NEW HAVEN – Much of the ground at 3800 Minnich Road, where a white tent with dozens of chairs waiting for guests late this morning, is undeveloped, its ideally summer green grass showing signs of heat stress.

That dry area, however, represents hope, resilience and the future, officials said during a groundbreaking ceremony for a $31 million fieldhouse and infrastructure to support other development.

"This project, as all of them do, had it shimy shams, it's ups and downs," said Andy Card, founder of the project developer, Card & Associates. "These projects are never easy, and it's complex to put together."

But Card said the commitment of New Haven officials, led by Mayor Steve McMichael, and other supporters is bringing the plan to fruition.

It will be "a game changing development for

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