Lenzi Park

Grand and Jefferson

Private Joseph W. Lenzi. Photo courtesy *New Haven Independent*

The lot on the east side of Jefferson Street between Grand and St. John was a chicken market in the early 20th century, run by Arcangelo Pacelli, who immigrated to New Haven in 1898 at age 13 from San Salvatore Telesino in southern Italy. Selling poultry and eggs, the market served a multi-ethnic clientele. At times a rabbi would come and slaughter chickens according to kosher laws for the local Jewish community. Pacelli had four children who all worked in the store. He moved the market to Liberty Street in the Hill neighborhood before retiring. He died in 1979 at age 94.

During the urban renewal period, the site was abandoned and became a blighted lot. Acquired by the City of New Haven in the 1970s, it was developed into a city park with open space and a play area (later removed) designed by renowned landscape architect Dan Kiley. The park was named after a local Italian-American war hero, Private Joseph W. Lenzi (1922-1945), who was born across the street in 1922. Lenzi was killed in action on the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima during World War II and awarded the Silver Star posthumously for gallantry in action. Relatives of Lenzi still live in the area. The mural at the north end of the park was completed by a youth group affiliated with Catholic Charities of New Haven. The park is currently maintained by a neighborhood group, Friends of Lenzi Park.