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CONNECTICUT MAYORS JOIN FORCES TO RECOVER DAMAGES FROM OPIOID CRISIS

New Task Force Formed to Advocate for Legislation

New London, CT – March 6, 2019 – New London Mayor Michael Passero, former state senator and current Mayor of New Haven, Toni Harp, Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson Jr. and New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart have announced that they will collectively co-chair a new bipartisan coalition, the Connecticut Opioid Strategy Task Force (COST). The mission of the coalition is to advocate for the Opioid Accountability Act, legislation that will clarify Connecticut municipalities’ abilities to seek damages from the corporations that have caused and are fueling the current opioid epidemic.  Other municipal stakeholders including The Connecticut Council of Municipalities (CCM), Connecticut Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association, Connecticut Association of Directors of Health (CADH), prevention and treatment providers and child welfare advocates are joining the coalition to amplify the message to their legislators.

All pending municipal suits were dismissed or stayed in January, making Connecticut the only state in the nation where municipalities have been denied the ability to seek damages from the corporations that they believe are responsible for the crisis in their communities. In response to this ruling, legislation has been proposed that would clarify that the injuries borne by municipalities fighting the opioid crisis are cognizable and, if proven, recoverable in court. This legislation would not upend Connecticut law or overturn precedent, nor would it have any impact on the State of Connecticut’s case. That suit could take years to resolve and, in the meantime, this legislation would simply provide Connecticut municipalities the ability to seek injunctive relief and damages.

“Every state and federal court in the nation currently adjudicating opioid cases is allowing municipalities’ claims to go forward – except in Connecticut,” said New Haven Mayor Toni Harp. “It is fundamentally unfair that this is the only state where taxpayers are forced to bear the costs of the opioid epidemic with no ability to seek recourse. Even if Connecticut eventually reaches a settlement in its suit, there is no guarantee the monies will find their way back to where the block-to-block battle to contain this epidemic is being waged. The only way to guarantee restitution on a local level is for municipalities to sue on their own behalf.”

“Connecticut communities are being crushed by the direct cost of the crisis through the increased investment in services and resources required to deal with the epidemic,” continued Mayor Passero.  “This means critical financial and personnel resources are being diverted from programs designed to meet the needs of the rest of our citizens and the entire community suffers.”

“With 50,000 people dying every year and 1,000 overdoses a day, there is no denying that this is national public health emergency,” said Mayor Stewart. “Connecticut municipalities are simply asking, as are the hundreds of other municipalities across the country that have filed suit, that the drug companies and pharmaceutical executives who made billions in profits, while leaving devastated communities in their wake, be held accountable. “

“It is important to note that this is a bipartisan issue that cuts across political, geographic and social lines to impact every community in our state,” added Mayor Dickinson.  “We encourage municipalities, fire and rescue organizations and concerned individuals to contact their representatives and encourage them to support the Opioid Accountability Act.”

To join COST or learn how to reach your state representatives, please visithttp://www.opioidscostct.com/

About the Connecticut Opioid Strategy Task Force

The Connecticut Opioid Strategy Task Force (COST) is a bipartisan coalition of municipal stakeholders advocating for legislation that will allow Connecticut municipalities to seek damages from corporations involved in the manufacture and distribution of the pharmaceuticals that are fueling the current opioid crisis in their communities. To learn more or to join the coalition please visit http://www.opioidscostct.com/

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The R&B Princess of Los Angeles, Nikia teams up with Wo Billz on her latest single, "Truth Syrum"

 

At the age of 16, Nikia released her first single "Wanna Get with You" and made some waves in the industry. She went on to write and release a Spanish crossover album which made a big hit overseas. A couple of years later, Nikia decided to broaden her horizons and take her talents across the states. During that time, she releases three albums, two EPs and five singles.

Mayor Harp to Join Students, United Way, Yale New Haven Health to Kickoff Region’s Largest Read Across America Event

NEW HAVEN—Join us this Friday morning (March 1, 2019) for a brief photo opportunity and celebration with local elementary students, Mayor Toni Harp, and officials from United Way and Yale New Haven Health. In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, over the next week, United Way is matching volunteer readers with classrooms at eight schools across the towns of Branford, Hamden, New Haven, Orange, and West Haven. Our goals are to foster a love for reading in these children at a young age, and to make reading fun!

WHAT: Kickoff press conference in New Haven

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Strong School, 130 Orchard St., New Haven, CT

WHO: United Way of Greater New Haven, Strong School Students, Mayor Toni Harp, and Yale New Haven Health

OUR 2019 READ ACROSS AMERICA SPONSORS AND PARTNERS: Yale New Haven Health, Comcast, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Ion Bank Foundation, Marcum, Quinnipiac University, Start Community Bank, The Children's Museum, Tyco Print and Promo, City of New Haven, Town of Hamden, Town of Branford, City of West Haven, and Town of Orange.

About United Way of Greater New Haven:
At United Way, we bring people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. Learn more at uwgnh.org. 

School Bus – Pedestrian Struck Accident

On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at 7:14 a.m., New Haven police officers were dispatched to Sherman Parkway at Munson Street for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a student struck by a school bus. The 14 year old student suffered bruising and swelling to a foot after the school bus had earlier driven over his foot. 

The accident occurred on Ellsworth Avenue when the student walked into the roadway as the school bus approached.  The injured student boarded the school bus and traveled for several blocks before alerting the bus driver to his injury.  

The student was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he is expected to be released soon

MAYOR HARP, YOUTH DIRECTOR TO ANNOUNCE EXPANDED STREET OUTREACH INITIATIVE AT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON PRESS CONFERENCE

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp and Department of Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett will be joined by Leonard Jahad of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program, Inc. Wednesday afternoon to announce an expanded street outreach initiative in the city – enhancing a program already credited with ‘marked reductions in community violence.’

Wednesday’s press conference is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Floor 2 of City Hall – 165 Church Street – in New Haven. Members of the press are encouraged to cover this description of an innovative, effective approach to violence mitigation among young people.

The program premise treats violence as a preventable health epidemic – one that can be addressed using evidence-based practices. More specific goals include one-on-one case management and mentoring services to help high-risk students improve attendance, advance to the next grade, and reduce in-school discipline and out-of-school suspensions.

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Telephone Scam Alert

On Monday, February 25, 2019, several people contacted the New Haven Police Department  and reported a person calling misrepresenting himself as a New Haven police officer stating he was trying to serve warrants for jury duty.  In another instance, the telephone caller claimed to be a New Haven police lieutenant trying to serve a subpoena for a grand jury indictment.  Several people complained of receiving additional telephone messages with instructions to meet this past weekend at a police substation. In most instances, the calls and messages stated money would be needed. 

The New Haven Police Department is investigating each reported telephone call as a fraud complaint.  The department does not solicit money for warrants, subpoenas, or related matters and anyone who has received such a request should contact the police department.

The investigations are ongoing and anyone with information or a complaint is asked to call the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6316

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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CITY OFFICIALS TO HOST PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY RE: PLANNED OVERHAUL OF GRAND AVE. BRIDGE

New Haven – City officials will host a public meeting Tuesday evening to provide information and describe the scope of a planned rehabilitation of the Grand Avenue Bridge. They will also be available to answer questions and participate in a discussion about details of the upcoming overhaul and potential logistical impacts.

The design of the bridge project is now at the 90% level and expected to be complete and ready for bidding advertisement by late winter. Construction is not anticipated to start until late fall 2019; once underway however, construction could last up to 24 months.

The cost for the project is currently estimated to be $25.5 million dollars, to be underwritten through a combination of federal, state, and local sources. The rehabilitation project will include new bridge abutments, approach spans, electrical and mechanical systems, and rehabilitation of the swing span itself.

Tuesday’s discussion will cover the scope of work on the bridge, bridge closure and other traffic impacts, project finances, project schedule, public amenities, business impacts, and questions from area residents and members of the public.

The city’s informational meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. – on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 – in the cafeteria of the Jepson School – 15 Lexington Avenue – in New Haven. Area residents and members of the public are encouraged to attend; members of the press are asked to publicize this meeting ahead of time and provide coverage on Tuesday.

Those interested in obtaining further information, may do so by contacting New Haven’s Engineering Department at 203-946-6417.

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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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City of New Haven Statement Concerning Tweed New Haven Airport and new working group established to explore the feasibility of a CAA-Tweed partnership

New Haven – Wednesday the Connecticut Airport Authority (“CAA”) approved a process to explore a deeper partnership between CAA and the Tweed Airport Authority. Both authorities were established by state statute in order to advance commercial and general aviation travel in the State of Connecticut.

Today’s resolution calls for the establishment of a working group to explore the feasibility of a CAA-Tweed partnership. Driven by the need for infrastructure improvements at Tweed, along with enhanced commercial air service in New Haven, the working group will study how best to coordinate efforts this legislative session to obtain funds for capital improvements, such as enhancing the main runway and continuing to deliver benefits to residents of the surrounding neighborhood. All these efforts are designed to reach a consensus of all community stakeholders.

The working group’s first task would be to understand the needs of the New Haven business community. The group would then develop a strategy for coordinating efforts during the legislative session to further advance the Tweed development initiative.

“This is a positive sign that state and local leaders are moving toward consensus about the overall importance of Tweed and the need to support the greater New Haven business community with commercial air service,” said New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp. “In the coming months, my administration looks forward to this important dialogue. We all agree a viable commercial airport will help attract and retain world class talent and to grow as a city and as a region.”

“The CAA’s interest in Tweed is indicative of the central role that New Haven plays in driving the economic engine in Connecticut. We look forward to embarking on the next chapter of Tweed’s redevelopment with CAA,” said Michael Piscitelli, City of New Haven interim economic development administrator. “It is in the collective interest of the City, State, and business community that Tweed’s capital improvements and air service development program be overseen by a measured and balanced group of state and local leadership. Today’s actions are the kind of positive collaboration that promises to move New Haven and Connecticut forward.”

The Greater New Haven Region is one of the most underserved air-travel markets in the country. More than 4 million passengers live closer to Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport than any other airport. Half of the air travelers in the region fly out of New York City or New Jersey area airports to travel by air and 38% go to Bradley. These passengers generate much needed tax revenues that could be kept in the State of Connecticut rather than leaking to neighboring states.

The new jet service to Charlotte, North Carolina and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  clearly demonstrates American’s confidence in the greater New Haven market, but there is still more work to be done to strengthen Tweed and make it the economic engine that our region so desperately needs.  In no uncertain terms, Tweed’s growth is critical to helping businesses stay in Connecticut and to helping attract new businesses from outside of Connecticut.

Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport (airport booking code HVN) is located just 15 minutes from Downtown New Haven. With free Wi-Fi, no waiting, no lines, no hassle and a matter of minutes between parking in front of the terminal and reaching the gate, Tweed is Southern Connecticut’s preferred airport. For more information visit www.flytweed.com.

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Officer Involved Shooting

New Haven | On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 5:44 PM, officers of the New Haven Police Department were working in the Hill neighborhood when they observed a wanted suspect in the area of Greenwich Avenue and First Street.

The suspect attempted to flee on foot and during the encounter, a New Haven Police Officer discharged his firearm striking the armed suspect.  Medical attention was summoned and the suspect was transported to a hospital.  The suspect was listed in critical but stable condition.  A firearm was seized at the scene.

Per the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut State Police (CSP) will conduct the investigation of the officer involved shooting.

Several streets are closed as NHPD officers are holding the scene for investigation.

Additional updates may be forthcoming from NHPD

2019 ECFFPC SAVE THE DATE EVENTS

Clickable Link to Events: https://www.elmcityfreddyfixerparade.com/fundraisers

*3rd Annual Awards Gala and Silent Auction

Thursday, March 21, 2019

5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Omni New Haven Hotel Ballroom

2nd Annual Fashion Show

Friday, May 17, 2019

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

East Rock Elks Lodge

Live Jazz Happy Hour

Friday, May 31, 2019

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

East Rock Elks Lodge

2nd Annual Dixwell Freddy Fixer Neighborhood Festival

Saturday, June 1, 2019

12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Scantlebury Park

Annual Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade

Sunday, June 2, 2019

1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Dixwell Avenue

*2019 Gala Honorees: The Bowens Family; Carlah Esdaile-Bragg; Carroll E. Brown; Erik Clemons; Kim Futrell; Chad Herzog; Leonard Jahad; Patti Lawlor; McClam Funeral Home; Nina Silva; Trinbago American Association of Southern CT; Whalley Sample Shop and; Rodney Williams. 

John Gress/Getty Images .

Mayor Harp, Transportation, & Development Officials Welcome Inaugural Flight between Tweed & Charlotte, Launching Non-Stop Service to North Carolina Hub

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. HarpJohn Gress/Getty Images Airport Authority are pleased to welcome American Airline’s new scheduled service between Tweed-New Haven Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International.   The new weekly service begins Saturday, December 22, 2018. 

Tweed has a longstanding partnership with American Airlines, which features regional jet aircraft for both its existing service to Philadelphia and this new service to Charlotte.  A newly refurbished jetbridge and gate facilities at Tweed will further improve the customer experience. 

“This new service to Charlotte will help underscore Tweed’s viability as a potential airport of choice for 1.4 million area residents,” Mayor Harp said. “The city enthusiastically welcomes all airlines and travelers, ready to enhance the passenger experience at Tweed through a convenient, no hassle, accessible airport fifteen minutes from its thriving, world class downtown.”  

“We are thrilled with this expanded service to Charlotte, thus linking New Haven to hundreds of destinations within the United States and abroad and thereby improving the economic competitiveness of the entire region,” said Ginny Kozlowski, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven.

Tomorrow’s inaugural flight, launching American Airlines’ new weekly service is scheduled to arrive at Tweed at 9:20 a.m.

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