Meridenite of the Week: Mike Buccilli

There doesn’t seem to be much down time for this 31-year-old lifelong Meriden resident; and Mike will tell you he likes it that way. When he’s not stomping grapes for homemade wine with his grandparents or hitting the links at Hunters you can find Mike participating in one of his many civic endeavors in town. 

Mike is the Vice Chairperson for the Meriden Housing Authority and is dedicated to the revitalization of downtown.

“We are more than halfway done with the renovation of Chamberlain Heights and have long range plans for redeveloping The Mills in the downtown area," he says. "Our goal is to provide better housing for residents; more of a townhouse-style housing rather than the brick style towers which aren’t nice to live in.”

As a pivotal part of the Housing Authority, Mike attends monthly meetings responsible for setting new policy and overseeing decisions regarding all the property that is administered by it. 

"I hope my piece in the Housing Authority helps change and renew downtown so that in turn creates new jobs for residents," he said.

Mike’s efforts don’t stop there. He has been a a volunteer for Project Graduation, Relay for Life, Mayor's Youth Summit, Mayor's Clean Up Day, and The United Way Day of Caring. He is also one of the founding members of the Young Business Leaders of Meriden (an affiliation of the Meriden Chamber of Commerce), and former member and ambassador for the Meriden Chamber of Commerce. His passion for his town seems to know no limitations.

By day Mike works as the Director of Career and Veteran Services at Gateway Community College in New Haven. He recently graduated from the Leadership Greater New Haven program and was chosen to give the graduating keynote speech; an honor in which he shares with our Mayor Mike Rohde.

By night he is an amateur chef; growing his own vegetables for lavish dinners he makes for his wife Juliette and their friends.

"I love cooking healthily; Middle Eastern, Italian and Asian are my favorites."

Name: Mike Buccilli

Age: 31

How long have you lived in Meriden? 31 years

What do you like best about town? I like the central location and the small-town feel. I like that it is so culturally diverse. 

What do you like least about town? Meriden over the years had so much industry and most of it has left now and hasn't been replaced with new emerging industries. There are not a lot of opportunities for residents to find work locally.

What is your favorite place to eat in town? Gianni’s on East Main Street.

What is your favorite place to visit in town? Hunters Memorial Golf Course. I visit there at least twice a week in golf season.

What is your fondest Meriden memory? Going to Cuno Camp and playing soccer and basketball with all my friends at the Boys Club. Ed Walsh Little League.

Where do you work? I am the Director of Career and Veteran Services at Gateway Community College in New Haven.