The City Plan Commission has agreed to hold a PUBLIC HEARING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 BEGINNING AT 6:00 PM on Zoom (link and password here and at the end of this message) regarding the proposed six-story development on 873 - 897 Grand Avenue (near Olive, where Unger’s buildings are now). Please take this opportunity to share your views by presenting 3 minutes of oral testimony. You may also submit written testimony by 6:00 PM on November 7.
Background. Neighbors on Lyon Street have shared that while replacing vacant derelict properties with occupied housing is a desirable outcome, many neighbors are concerned about the proposed project for reasons that include the following:
The enormous scale (height and massing) of the proposed project on a narrow street of one- to four-story historic buildings. It will also loom over abutting two- and three-story homes behind it on Lyon Street (Please note, the actual height of the proposed building is SIX STORIES, with the 1st floor parking garage + 5 stories of apartments above, although it may be described as five stories owing to zoning semantics.)
The lack of community input into the recent zoning changes to allow a building of this height in our neighborhood
The paucity of neighborhood-wide outreach from the development team
The lack of a comprehensive zoning plan for this part of Grand Avenue, an important gateway to downtown and a connector to the Fair Haven neighborhood, as well as an important thoroughfare in the Wooster Square neighborhood
Need more information?
• The developer’s application can be reviewed here: 873-897 Grand Avenue SPR.
• Some comments on the application from City staff can be found here.
• The New Haven Independent had an article on the proposed project in June.
Ways to participate, from the City Plan Commission website:
Zoom link for public hearing: Nov. 8 at 6:00 https://newhavenct.zoom.us/j/98298328270?pwd=NHlYUE5mZTAwME9nbUpmd0lHNWNzUT09 - Passcode: Planning2
Please consider writing a letter: Address it to the 'City Plan Commission'. Include your name and address for the record. Email it to city staff 24 hours prior to the meeting: CPC@newhavenct.gov
Speak live on Zoom: When the chair opens the public hearing click the 'raise your hand' button or write staff a message using the chat feature. When it is your turn we will unmute your microphone for you. The advocacy group looks forward to hearing from you! Need help: Contact CPC@newhavenct.gov