Bond Commission OKs $47M For Infrastructure Investments In New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT — The State Bond Commission approved $47 million for New Haven for a variety of "transformative" public infrastructure investments in and around New Haven, local and state officials announced.

Those investments include improvements to Union Station, the redesign of Whalley Avenue, a Shubert Theatre upgrade, New Haven Green streetscape improvements, the expansion of the Shoreline Greenway Trail, and the redevelopment the former Goffe Street Armory.

Mayor Justin Elicker, who described the projects and initiatives as "transformative," said they will "help drive local economic growth, modernize our public transportation infrastructure, build and maintain affordable housing, improve our parks and recreational facilities, uplift our neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life of New Haven residents."

Elicker added myriad other projects to the list of what's planned with the bond funding, noting the millions in investments "touch every corner of the Elm City."

"All of these projects, though diverse in their nature and scope, share the common objective of enhancing development in New Haven and helping the city, its residents, nonprofits and businesses reach their full economic potential," state Sen. Martin Looney said. "It is gratifying to see such a large and broad financial commitment by the State of Connecticut in one of its oldest and largest cities and which serves as a regional hub for education, business, transportation and the arts."

The list of projects includes:

• $15 million for improvements to New Haven Union Station under the 2021 Let’s Go! transportation investment program. These funds will specifically be used for the design of three enhancement projects to the property, including a new multimodal hub, parking structure, and rental car facility in the West Lot; Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the existing East Lot; and the realignment of Union Avenue near Union Station to enhance traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety. The plan for redeveloping the 100-year-old Union Station can be found at: https://unionstationnewhaven.com/development-plan/

• $7 million to support projects for the Whalley Avenue corridor, including $1 million to transform transforming Whalley Avenue from a car-oriented avenue into a walkable, bikeable, and livable mixed-use community and $6 million for the Glendower / St. Luke’s Development Corporation affordable housing development project.

• $5.8 million for the New Haven Downtown Roadway Drainage Project to improve drainage and reduce flooding on Union Avenue. This will provide a partial match for a $25 million federal FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant.

• $4.99 million for upgrades to the Shubert Theatre's theatrical systems, HVAC, and elevator. The funding will support the creation of new performance space within the existing facility to provide a stage for local artists and community activity.

• $4.6 million for downtown mobility improvements in the vicinity of the New Haven Green, including the Temple Street common space to be shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, and low-speed motor vehicles, streetscaping along College Street, converting another section of Chapel Street to two-way traffic, and raised intersections.

• $3.11 million for Albertus Magnus College renovations and improvements to Celentano Field, including turf, ADA compliant bleachers and sidewalks, bike racks and public restrooms, as well as an expansion at Ralph Walker Skating Rink.

• $3 million for pre-development activities and demolition of the former Gateway Community College in support of the implementation of the City’s Long Wharf Plan on Sargent Drive.
• $2.3 million to help build a new 4.5-mile section of the Shoreline Greenway Trail from Long Wharf in New Haven to the East Haven town line.

• $950,000 for the New Haven Jewish Community Council Housing Corporation to renovate the senior living community The Towers at Tower Lane.

• $250,000 to advance community-based planning that will support the redevelopment of the Goffe Street Armory.