Whitney Ave. Improvement Project underway, New Haven Seniors Rental Rebate, and CT Automatic Admission Program

September 24, 2025


 


I was proud to take part in the announcement of the two-year Whitney Ave. Improvement Project that will reduce car traffic and add bike lanes in an effort to improve safety on this busy main thoroughfare. There is a park and numerous elementary schools within a three block radius and these improvements are designed to slow cars down and create safer conditions for pedestrians.

Whitney Avenue, one of the city’s busiest arteries, is about to undergo a long-planned $13.2 million makeover of nearly its entire 1.5-mile length. About 10,000 vehicles use Whitney Avenue daily.

The project will span two phases. Construction on the first phase (from the New Haven-Hamden line to Canner Street) which began last week is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

The second phase will run from Canner Street to Trumbull Street, two blocks from where Whitney Avenue begins at Grove Street in downtown New Haven, and is projected to be completed in 2027.

The project is funded through the state Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program. It is part of the city’s and CT DOT’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and commuting options for all users.

New Haven Seniors Rental Rebate

Apply now for the New Haven Seniors Rental Rebate, applications are due by Tuesday, September 30. Click here to find a full list of required documents and to start an application in English or Spanish or call 203-946-8550 to get in touch with a Elderly Services Specialist.

Connecticut Automatic Admission Program

Attention Connecticut high school students! Earning good grades may lead to automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities through a new state initiative that makes applying to college easier.

Launched in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is available to all graduating seniors in the state who have at least:

  • A 3.0 weighted GPA or
  • A 2.75 unweighted GPA

With just one application, students are automatically admitted to 10 participating colleges and universities, and the program eliminates common barriers by waiving application fees, essays, and recommendation letters. CAAP is administered by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App, which helps streamline the college application process for eligible students. 

Participating colleges and universities include:

  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Albertus Magnus College
  • Goodwin University
  • Mitchell College
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of Hartford
  • University of New Haven

After students apply through the Common App, eligible applicants will receive acceptance letters notifying them of their admission and encouraging them to enroll in one of the participating schools. The process requires only one application form and has no application fees.

The application period for Connecticut high school seniors planning to start college in the 2026-2027 academic year is currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026.

All high school students in Connecticut are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Click here for more details and application instructions.

Northeast Public Health Collaborative

Several Northeastern states and New York City have formally launched the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a voluntary regional coalition aimed at improving coordination, sharing resources, and strengthening public health capacity and emergency preparedness.

Purpose & Goals:

  • Promote evidence-based public health
  • Build trust in vaccines and science
  • Ensure equitable access to services
  • Protect public health through data-driven decisions
  • Joint planning on emergency preparedness, vaccines, data, labs, and workforce
  • Coordinated guidance for healthcare workers during respiratory virus season
  • Collaboration for 2026 FIFA World Cup public health readiness

The first in-person meeting was held this past August in Rhode Island. The states retain independence and may adapt initiatives to local needs. This collaborative aims to reimagine public health through shared innovation while respecting local autonomy.

Click here for more information.

Child Passenger Safety Week

Fair Share Rally

Movies in the Plaza

Movies in the Plaza, free Wednesday night movie screenings through October in downtown New Haven’s beloved, cozy Pitkin Plaza (145 Orange Street)! 

Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and some takeout from a local spot, and spend an evening under the stars enjoying blockbusters, nostalgic blasts from the past, cult favorites, family films, and more.

Next screening is of In the Heights on Wednesday, September 24 from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Fiesta Latina

Click here for more information on Fiesta Latina.

Click here to register for a walk.

NHPD Clergy Academy

Community leaders are invited to take part in the NHPD Clergy Academy. This free five-week program is designed to strengthen communication, understanding, collaboration, and respect between New Haven residents and the police.

UPDATE! The first meeting of the New Haven Police Department Clergy Academy has been moved from Thursday, October 2nd, to Tuesday, September 30th, to accommodate Yom Kippur.

All other sessions will remain the same: Thursdays from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., October 2nd through October 30th at the New Haven Police Training Center (200 Wintergreen Ave).

To apply contact Sergeant David Stratton at dstratton@newhavenct.gov.