Erik Clemons’ company, ConnCORP, is building an ambitious, $200 million, 8-acre economic development project that’s designed to do no less than combat poverty in New Haven’s Dixwell neighborhood.
For Clemons, the move into economic development as a means of uplift was the natural extension of his 20 years of work in the nonprofit sector.
He is the leader of ConnCAT, the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology, currently based at Yale’s Science Park. ConnCAT’s mission is to inspire, motivate and prepare youth and adults for educational and career advancement through job training and youth programs.
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It has run highly successful job training programs in phlebotomy, medical billing, lab technician work and, with an 8,000-square-foot professional kitchen, culinary arts.
A new headquarters for ConnCAT will be the anchor property in the Dixwell Avenue development. It will also feature a child mental health/family center and day care; 186-unit, mixed-income apartment tower; grocery store; and food hall for local restaurants.
The second phase is expected to bring a 350-seat performing arts center, 60,000-square-foot office building and up to 15 townhomes.
The project has attracted a $16 million grant from the state of Connecticut, a $10 million loan from the William Caspar Graustein Fund and is in the process of closing on a significant bank loan. It has also received donations and philanthropic dollars. Clemons and his team are continuing to fundraise.
Clemons is originally from Norwalk, and after a career at the post office, completed his bachelor’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University.