City of New Haven

The agenda for the Board of Alders meeting included several items requiring unanimous consent, such as authorizing negotiations with the Long Wharf Theatre for an extended event residency at the Canal Dock Boathouse, approving a street closure on College Street, and considering multiple orders concerning tax account assistance for various individuals. Communications covered the authorization to transfer ownership of 96 Prince Street, Unit 104 to the Prince Professional Center Association, Inc., the disposition of multiple properties to the New Haven Land Bank, Inc. and Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., applying for planning support services for the Coastal Program update, approving a resolution for a capital expense grant application for emergency telecommunications equipment, authorizing a lease agreement for golf carts, an Ordinance Amendment to reclassify positions within the Labor Relations Division, and authorizing an agreement with Trifecta Ecosystems for shipping containers for the New Haven Board of Education. First Readings covered approvals for collective bargaining agreements between the Board of Education and two unions, a new three-year agreement with Verizon Wireless, an Ordinance Amendment for reclassifying Library positions, and orders to read and file budgetary and financial reports for November and December 2025.

The agenda for this regular meeting includes items under Unanimous Consent involving authorization to negotiate with the Long Wharf Theatre for an event at the Canal Dock Boathouse, approval for the street closure of College Street, and multiple orders concerning assistance with various property and motor vehicle tax accounts. Communications cover the authorization to transfer ownership of 96 Prince Street, the disposition of several properties to the New Haven Land Bank, Inc. and Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., authorization to apply for planning support services for the Coastal Program update, approval for a capital expense grant application for public safety communications equipment, approval for a four-year lease agreement for golf carts, an Ordinance Amendment reclassifying positions within the Labor Relations Division, authorization for the Board of Education to enter an agreement with Trifecta Ecosystems for shipping containers, a Petition to Amend the Zoning Ordinance Map regarding 249 Legion Avenue, and additional orders concerning motor vehicle tax account assistance. First Readings include orders to approve collective bargaining agreements between the Board of Education and the School Administrators Association and the Teachers Federation, authorization for a new cellular service agreement with Verizon Wireless, an Ordinance Amendment reclassifying library positions, and orders to file budgetary and financial reports for November and December 2025. One item was noted for Leave to Withdraw concerning an agreement with ISO Claims Partners, Inc.

The agenda for the Board of Alders Regular Meeting included addressing several administrative matters and approvals. Key discussions involved approving street closures for the PLR Shamrock & Roll 5k event in March 2026 and the 2026 St. Patrick's Day parade. The Board considered approving the renaming of a street corner to honor Anne D. Hines and Hugh F. Keefe. Appointments and reappointments requiring approval included Daniel Coughlin as Chief of the New Haven Fire Department, Lee Cruz and Jeanette L. Morrison to the Board of Library Directors, and Tomi Veale to the Greater New Haven Transit District Board of Directors. Further items included an ordinance amendment concerning library budget fund reclassification and a resolution authorizing acceptance of an environmental grant for Beaver Ponds Park. The Board also addressed several orders concerning assistance with various real property tax accounts.

The committee meeting addressed two primary items requiring authorization. Item one concerned authorizing the mayor to accept a $50,000 grant over two years from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to support the Financial Empowerment Centers' legacy planning services, aimed at protecting assets and planning for the future through wills and trusts. Item two involved authorizing a commitment of $250,916 with Goodwill to coordinate and operate the city's Re-Entry Welcome Center. This center is intended to reduce recidivism, gun violence, and crime by providing services such as referral support, housing connections, and navigation of health resources for individuals returning from incarceration. The committee discussed the funding structure, the expected service capacity of approximately 500 clients in the first year for the legacy planning grant, and the role of Goodwill in offering neutral and accessible support services for re-entry.

The document packet relates to several official actions by the New Haven Board of Alders, including a Public Information Meeting scheduled for January 20, 2026. Key discussions involved Orders concerning assistance with motor vehicle tax accounts, including interest forgiveness requests from Destinee Bowden and Christmas Neustadter, and a request from David S Suarez to extend a tax payment deadline. Major communications included an Order approving the acquisition of 510 and 510A Grand Avenue for park purposes (Park at Mill River), an Order authorizing the application for and acceptance of up to $26,000,000 from the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for the Union Square Project, and a Resolution regarding allowing municipal authorities to ban the sale of nips. A significant portion of the document details the Union Square Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan, which focuses on goals related to Housing (including right to return for current residents), People (education, health, engagement, youth development, economic development), and Neighborhood (traffic calming, public places, retail, and affordable housing supply). The packet also includes documents related to a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Elm City Communities (ECC) regarding their roles as Co-Applicant and Lead Applicant, respectively, for the CNI Grant.