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MONDAY & TUESDAY EVENINGS FROM 5:30 ‘TIL 7:30

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp will host ‘mayor’s night out’ events from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 6 and May 7. Details of these back-to-back constituent outreach events are as follows:

Monday May 6^th, 2019 @ Fair Haven School – 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Tuesday, May 7, 2019 @ Hillhouse High School – 5:30-7:30 PM

Mayor Harp and dozens of city officials will be available during each of these public ‘office hours’ events, during which residents are invited to ask questions, make suggestions, and otherwise address matters pertaining to New Haven and its governance.

The timing of this week’s events is particularly important while the Board of Alders considers the Mayor’s Proposed Budget for the next fiscal year, presented – with no proposed mill rate increase – March 1.

Residents’ questions and comments will be addressed by officials in city department most appropriate to the question or comment. No advance reservations or appointments are necessary.

News and media outlets are encouraged to help notify city residents ahead-of-time about the plan for this event; likewise, members of the press are invited to attend and cover these proceedings as well.

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Photo source College Street Music Hall Parking ...
parknewhaven.com

MAYOR HARP, NHCPA OFFICIALS TO HIGHLIGHT RESULTS OF NEW ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp will be at the College Street Music Hall tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1, alongside officials of the New Haven Center for Performing Arts Inc. (NHCPA), when the NHCPA will release results of its first economic impact survey.

The organization operates College Street Music Hall, which has been a significant cultural force and economic presence in downtown New Haven since 2015, when it reopened following significant capital investment in the former and then-vacant Palace Theater.

Tomorrow’s announcement is scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. at 238 College Street in New Haven.

Special guests scheduled to attend include city officials and those from the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, alongside NHCPA leadership. Highlights will be shared from a report prepared by Mark Gius, PhD, Professor of Economics as Quinnipiac University, who analyzed economic impact based on patron spending and compiled economic impact projections from data collected at College Street Music Hall and online in 2018.

The results shed light on what is working not only in New Haven, but as a model for downtown districts elsewhere in the state and nation.

Following remarks will be distribution of the full press release - including high-quality digital photo images of the venue suitable for reprint. Selected interviews to take place immediately following. Your coverage of this interactive event is most welcome.

The release falls on the eve of Connecticut Arts Day, a statewide rally with opening ceremonies to take place at College Street Music Hall. It has never before been held outside of Hartford.

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JUSTICE FOR Stephanie Washington AND Paul Witherspoon.

MAYOR HARP ISSUES STATEMENT RE: OVERNIGHT OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp this afternoon issued the following statement in the aftermath of last night’s officer-involved shooting:

“No member of the New Haven Police Department was involved in last night’s shooting incident; New Haven Police officers arrived after-the-fact to help secure and hold the crime scene, allowing investigators from the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit to gather evidence and begin their investigation.”

“At the same time, I remain gravely concerned about what transpired. I called the mother of the young woman who was shot to express my concern and wish the young woman a thorough recovery, and I pledged to work with my counterpart in Hamden and police officials from all three jurisdictions to ascertain exactly what happened, so we can work to avoid it happening again.”

“A conference call to include Mayor Leng, all three police chiefs, and me is scheduled for Wednesday morning to continue the conversation about how this happened and how to prevent anything like it from happening again.”

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NEW HAVEN POLICE ON SCENE OF OVERNIGHT SHOOTING; CSP AND PROSECUTORS INVESTIGATING

New Haven – At approximately 0420 hours, Hamden Police were investigating a report of a possible armed street robbery in that city. During the investigation, Hamden Police officers located a vehicle suspected to be involved in the area of Argyle Street and Dixwell Avenue.

A Hamden Police Officer, assisted by a Yale Police Officer, made contact with the occupants of the suspect vehicle. During this encounter, shots were fired by the police. No members of the New Haven Police Department were involved in this incident.

A female occupant of the vehicle suffered a non-life-threatening bullet wound and is being treated at a local hospital. There was also an arrest made of a male subject in connection with the incident.

The State Attorney’s office has assigned the CT State Police Major Crime Squad to take over the investigation. Any additional information about this incident will be released by The CSP and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

A crime scene is currently being held in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Argyle Street. New Haven Police are on scene to assist with securing and holding the crime scene. The area is expected to be congested while streets are closed during the investigation. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.

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DUI CHECKPOINT ANNOUNCEMENT

The New Haven Police Department Traffic Division will conduct a DUI Checkpoint beginning Friday, April 12^that 7:00 p.m. and concluding on Saturday, April 13^th at 3:00 a.m. The checkpoint location will be on College Street at George Street

Murder Warrant Signed

On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, an arrest warrant was signed for 58 year old John Henry Smith Jr. for the murder of Sherri Ruffin.  On May 4, 2017, the 52 year old victim was found deceased in her Jennings Way residence in the West Rock neighborhood.  John Henry Smith Jr.’s warrant charges are felony murder and strangulation in the first degree. Bond has been set at $3,000,000.  Smith is currently incarcerated on an unrelated case at Osborn Correctional Institute.

Now retired, New Haven Police Detective Chris Perrone and the NHPD Homicide Unit worked this case continuously over the past two years.  Detective Manuella Vensel completed the arrest warrant and submitted it to the court.

Forensic Detective Omaida Nieves and fellow members of the NHPD Bureau of Identification worked extremely hard collecting and processing vital evidence in this investigation.

Homicide Unit Sergeant Matt Merced will be working with Lieutenant Robert Maturo to facilitate the habeas of John Henry Smith Jr

Police chief: Hussle slaying involved personal dispute

Click link to see 2018 Ecfffs

Elm City Freddy Fixer Fashion show 2018

MAYOR HARP, CITY OFFICIALS: RALPH WALKER ICE SKATING RINK SET TO REOPEN LATER THIS MONTH

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees Director Rebecca Bombero, and City Engineer Giovanni Zinn announced today the planned reopening of the Ralph Walker Rink, set for Saturday, February 16.

Phase I of a thorough renovation of the facility will be complete by that time. Today, as city officials prepare to begin laying ice once again, they announced the rink will re-open in time for February break. 

Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Saturday, February 16, 2019

1:30 p.m. – Reopening Ceremony with Mayor

2:00 p.m. – Police vs Fire Hockey Scrimmage

Open Skate times to follow:

~ 4:00 p.m. (starting after scrimmage ends)

6:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Phase I renovations include:

Expanded Roof & Ice Length – now regulations size

New Views of East Rock Park

New Dasher Boards

New & More Efficient Compressor System

Updated plumbing to service existing bathrooms

The newly renovated rink will stay open through mid-March, when Phase II renovations will begin.  Phase II renovations are scheduled to include locker rooms (one to serve as the home of the new Division III Albertus Hockey team) and a new concessions building with a separate party room.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/ralphwalkericerink/

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City of New Haven plans activation of Severe Cold Wx ProtocolFROM THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN OFFICE OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS:

Due to extremely low temperatures – including dangerous, below-zero wind chill factors – forecast for later this week, Mayor Harp has directed New Haven’s emergency operations team to activate the city’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol. This activation will be effective tomorrow, Wednesday January 30^that 8:00 AM, through Friday morning 10:00 AM.

All city libraries will serve as warming centers during business hours, as will each of the city’s three senior centers, for seniors only. The public’s assistance is appreciated throughout the cold snap as these forecast, dangerously low temperatures and wind push down from Canada.

Outreach workers and members of the NHPD will help ensure homeless individuals are advised of the health risks and the availability of extended shelter hours for warming. Shelter requests can be forwarded to the State 211 info line or 911.  Please see the attached New Haven flow chart for any shelter or warming needs. Thank you.

MAYOR HARP, CITY OFFICIALS, PARTNERS TO START CENSUS PLANNING ATTUESDAY PUBLIC MEETING

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp will be joined by other city officials and representatives from partnering agencies tomorrow afternoon to kickoff the planning process for next year’s census in New Haven. The city is working with DataHaven, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and other community groups to ensure a comprehensive outreach effort ahead of the 2020 Census.

Tomorrow’s public meeting is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. in Room G-2 in the city’s Hall of Records – 200 Orange Street – in New Haven. Members of the public are encouraged to attend; members of the press corps are invited to cover and report on this important initiative.

This decennial census will have lasting impacts for the city. Census data determines the allocation of federal funding worth more than $675 billion, for programs that impact schools, health care, roads, public works, and much more.

The 2020 Census will be the first in which residents will be able to respond electronically – in any one of thirteen languages, with language guides available for 47 additional languages. Another goal will be to ensure New Haven residents take advantage of available employment opportunities at the Census Bureau. These jobs will include management positions as well as full-time and part-time field positions.

The groups said to be at greatest risk of being undercounted are low-income households, immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, young children, and those who do not live in traditional housing situations. An undercount can deprive these communities of fair representation and vital resources.

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MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK OF
MONDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2019 – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2019
All meetings with an (*) indicate a public meeting

Monday, January 28th, 2019
Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 10:00 a.m., (860) 541-3439

Labor Relations, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3, 10:00 a.m.,
(203) 946-7151

*GNH Property Owners, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 2,
6:30 p.m., (203) 387-4124

Tuesday, January 29th, 2019
*Committee on Student Elections, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3, 5:00 p.m., (203) 946-8371

*Board of Alders, Tax Abatement Committee, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Aldermanic Chamber, 5:45 p.m., (203) 946-6045

*Fair Rent Commission, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 6:00 p.m.
(203) 946-8157

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019
*CAO, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 11:00 a.m.,
(203) 946-7902

*Transportation, Traffic & Parking Working Group, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 5:00 p.m., (203) 946-8371

Thursday, January 31st, 2019
*People’s Budget Initiative, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Rooms 1&2, 6:00 p.m.,
(203) 946-7670

Friday, February 1st, 2019
No Meetings Scheduled

Monday, February 4th, 2019
*Board of Alders-Democratic Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 3. 5:45 p.m.; Public Information Caucus, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 1, 6:30 p.m.; Full Board Meeting, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Aldermanic Chamber, 7:00 p.m., (203) 946-6483

*Bereavement Care Network, New Haven City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, Meeting Room 2, 5:30 p.m.

Eastern Street Shooting Investigation

On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 9:52 PM, New Haven police officers in the area of Eastern Street heard gunshots. Callers to police directed officers to Cornell Scott Ridge Apartments at 437 Eastern Street for a person shot. 

Officers found a male 20 year old New Haven resident suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the shoulder.  The victim was transported via ambulance to the hospital.

Officers secured a crime scene which included a motor vehicle struck by gunfire.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the New Haven Police Department Detective Bureau at 203-946-6304.

Farnam Courts Shooting Investigaton

On Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 1:23 AM and only several hours after the earlier shooting, the New Haven Police Department responded to a Shot Spotter activation for gunfire in the Farnam Courts housing complex. 

Officers found a 22 year male with a gunshot wound to the pelvis.  The New Haven resident was transported via ambulance to Yale New Haven Hospital where he was listed in stable but critical condition.

Officers and detectives secured several crime scenes on Hamilton Street and Franklin Street in the new complex.

The investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304

MAYOR HARP: CITY PREPARED FOR FORECAST WINTER STORM; CITYWIDE PARKING BAN PLANNED

New Haven – Mayor Toni Harp said this afternoon city departments and city workers are prepared for the impact of a winter storm forecast for Saturday night and Sunday. The forecast includes the potential for rain, snow, high winds, and hazardous travel, to be followed by extremely cold temperatures.

To help ensure public safety and assist public works personnel with snow plowing and snow removal operations, a parking ban in Zone A (downtown area), Zone B (posted Snow Emergency Routes), and Zone C (all residential areas) will go into effect at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) Sunday. No parking ban cancellation has yet been announced.

Residents are reminded that during a parking ban, no parking is allowed on both sides of the street in Zones A and B, and no odd-side-of-the-street parking is allowed in Zone C. Parking will also be prohibited 25 feet from any fire hydrant, intersection, bus stop, or crosswalk.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to use off-street parking wherever possible. New Haven Public Schools parking lots are available to residents as posted: residents are urged to park within designated areas in those school lots.

More than 40 snow-plowing vehicles are standing by to clear the city’s 221 miles of roadway along 818 individual streets and roads, many of which will be pre-treated with a de-icing solution or brine.

Residents are urged to assist snow-clearing and public safety efforts by keeping close-to-home fire hydrants accessible. As a reminder to residents and businesses, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks along their property within 24 hours after the end of a storm.

To help vulnerable residents cope with the forecast harsh conditions, New Haven will activate its Severe Cold Weather Protocol from Saturday at 6:00 p.m. through Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. During this period the Grand Avenue warming center will be opened, and the city’s designated overnight shelters will operate with extended hours.

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