In a heartwarming ceremony, Rachel Graziano, a native of New Haven, cut the ribbon to her future home at 251 West Hazel Street. This newly constructed house, developed by ConnCAT/ConnCORP, signifies a fresh start for Graziano, who currently resides in Naugatuck due to cheaper rent. By July, she’ll return to her beloved hometown, moving into a state-of-the-art residence built by her employer, ConnCAT/ConnCORP.
Graziano, alongside ConnCORP’s Ian Williams and Erik Clemons, celebrated this milestone with around 50 affiliates. The new house replaces a previously dilapidated structure, revitalizing the area and symbolizing ConnCORP’s commitment to offering high-quality housing alternatives in Newhallville. “Being a New Haven native, it means the world to me to be back in my town,” Graziano expressed, underscoring her deep connection to the community.
ConnCORP CEO Erik Clemons highlighted the significance of such developments in counteracting the trend of large landlords dominating the housing market with substandard properties. The project, costing $688,000, including a $300,000 grant from the city, stands as a testament to ConnCORP’s dedication to neighborhood investment. The three-story, two-unit house features modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable living environment for its tenants.
Graziano, handpicked as a tenant due to her dedication to her job and community, will share the building with a family of four on the upper floors. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “I’ve lived in almost every single neighborhood, from the Hill to Prospect Hill,” emphasizing her strong roots in New Haven. Now, she looks forward to decorating her new home with a minimalist black and white theme, enriched with greenery, starting with a jade plant gifted during the ceremony.
This project marks the beginning of several housing rehabilitations by ConnCORP in Newhallville, contributing to the broader redevelopment efforts in the area, including the transformation of Dixwell Plaza. By providing affor