by Paul Bass
Redfield Street and Columbus Avenue was always Jerry J. Bell’s corner. In practice.
Now it’s official.
A sign went up this month to tell the world that Redfield and Columbus is now “Jerry J. Bell Corner.”
The Board of Alders voted to name the corner based on the testimony of neighbors who have worked with Bell and benefited from his civic work since well into the last century.
His “lifetime of service has strengthened our community,” said Hill Alder Evelyn Rodriguez, who led the corner-naming quest, which culminated in an Oct. 10 unveiling ceremony. “A proud military veteran, Mr. Bell has championed affordable housing, mentored young people, supported the arts, and encourted civic participation. … His leadership has helped transform a neighborhood dumping site into a flourshing community garden.”
Born in 1929 in North Carolina, Bell moved north as a child, finally relocating to New Haven in 1956. He played a role in New Haven’s “dollar house” program, which helped working families purchase and rehabilitate homes in the Hill. For over 30 years he coordinated the Redfield Street community garden. Known as “Mr. Bell,” he organized block parties and art classes for kids, played and fixed drums with Bowen Peters Dance group, registered voters. He worked with Project MORE, the Barbell Club, the housing authority. Neighborhood kids hung out at his house; he mentored them and helped keep them out of trouble.
In 2023 he won a Senior Volunteer of the Year Award for his work gardening and promoting access to fresh produce for the Ageless Mature Adults group.
At the sign unveiling event, speakers noted how Bell played a key role in uniting Black and Latino members of the ward.
Speakers included former Alder and police commission Chair Anthony Dawson, State Rep. Juan Candelaria, Alder Rodriguez, La Voz Hispana Publisher Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, and percussionist Michael Mills.
Bell, who’s 97, was present to pull the rope to unveil the sign. He thanked people for the honor — and expressed gratitude that he was still here to participate.
“Mr. Bell has demonstrated that community service begins with a willingness to help,” read the event’s official program. “This corner naming preserves his story and offers future generations a lasting reminder of the difference one person can make through a lifetime of service.”