Update from Grace Gathering Elders

August 1, 2025

Over the past couple of years, we have mentioned the possibility of building baseball fields, and more recently, a fieldhouse on our property. We had planned to sell 12 acres for this phase one fieldhouse. 

Card & Associates (the developer) and the City of New Haven recently informed us that they have decided to develop the fieldhouse on a nearby city-owned property. Therefore, the “Fields of Grace project,” as previously communicated, is not moving forward, and Grace Gathering will retain full ownership of our entire 84 acres.

This change is primarily due to the introduction of Senate Bill 1(SB1), new legislation that affects the ability of businesses to rely on municipal support as a primary funding source. More details regarding SB1 are provided at the end of this statement.

From the start, our aim has been to position ourselves and use our land in a way that benefits the broader community—through partnerships with city leaders, local businesses, and organizations that want to see New Haven thrive. Even from the initial land purchase, we sensed that this property could be part of something bigger than ourselves, and we have always held that vision openly… that vision remains unchanged. 

Although the fieldhouse will no longer be on our property, we are pleased that the project continues to move forward in some capacity and look forward to what it might mean for the larger community. At the same time, we continue to pray and remain open to how God might use our land in the future. 

A brief summary of the impact:

After months of deliberation between our leadership, the city, and most notably, Card & Associates, the trajectory of the project shifted significantly following the introduction of Senate Bill 1 (SB1). This new legislation substantially impacted Card & Associates’ original plan to partner with the city and rely on municipal support as a primary funding mechanism.”

Original Plan (Before SB1)

  • The City planned to issue municipal bonds backed by local income tax (LIT) revenue to help finance the Fieldhouse project.
  • This municipal bond financing was central to making the project viable.

What SB1 Changed

  • Senate Bill 1 eliminates the ability for cities to use LIT revenues as bond security.
  • As a result, the City can no longer issue bonds for this project.
  • Card & Associates must now rely on private financing, which provides fewer upfront funds and changes the financial dynamics.

The city and Card & Associates are expected to announce further details about the new location later this week, tentatively on August 8th.