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RESOLUTION OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOT TO EXCEED $32,100,000 TO SUPPORT THE IMPROVEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE LONG WHARF DISTRICT ($25,000,000) AND THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT ($7,100,000).
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WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut is making available over $800 million to support transformative investments in communities such as New Haven through the Community Investment Fund (“CIF”); and
WHEREAS, as part of CIF Round 2, the City of New Haven (the “City”) is proposing an Infrastructure Improvement Project (the “Project”) that represents an essential component of the overall economic recovery of the City. The Project consists of (a) the redevelopment of the Long Wharf district according to the Long Wharf Plan and (b) value of place improvement projects in the Downtown district; and
WHEREAS, the City’s commercial districts, specifically Long Wharf and Downtown face a number of economic challenges relating to a lack of neighborhood connectivity, coastal resiliency, sense of place, and overall wellbeing; and
WHEREAS, the Project promotes new economic outcomes in the form of business formation and growth; the provision of waterfront access and amenities to underserved communities; the redevelopment of the Long Wharf Gateway district, including educational programs that have a direct benefit to career pathways for neighboring communities; the bolstering of sense of place and youth engagement through the creation of community amenities and open spaces; the increase of the local workforce and access to meaningful employment; and the promotion of growth and capacity through rebuilding said commercial centers; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 32-763 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) of the State of Connecticut (the "State") is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City make an application to DECD for Thirty-Two Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($32,100,000.00), in order to (a) redevelop the Long Wharf district by demolishing a former state community college; developing a coastal open space; redesigning Long Wharf Drive for flood resiliency; and creating a community marina ($25,000,000); (b) improve the Downtown district by installing streetscape improvements and public art; creating a café kiosk and public restroom on the Green and reconfiguring Temple Street; and constructing a family playground in the Downtown core ($7,100,000); and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City continue to pursue CIF funding in future rounds in order to continue the phased implementation of the infrastructure improvements both in the Long Wharf and Downtown Districts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the City’s Board of Alders that:
1). It is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for financial assistance imposed by Section 32-763 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
2). That the filing of an application(s) by the City for financial assistance from DECD for the benefit of the Project by the City in an amount not to exceed Thirty-Two Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($32,100,000.00) for the Long Wharf District ($25,000,000) and ($7,100,000.00) for the Downtown District is hereby approved and that Justin Elicker, Mayor of the City, is hereby authorized and directed to execute and file such application with DECD; to provide such additional information as may be required; to execute such other documents as may be required in the application process; to execute an Assistance Agreement with DECD for financial assistance (if such an agreement is offered), in the amount of $32,100,000.00 or such lesser or greater amount (if any) as may be offered by DECD (which Assistance Agreement may include an indemnification of DECD and/or the State and/or other appropriate agencies of the State); to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto; and to act as the authorized representative of the City with respect to all other matters pertaining to said application.