New Haven Independent

Posted by: wendy | October 12, 2006 10:03 AM

Sorry Bitsie. It must be a Clark(e)thing.

Posted by: Bruce | October 12, 2006 12:51 PM

Perhaps they could accomodate everyone by simply naming the entrance in her honor: "The Frances "Bitsie" Clark Construction Entrance".

Posted by: nfjanette | October 12, 2006 11:46 PM

Perhaps the sign could include a running tally of the total cost of demolition to date? Wouldn't that be fun? It sure would make the mayor and his team look incompetent - can't have that during an election!

Posted by: steve | October 13, 2006 12:43 AM

I agree with the previous person about the rising demolition costs. Remember, the closing and destruction of our regional Coliseum, it's 10,000 seat arena and convention space was a very controversial and an unpopular act.

The public still deserves a thorough investigation and uncovering of the back-door politics and promises that went in to the closing of our Coliseum in 2002. People have been awfully quiet about the dollar figures that were cited back in 2002 both in terms of operating the Coliseum and in terms of demolition costs. We originally heard $10 million in demolition costs. With the multi-year delays and all of the impacted parties, I would not be surprised if we are looking at more than twice that, $20 million in total costs for the closure, demolition, and post-demolition site work.

And by the way, why was our Coliseum really closed? Are there any predictions on when we will see a smaller Coliseum built in the future? Especially considering the plans for downtown housing and other opportunities for growth.

Posted by: pinkbicycle | October 13, 2006 7:26 PM

That coliseum weas a monster and mess. it neded to close. It never attracted the acts needed to keep it in the black. Why on eart would anyone want to go there when they could go to start of the art facilities in Hartford, Bridgeport, Wallingford. That coliseum was a mess the day it was built and I for onw and happy tose it go. All you folks nostaglic for it, would be one of the last people on earth to go see a concert there. So who are you kidding? NFjannette, you are a fool--you should move to Guilford or Madison, or Branford. Clearly you would be happier there. See ya!

Posted by: Joe | October 14, 2006 5:28 PM

Since the contract was bid out at a fixed price, there shouldn't be any change from the original budget for demolition.