New Haven, CT—State and City leaders today announced today that $5 million in state funding has been approved by the Connecticut Bond Commission for critical repairs and upgrades for two garages owned by the City of New Haven and managed by the New Haven Parking Authority: Crown Street Garage and Temple Street Garage.
“With all the exciting things happening downtown every day, it’s important that our parking garages and lots are upgraded to meet the needs of all the people living and visiting New Haven,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Investing in these kinds of infrastructure improvement projects will allow our city to continue attract people to our local businesses and grow our economy.”
“Convenient, safe parking garages have a direct impact on the vibrancy of our downtown scene and these improvement projects will only enhance that,” Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) said. “As chair of the General Assembly’s Energy Committee, I’m especially excited about the installation of cost efficient effective saving LED lights, the most efficient light source on the planet, which use less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer.”
“These two garages are critical to the countless commuters who use them,” Representative Toni Walker (D-New Haven) said. “The lighting projects being undertaken will improve safety while saving energy, and the other repairs will help guarantee a longer life for the garages.”
“Recognizing these investments were some of the City of New Haven’s core priorities for state assistance, I am thrilled that we are able to help refurbish and improve these facilities so that thousands of visitors, patrons, tourists and commuters can take advantage of our thriving downtown amenities,” Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven) said.
“Improvements to these parking garages reflect our commitment to economic development,” Representative Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) said. “The Crown and Temple street facilities are in the heart of New Haven’s retail and commercial districts so providing a brighter, cleaner and safer environment for motorists is critical to our local economy. I applaud the City’s legislative delegation, the Governor and Bond Commission members for approving these funds.”
“Having access to safe quality parking is a major challenge and is essential to attracting commerce and economic growth to our city. These repairs to our parking garages are much needed so that we are not turning away visitors,” Representative Robyn Porter (D-New Haven) said. “This $5 million in funding is vital to our effort to support businesses and attract people to our urban centers.”
“This investment today signifies a continued strong partnership and synergy between New Haven and our state, said Representative Al Paolillo, Jr (D-New Haven). “Being able to provide safe and secure access to parking is a key to economic development and attracting visitors to our city for the arts and the many other great shops, restaurants and attractions we have to offer.”
“All of us in New Haven are grateful for this state funding, to help the city meet its obligation to provide safe, suitable parking for all those who live, work, study, visit, and do business here,” Mayor Toni N. Harp said. “The garages to be improved, the Temple Street and Crown Street facilities, are 55 and 46 years old, respectively, with nearly 2,000 parking spaces and ready access to downtown businesses and attractions. State support to maintain these structures is vitally important—and appreciated.”
“Park New Haven is excited to advance some critical capital projects in downtown New Haven to benefit the safety, security and convenience of all who come to work, study, visit and be entertained in our City, which has so much to offer,” said Norman Forrester, Chairman, New Haven of the Parking Authority. “The new energy efficient LED lighting will offer a bright and inviting environment for our patrons. And the concrete repairs and waterproofing will help keep our structures in top condition. We deeply appreciate this much needed assistance from the State.”
The State Bond Commission is slated to approve the following items at its meeting on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.