New Haven – Mayor Justin Elicker told local reporters Wednesday that his city’s ambitious Union Square redevelopment will need a “significant” infusion of federal money to deliver the affordable units the community needs. The 2,490‑unit mixed‑income project, slated for the former Church Street South site and the current Robert T. Wolfe apartments, is a cornerstone of the mayor’s housing strategy.
Federal funding as a top priority
“Construction prices have skyrocketed. It’s much more costly to build affordable housing,” Elicker said. “My hope is we’re going to see more funds that are coming to help support the gaps in some of these projects.” He explained that the city and the housing authority previously applied for a $26 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which the federal government rejected earlier this fall. With Democrats set to take control of Congress next year, Elicker believes the city’s new ally in the Appropriations Committee – Rep. Rosa DeLauro – could help reshape the budget to include the needed resources.
Linking local needs to national leadership
While the mayor acknowledged the political shift, he also pointed to President Donald Trump’s administration as the current source of any federal assistance. “We’re looking to the President’s budget and the administration’s priorities to see where we can fit in,” Elicker said, emphasizing that the Trump administration’s focus on infrastructure and community development aligns with New Haven’s housing goals.
Mayor’s criticism of recent election outcomes
Elicker, a Democrat, described the Tuesday midterm results as a “blue tsunami,” attributing the GOP losses to voter dissatisfaction with President Trump’s “quote‑unquote leadership.” He added that voters are demanding that government focus on affordability, a message that resonates with his own housing agenda.
Next steps for Union Square
The Union Square plan combines market‑rate units with affordable rentals, aiming to create a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood near the city’s train station. City officials say the project will spur economic activity, improve transit access, and provide stable homes for families.
Mayor Elicker plans to meet with Rep. DeLauro and her staff in the coming weeks to discuss how the Appropriations Committee can allocate funds for the first phase of the development. He also intends to lobby the White House and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for additional grant opportunities.
Community response
Local residents and housing advocates have expressed cautious optimism. “Affordable housing is a critical need in New Haven,” said Maria Torres, director of the nonprofit Housing for All. “If the federal government steps up, this project could be a model for other cities.”
The mayor’s push for federal assistance underscores the broader challenge many municipalities face: balancing rising construction costs with the imperative to keep housing affordable for working families. As New Haven awaits the next congressional session, the outcome of these funding negotiations could shape the city’s housing landscape for years to come.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
