Church Street project area, Church Street extension and Oak Street Connector in view, New Haven

Title supplied by cataloger. Dated April 20, 1961. One of a collection of photographs taken by the New Haven Redevelopment Agency to document a massive urban planning and development project undertaken from 1956 through the mid-1970s. The federally-financed redevelopment initiative was realized through a series of projects focused on particular New Haven city neighborhoods identified by street or area names. These projects involved the demolition of old structures and construction of new buildings, roadways and other facilities. Much of the area involved in the Church Street project had been characterized by a mix of small stores, restaurants, theaters and residences. As part of redevelopment, whole blocks were demolished to make way for larger modern structures such as department stores, hotels, office buildings, a mall and the New Haven Coliseum. The Oak Street (Route 34) Connector is also known as the Richard C. Lee Connector. Lee was mayor of New Haven during the redevelopment period, and a driving force behind the effort.