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ORDER CONCERNING DESIGNATING THE CORNER OF BISHOP STREET AND STATE STREET AS “BOB FREW CORNER” IN PERPETUITY, FOR HIS INTEGRITY, VISIONARY LEADERSHIP, GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS, AND LIFELONG SERVICE TO THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN.
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WHEREAS: Mr. Robert “Bob” Frew, born in Scotland, devoted his life to strengthening the City of New Haven through public service, thoughtful civic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community progress; and
WHEREAS: Bob Frew served with distinction on the New Haven Board of Alders, and a
pivotal role in the revitalization of the State Street corridor, helping to shape a more vibrant, walkable, and connected neighborhood that continues to serve residents, visitors, and local businesses; and
WHEREAS: his leadership extended well beyond elected office, including his service as President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, where he helped advance equitable housing opportunities and strengthened the idea that safe and dignified housing is foundational to a thriving city; and
WHEREAS: Bob Frew was a visionary architect and educator whose influence reached across generations through his teaching at the Yale School of Architecture, where he inspired students to view design as both a craft and a public responsibility; and
WHEREAS: Bob Frew made lasting contributions to innovation and the built environment through his work in the early development of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), helping to expand the tools and possibilities available to designers, planners, and builders; and
WHEREAS: Bob Frew further underscored his commitment to education and innovation by co-founding the Computer Science Department at Southern Connecticut State University, strengthening academic opportunities and workforce preparation for students in the region; and
WHEREAS: he enriched New Haven’s cultural life as a founding member of the New Haven Branch of the Royal Country Scottish Dancers, building bridges of community through shared tradition, creativity, and cultural exchange; and
WHEREAS: the intersection of Bishop Street and State Street is a meaningful and symbolic location that reflects Bob Frew’s enduring impact on the neighborhood and the broader City of New Haven, and serves as a fitting place to honor his legacy; and
WHEREAS: it is both fitting and proper that the City of New Haven honor Robert “Bob” Frew for his lifelong commitment to civic service, housing justice, educational advancement, cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization by dedicating a public corner in his name.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE ORDERED by the New Haven Board of Alders that, in honor of his many contributions and great services to the City of New Haven, the corner of Bishop Street and State Street is hereby designated as “Bob Frew Corner” in perpetuity, so that his legacy may stand as an official and permanent reminder of integrity, generosity, creativity, innovation, and service.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking, is hereby directed and authorized to implement this Order.
BE IT EVEN FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order is hereby forwarded to the City/Town Clerk.