Catholic Transcript Online

HARTFORD – After four years of planning, fund-raising and renovating, the $9.1 million Cathedral Green affordable housing complex on Asylum Avenue will open its doors to tenants this month.

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell presided over a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 7 at the 53,000-square-foot former St. Joseph Cathedral School, soon to be home to 28 low-income families whose rents will be based on individual needs.

The oldest living alumnus of the former school is delighted that the 86-year-old building will be put to good use.

"That’s the greatest of all apostolic ventures. It’s the greatest of all things," said Howard T. O’Connell, 95, who attended grades six through eight there from 1925-27.

Mr. O’Connell, who was an altar server for Masses at the Cathedral of St. Joseph next door in 1924, attended the ceremonies with his wife of 65 years, Barbara. A graduate of the Juilliard School in New York and the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Mr. O’Connell also sang opera and spent 25 years as a public school music teacher.

Archbishop Mansell thanked the many individuals and groups who contributed time and money to make Cathedral Green a reality.

"I am grateful to the people of the Archdiocese for contributing each year in new record numbers to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal to make possible the seed money," he said.

Other contributors included Catholic Charities, the Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish, Connecticut Light & Power, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s Next Steps Initiative and the state Department of Social Services.

"What’s being developed here will serve as a paradigm for similar developments throughout the state of Connecticut," Archbishop Mansell said. "Many will look back on this day and see it as a very significant day, a new idea in supportive housing," he said.

Peter O’Donnell, director of fund development for Catholic Charities, said, "I think that the reality of the quality of the building is finally hitting people." He said about 50 children will be living at Cathedral Green, which for them "will be a real haven."

Rose Alma Senatore, CEO of Catholic Charities, said, "I just think it’s absolutely wonderful to think there are 28 families who were living in shelters or with family members or in crowded conditions to be able to call Cathedral Green their home."

She introduced Michael P. Starkowski, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services, which she said is providing rental assistance dollars. "We’ve been working on the homeless issue for years," Mr. Starkowski said. "This is a perfect example of how we should be addressing the problem."

Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, who personally helped one of the incoming tenants, singled out Archbishop Mansell for his steadfastness in seeing the project to its completion. "I want to thank a friend of Hartford, a person who’s made a difference every day here in Hartford. I witnessed it myself. Sometimes leaders come and go, and some of them build a legacy, and I know, Archbishop, this will be part of your legacy," he said.

Terry Nash, senior mortgage underwriter for the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, said that Cathedral Green will fulfill three major goals: to provide residents with the opportunity for personal growth and stability; to improve the neighborhood; and to contribute to the health and vitality of the city of Hartford.

Cathedral Green tenants were chosen from among 139 applicants, Ms. Senatore said. Of those, 50 names were selected by lottery, and the final 28 families were selected from that list.

Families will live in two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet. The building has high ceilings; wood floors; an on-site laundry area; a community room; and study and play areas for children. Tenants will also have access to health care, educational and other social support services through the nearby Catholic Charities Asylum Hill Family Center.

But the needs are not fully met, Ms. Senatore told The Transcript. "We could use more resources, to tell you the truth," she said. "We need resources for furnishing the apartments." Donations may be sent to Cathedral Green Furniture, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, Development Office, 839-841 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-2801.