Hallock's Landing Grand Opening

Members of the Lincoln Senior Housing Board of Directors (L-R) Rob Novak, Jr.; Margaret Garofalo, David Pflugh, Dr. Anita Coscia, Mary LaBranche, Jack walsh, Richard Knoll, Virgina Russo, Walter Smith and Pam Ortiz.

Watch the Grand Opening here:

The work is done, and the old Derby High School had it's official Grand Opening on Sunday, October 15 as  Hallock's Landing. The City of Derby sold the Minerva Street school to Lincoln Senior Housing Inc. in 2004 for development as an affordable senior housing project. It had been vacant and boarded up for ten years. In its former life, it served as the City's high school from 1915 to 1968, a middle school from 1968 to 1984, and as Lincoln Elementary School from 1984 to 1995.

The speaking program included an introduction by Dr. Anita Cosica who introduced David Pflugh, Chairman of the Board for Lincoln Senior Housing, who served as Master of Ceremonies. He introduced U. S. Representative Rosa DeLauro who gave an enthusiastic speech in support of the project and the need for federal investment in senior housing. She was followed by Suzanne Baran fromthe U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which financed the project. tPflugh then intoduced the members of Derby's state legislative delegation, Senator Joe Crisco and Representatives Themis Klarides and Linda Gentile.During his remarks, Senator Crisco introduced Inez D'Allessio, a member of the Derby High School Class of 1927 who was in attendance and is believed to be the oldest living Derby High School graduate.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri was next on the program bringing not only the greetings of the city, but also a proclamation from Governor Jodi Rell who could not attend the Grand Opening, but wanted to voice her support.

Alan Green, President & CEO of the New Samaritan Corporation which was the sponsoring organization for the project and the parent organization for the local Lincoln Senior Housing organization which now controls the building discussed the past and future role of New Samaritan Corp. in ensuring the continuing the success of the project.

David Pflugh intoduced the Board of Directors and Dr. Coscia then presented David a plaque for his work in guiding the project to success. She also presented an award to David Berto who managed the construction of the building for the Board of Directors. Those in attendance were then given the opportunity to tour the facility.

The old gymnasium and auditorium which stood in the middle of the building were completely demolished by Naek Construction of Vernon, the general contractor of the project. In its place stands a new steel-framed structure that houses the facility's main entrance, elevator, and living space in the upper floors. The old playground area is now a parking lot.

The project was financed by a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, awarded to New Samaritan and Lincoln Senior Housing, Inc. There are 33 apartments available for needy seniors. The architect is Henry Schadler Associates of Farmington.