casework and Countertops, Elevator, Fire máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Suppression, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, and Solar. Bid package instructions julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) and forms will addendum. en las oficinasbe de issued HOMEvia INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición

NOTICIA

llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Drawings can de beHOME viewedINC freeenof171 charge viaStreet, iSqFt. Please out to, CT the 06510 contacts a las oficinas Orange tercer piso, reach New Haven . below to request an invitation to bid. Documents may also be viewed at EBI’s office 46 Shepard Drive, Newington Connecticut 06111 (between the hours of 8am– 5pm), Monday through Friday where a disc with all documents may be obtained free of charge.

The project is taxable on new construction. Residential Davis-Bacon prevailing wages apply.

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

All new apartments, appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 or Sub-contractors may contactnew Brian Baril via email at bbaril@enterbuilders.com highways, bus stop shopping center phone (860) 466-5128, Justin near Caporiccio via&email at jcaporiccio@enterbuilders. com or Pet phone (860) or Mikeparties Amarena via e-mail mamarena@enterunder 40lb466–5104, allowed. Interested contact Maria @at860-985-8258 builders.com or phone (860) 466-5102 regarding the project.

CT. Owner Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer to a Deacon’s The and EBI reserve the rights accept any, all, or any part of bids; to Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates reject any, all, orChurch’s any part of bids; waive deficiencies bid rein response to the Ministry needs.to The cost is any $125.non-material Classes start Saturday, August 20, in 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. sponses, to waive minor inconsistencies; and to award the bid that in its judgment (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster will be in the best interests of the Owner.

St. New Haven, CT

EBI is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.

Section 3, Veteran-owned, S/M/W/DBE’s & DAS Certified are encouraged to participate.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour ELM byCITY COMMUNITIES until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Invitation for Bids Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Robert T. Wolfe Building Upgrade Phase 2 A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Smith Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids forAuthority Robert T.Office Wolfe28Building Upgrade Phase 2. CT A complete copyonofWednesday, the requirement may2016. be obtained from Street Seymour, at 10:00 am, July 20, Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing. cobblestonesystems.com/gateway Bidding documents are availablebeginning from the on Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 3:00PM.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED Part Time

Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 387-0354 Town of Bloomfield

Assistant Director of Information Systems & Technology

Full Time - Benefited

Seymour Housing Authority

State Moderate Rental Program MR 19, 19A, 066 and 008 Public Notice Opening of the 2 and 3 Bedroom Waiting List Effective July 1, 2020 the Seymour Housing Authority will open the 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom State Moderate Rental waiting list for a period of 90 days and it will be closed again on September 30, 2020, in accordance with its Tenant Selection and Continued Occupancy Policy. Apparently eligible applicants for the 2 and 3 bedroom list will be placed on the list as a result of a random lottery of the pool of apparently eligible applicants from the open period. The lottery drawing will be held Friday, October 30, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the lobby of the Office of the Seymour Housing Authority located at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483. There are eligible families on our 2 and 3 bedroom list at the present time, and the pool of applicants from the July, August and September 2015 open application period would be placed at the bottom of the current waiting list.

These waiting lists are for the NON-Subsidized, State of Connecticut Moderate Rental Housing so Families must first meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for this program. Maximum Income and Base rents averaging $500 or 30% of income, whichever is higher, applies for this program. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to pay the base rent, to pay utilities for the unit including oil heating, electricity and water. Applicants for the 2 and 3 bedroom list must demonstrate an ability to occupy all bedrooms based on their household composition. Please be advised that this program is not for a subsidized voucher program, such as Section 8. This program is for Low to Moderate Income State Public Housing. For more information on qualifications, please visit our web-site at www. seymourhousing.org or contact us at 203-888-4579.

Applications can be picked up from the Seymour Housing Authority at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 or requested by telephone at 203-888-4579. You may also obtain an application from our web-site at www.seymourhousing.org.

$75,909 to $117,166

ASSESSOR

Pre-employment drug testing. For details and how to apply go to www. bloomfieldct.org AA/EOE

This is a responsible technical and administrative position involving the direction of the Town of Wallingford property assessment office. The position has direct responsibility for the evaluation of real and personal property as well as for the preparation of the annual QSR STEEL CORPORATION Grand List. The qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, real estate or a related area, plus 6 years of progressively responsible assessment appraisal experience Invitationwhich to Bid:includes supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Salary: $97,023 to $124,140 nd 2 Notice annually plus an excellent benefit package. Application forms may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources Top pay for top performers. Health Old Saybrook, CTbe downloaded from the Town of Wallingford Department of Human Resources or may Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080, Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be the date (4 Buildings,Web 17 Units) the 50th application or resume is received or July 30, 2021, whichever occurs first. EOE Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, Tax Exempt & NotCTPrevailing Wage Rate Project

APPLY NOW!

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CLERK New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast- TYPIST Performs a wide variety of routine clerical duties requiring excellent computer and inin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, terpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience of a responFlooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Casework, sible nature andResidential a H.S., GED, or business diploma. Wages: $21.83 to $26.43 hourly Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Youth Services Administrator Town of Wallingford 45 requirements.

South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance full-time position.

Portland

mailed upon request form the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded

Go to www.portlandct. from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080 Fax: Bid Extended, Due Date: 5, 2016 (203)August 294-2084.

The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is org for details.

Anticipated Start: August received15, or 2016 July 7, 2021 whichever occurs first. EOE http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Town of Bloomfield THE GLENDOWER GROUP Fax or Email QuestionsII & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Maintainer - Driver Request for Proposals Project documents available via ftp link below:

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Construction Manager at Risk for Westville Manor Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER The Glendower Group is currently seeking proposals for Construction Manager at Risk

Full-time, benefited $27.94 hourly Pre-employment drug testing. For details and how to apply go to www. bloomfieldct.org AA/EOE

19

for Westville Manor. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems. com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 3:00PM.

THE INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS July - July , 2021 - July02, 13, 2016 2021 INNER-CITY 27,07 2016 - August

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Listing: HVAC Technician

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory Fast paced Petroleum Company is hiring for a full time, CT training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT HVAC Technician. License required – S-10,S-2 or S-1. ApWe offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits plicant must have experience in oil, propane, natural gas and PRE- APPLICATIONS Contact: Tom Dunay VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING AVAILABLE A/C. Competitive wage, 401(k), sign on bonus and benefits.

Send resume to: Attn: HR Manager, Confidential, PO Box 388, Phone: 860- 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Guilford,Authority, CT 06437.

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom at this devel Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to applyapartments Affirmative opment locatedAction/ at 108 Frank New Haven.

Maximum income**An limitations ap- Action/Equal Opportunity Employer** Affirmative EqualStreet, Opportunity Employer ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Listing: been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied uponOffice re- Assistant – Immediate Opening Garrity Asphalt Incduring seeks: quest by calling HOMEReclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 those hours. Completed pre Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange High Street, VolumeThird Petroleum Company is seeking a full time office and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the NorthFloor, New Haven, CT 06510. assistant. Duties include: filing, preparing mailings, and other east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits office duties as assigned. Must possess excellent attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects, computer skills a Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 plus. Send resume to: Human Resource Dept., PO Box 388, Email: rick.touGuilford CT 06437.

VALENTINAsignant@garrityasphalt.com MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply ***An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**** Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y Employer de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equip- Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has posijulio,Must 2016have hastaacuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes 100) ment.

CDL License, clean driving record, capable of (aproximadamente tions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking en las oficinas HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición operating heavyde equipment; be willing to travel throughout the candidates for 1) Quality Control (experienced preferred), 2) Ofllamando HOME INC alexcellent 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes Northeast &aNY. We offer hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits ficedeberán Clerks,remitirse 3) Truck/Scalehouse Dispatcher (experience and coma las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven CT 06510 . preferred) and 4) Equipment Operators and Laputer ,knowledge

NOTICE

NOTICIA

Construction

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

Ducci Electrical Contractors, Inc. seeks experienced PROJECT MANAGER to handle multiple large projects in the field of Electrical Construction. Full-time position. 10+ years experience in the following types of projects is preferred: Health care, Data centers, Educational, Industrial, Commercial, DOT, & Railroad. E-1 license REQUIRED. Excellent compensation and benefits package. Send resume to Ducci Electrical Contractors, Inc. 74 Scott Swamp Rd. Farmington, CT 06032 or via email at humanresources@duccielectrical.com. An affirmative action equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport

HELP WANTED:

Union Company seeks:

Invitation for Bid (IFB)

P.T. Barnum Bldg. 8 Fire Restoration Solicitation Number: 180-MD-21-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for P.T. Barnum Bldg. 8 Fire Restoration. A complete set of the plans and technical specifications will be available on June 21, 2021. To obtain Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A MANDAATTENTION TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer TORY pre-bid conference will be held at P.T. Barnum Apts. 96 Bird St., Bridgeport, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, VETERAN OR DISABILITY STATUS. 06605 on July 8, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m., submitting a bid for the project without InvitationCT to Bid: attending conference is not in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional questions nd 2 Notice 242-258 Fairmont Ave should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than July 15, 2021 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www. parkcitycommunities.org.

All sealed bids must be received by mailed or hand delivAll new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Old Saybrook, CT ered by July 22, 2021 @ 2:00 PM, to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement, highways, near bus stop & shopping center (4 Buildings,150 17 Highland Units) Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, at which time and place all bids will be Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Full Time, Benefits, Top &Pay Tax Exempt Not Prevailing Wageopened Rate Project publicly and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time.

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

borers and a Grading Foreman. NO PHONE CALLS. Please mail resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby, 06026.

NEW HAVEN

MECHANIC SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE TRACTOR TRAILER

We all have

DREAMS.

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

Let Job Corps help you achieve yours.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

St. New Haven, CT

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Now enrolling! until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 Tuition-free at its officecareer at 28training Smith Street, High school diploma programs Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the College credit opportunities Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility,Housing, 26 Smith Street Seymour. meals and medical care provided

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith For more information, visit jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-JOBS [5627] Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

New Haven County - Jesselica Rodriguez – Rodriguez.Jesselica@JobCorps.org !"#$%&'(")*+,$*-+#".&/$*0(1,)2*3*4&//2*0(,,&"*5*Conner.Kelly@JobCorps.org Waterbury and Surrounding Areas – Abdul Shabazz – Shabazz.Abdul@JobCorps.org

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfCAREERS BEGIN HERE fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

Apply: Pace, 1425 Honeyspot Rd. Stratford, EOEHousing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastNew Ext., Construction, WoodCT Framed, ELM CITY COMMUNITIES in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Invitation Casework, for Bids DRIVER CDL CLASS A Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.Fencing Improvements and Basement Abatement Essex Townhouse ThisFull contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Time – All Shifts

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is

Top Pay-Full Benefits currently seeking Bids for Essex Townhouse Fencing Improvements and Basement August A5,complete 2016 copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City ComAbatement.

EOE Please applyBidinExtended, person:Due Date: Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 munities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.

1425 Honeyspot Rd. Ext. com/gateway Project documents available via ftp linkbeginning below: on Stratford, CT 06615 http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 3:00PM. QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders AA/EEO EMPLOYER Full time Class A driver for petroleum deliveries for nights and weekends. PreTop pay for top performers. Health vious experience required. Competitive wage, 401(k) and benefits. Send resume Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

20

Listing: Commercial Driver

to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437.

********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

INNER-CITY 27,07 2016 - August THE INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS July - July , 2021 - July02, 13,2016 2021

Construction

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreNOTICE man, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide.

Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send HOME INC, behalf of Columbus House and the NewBox Haven368, Housing Authority, resume to:onPersonnel Department, P.O. Cheshire, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develCT06410. opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations ap-

Affirmative Action/Equal Employer M/F/V ply. Pre-applications will be available Opportunity from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending whenDrug sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Free Workforce been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is searching for a full-time, full-benefit salaried (Hourly) position as a Bookkeeper and H.R Manager. Applicants must have strong bookkeeping skills and experience with the Paychex Payroll System.

Applicants must also have strong skills in Accounts Payables, Excel, Windows 10, VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER DISPONIBLES Power Point, and Outlook.

A bachelor’s diplomaPRE-SOLICITUDES or 5 years of strong related working experience in subsidized housing is required. A successful candidate must be a HOME INC,have en nombre de la organizational Columbus Houseskills, y de lainterpersonal New Haven Housing está team player, excellent skills Authority, and be highly aceptandotopre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos un dormitorio en este desarrollo motivated assist the company and employees, in de a fast-pace environment.

Wage ubicado en la calle 109experience.

Frank Street,Send Newresume Haven. with Se aplican limitaciones de15, ingresos will commiserate with references

by July 2021, Las pre-solicitudes disponibles a.m.-5 Programs p.m. comenzando Martes 25 to máximos.

Yvonne Tirado, Director ofestarán Accounting and09 Special at ytirado@brisjulio, 2016 hasta han recibido pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) tolhousing.org orcuando mail tose164 Jerome suficientes Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC alof 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirseIt The Housing Authority the City ofdurante Bristolesas is an equal opportunity employer. a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status of veteran, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

Advertisement for Bookkeeper and H.R Manager.

NOTICIA

Income based affordable Rental apartment

2 bedroom, Riverview.

NEW HAVEN Contact 347-366-1204 242-258 Fairmont Ave

available in the heart of Westport.

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

(203) 387-0354 QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Town of Bloomfield Account Clerk

Economic Development Marketing Specialist Town of Wallingford Part-Time (19.5 hours per week). Dynamic municipal economic development office seeks an individual with exceptional digital marketing skills to perform a variety of confidential, responsible administrative duties in creating and implementing marketing programs to support economic development activities within the Town of Wallingford.

The successful applicant must maintain active engagement with local businesses, State of Connecticut economic development agencies, commercial real estate brokers, and other Town of Wallingford departments in order to best position the community as a destination for business expansion and relocation. The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in marketing, business administration or related field, plus one (1) year of experience in marketing, digital marketing, economic development, business development, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Wage Rate: $22.00 hourly. Cover letter and resume can be sent to: Economic Development Office, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. (203) 294-2062. Email: edc@wallingfordct.gov. EOE

Listing: Truck Mechanic Immediate opening for a full time truck mechanic. Commercial truck experience required. Work to be performed on trucks and trailers. Send resume to: Attn: HR Dept, P O Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437. **An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

Firefighter/ParamediC

Hourly Rate - $29.77 Deadline to apply 7/22/21 Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE.

The Town of Wallingford is currently accepting applications for Firefighter/Paramedic. Applicants must have: a valid CPAT card, issued within two (2) years prior to July For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org 2, 2021, HS diploma/GED, valid driver’s license and hold a valid Paramedic License that meets CT State Regulations. Applicants who are enrolled in an accredited Paramedicine training program may apply, but will not be considered for appointment Invitation until to Bid:they complete the Paramedic licensing requirement. Copies of licenses and cerState of Connecticut nd Office of Policy 2 Notice tifications must be submitted with application materials. The Town of Wallingford and Management offers a competitive pay rate of $58,377.28 to $75,262.20 annually. In addition, there is a $4,950 annual paramedic bonus plus an excellent fringe benefit package. ApOld Saybrook, CT deadline is July 2, 2021. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of plication The State of Connecticut, Office of (4 Buildings,Wallingford, 17 Units) 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT. phone: (203) 294-2080; fax: (203) Policy and Management is recruiting for a Policy Development 294-2084.

EOE. Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Coordinator position.

Further information regarding the duties, New Construction, Wood Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Casteligibility requirements and Framed, application Class A Full time driver for a petroleum and pool water company for instructions for this position is available in-place Concrete, Asphaltdeliveries Shingles, Vinyl Siding, at: for day and weekends. Previous experience required.

Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Competitive wage, 401(k).

Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= Guilford, CT 06437.

This210506&R2=1581MP&R3=001 contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

The State of Connecticut is an equal ********An Affirmative Action/Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer Bid and strongly encourages theExtended, applicationsDue Date: August 5, 2016 of women, minorities, and persons Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 with disabilities.

Opportunity Employer**********

Project documents available via ftp link below:ELM CITY COMMUNITIES http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Invitation for Bids Essex Exterior Envelope and Dwelling Unit Improvements Town ofQuestions Bloomfi eld Fax or Email & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is curAssistant HaynesAssessor Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483

rently seeking Bids for Essex exterior envelope and dwelling unit improvements. A AA/EEO EMPLOYER complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Ven-

Hourly Rate - $41.82 Deadline to apply 7/15/21

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.gov

21

dor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 3:00PM.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS July - July , 2021 - July02, 13,2016 2021 INNER-CITY NEWS 27, 07 2016 - August

The Town NOTICE of East Haven

is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Public Safety Dispatcher: $54,953.60/year HOME INC, onPolice behalf of Columbus and the New Haven Housing Authority, OfficerHouse C: $59,025/year

is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develApply online at www.policeapp.com/ opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apEastHavenCT<http://www.policeapp.com/EastHavenCT>. ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications have Tax Assessor: $98,377/ year For application(approximately information100) please been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon visit https://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civil-service-commis-request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed presion/pages/job-notices-and-tests applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third The Town of East Floor, New Haven, CTHaven 06510. is committed to building a workforce of

diverse individuals. Minorities, Females, Handicapped and Veterans are encouraged NOTICIAto apply.

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

Part Time Delivery Needed

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

One/Two Day a Week,

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) enHousing las oficinas de HOME INC. Lasofpre-solicitudes serán Elm enviadas correo a petición The Authority of the City New Haven d/b/a City por Communities is curllamando a HOME al 203-562-4663 esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse rently seeking Bids INC for VDI equipment.durante A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavena las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . housing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids VDI Equipment

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 3:00PM.

NEW HAVEN ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

242-258 Fairmont Ave Invitation for3BR, Bids1 level , 1BA 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA,

All new apartments, appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Movingnewand Storage Services highways, near bus stop & shopping center Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for moving and storage services.

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway beginning CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s on Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

Monday, May 10, 2021 at 3:00PM.

St. New Haven, CT

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Housing Coordinator FT: The Bristol Housing Authority is looking to hire a Housing Thisby is the a Full-Time position. calculaSealed Coordinator. bids are invited HousingUnion Authority of thePrevious Town ofrent Seymour tion experience with Public Housing subsidies is a must. The successful candiuntil 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, date must be organized, team player, computer literate, able to work in a fastSeymour, CT 06483 for excellent Concrete interpersonal Sidewalk Repairs at the pace environment, possess skillsand andReplacement be highly motivated Gardenshouseholds.

Assisted Living Smith Street toSmithfield assist low income HourlyFacility, wage is26 determined by aSeymour. bargaining unit Contract. Excellent benefits. Send resume with references by June 30, 2021 to Evalyn McMahon, emcmahon@bristolhousing.org. mail to Office 164 Jerome Ave., A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Or Authority 28 Smith Bristol, 06010 CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Street CT Seymour,

(203) 387-0354

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposal (RFP) RFP #2022-0903 Connecticut HIV Planning Consortium (CHPC) The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), TB, HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Section is seeking proposals from Connecticut public and private organizations and community-based agencies to coordinate and facilitate the activities of the Connecticut HIV Planning Consortium (CHPC), a public health planning body initiative.

An anticipated total of approximately $250,000 annually of state HIV Prevention funds ($220,000), and federal Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) HIV Health Care and Support Service funds ($30,000) are available to support this project. Funding will be for a five-year period beginning approximately January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2026, subject to the continued availability of funds.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal at: http://portal.ct.gov/Services/Working-with-the-State/StateContracting-Portal or from the Department’s Official Contact: Marianne Buchelli, HIV/Hepatitis C Program Director CT Department of Public Health TB, HIV, STD & Viral Hepatitis Section 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11APV Hartford, CT 06134-0308 Phone: (860) 509-8053 Fax: (860) 509-7853 Email: Marianne.buchelli@ct.gov The RFP is also available on the Department’s website at http://www.ct.gov/dph/rfp (Request for Proposals). A printed copy of the RFP can be obtained from the Official Contact upon request.

Town of Bloomfield

Deadline for submission of proposals to the DPH is: Friday August 13, 2021 by 4:00 p.m.

Custodian

$23.40/hourly (benefited)

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. Invitation to Bid: For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.gov

2nd Notice

CITY OF MILFORD Old Saybrook, CT

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Seeking qualified condidates fill 17 Units) (4 to Buildings, numerous vacancies to include, Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Deputy Assessor, Mechanic Sewer Line, Public Health Nurse New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castand more. Forin-place information and Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, detailed application instructions, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, visit www.ci.milford.ct.us Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Click on SERVICES, JOBS and This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

JOB TITLE.

Town of Bloomfi eldStart: August 15, 2016 Anticipated

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Project documents available via ftp link below:

Library Assistant I- PT http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Hourly Rate - $25.41 HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Deadline apply Haynesto Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER 6/24/21

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an equal opportunity employer. areonavailable therace, Seymour OfIt Bidding does notdocuments discriminate the basisfrom of sex, color,Housing religion,Authority age, disability, fice, of 28veteran, Smith Street, Seymour, 06483 status national or ethnicCT origin, or (203) sexual888-4579. orientation.

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/ EOE. For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.gov

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

22

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

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23

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - July 07, 2021 - July 13, 2021

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24