New Haven Independent

Everyone knew the key items in need of city approval — the zoning text change and map amendment — would pass through unanimously. (Aldermen voiced approval last month). But a roomful of activists, union reps and hospital suits showed up to City Hall to watch the gavel fall.

“Now that it is clear that the hospital cancer center will be built and approved by us,” Alderman Ed Mattison doled out some well-due thanks. “I would like to focus on the willingness of the hospital to meet us half-way,” he said, especially hospital president and CEO Marna Borgstrom, who wowed community activists by showing commitment to their concerns. “This is a great day for our city,” said Mattison before he and his colleagues called out a final round of “aye”s.

The new plan creates a BD-2 business/medical district for building the tall, dense project. The new district will include the controversial “Lot E,” a block bounded by Legion Avenue, Frontage Road, and Dwight and Howe streets, but removes “Lot 1” and “Lot X,” where the hospital originally also talked of garages.

“We are delighted that this is finally moving forward,” said Borgstrom. “It’s a great, great night and a great piece of movement for the project.”

CORD members showed up in force to see the project through. They sat across the aisle from the suited hospital executives but joined the celebratory mood.

“It feels good,” said Tony Butler (pictured at top at left), co-leader of CORD. “We’re just ecstatic that [the hospital] did meet us half-way.” But the work is not over, he cautioned. “What we’re concerned with is over the next six months, the proof is going to be put into practice.” That’s why CORD members have been circulating at neighborhood management team meetings to inform people of the commitment the hospital has made and ensure accountability.

CORD will no doubt be active in discussing transportation agreements at a public hearing on May 15, as well as in the Land Disposition Agreement, which settles the terms of the sale of Lot E to the hospital. As to the commitments the hospital made when the parties struck a deal: “It has to be written in time,” said Butler.