New Haven Independent

The Corporation is pursuing community development through the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone program. “The program was approved in 2000,” Poole explained, holding a detailed neighborhood map aloft. “Now the focus is going to be on economic development and the revitalization of the commercial district along Norton and Derby.”

The second phase of the West River project, not yet implemented, contains the Dwight neighborhood. Alluding to development in the neighborhood, Poole gestured to the Dwight Central Management Team’s own plan: “Now I know what I’m about to say may shock some people, but this plan is ten years old, and it may need to be revisited.”

This comment sparked spirited debate with Florita Jones. “I have a problem when people come into my neighborhood and tell me what I want and then ask me what I need,” Jones retorted. “It’s our place and our space.”

Her view was supported by Curlena McDonald, vice-chair of the management team. “Jerry’s right [about one thing]. It’s time to look at what we need in our community. One of the real big goals is revitalizing Edgewood Avenue,” she explained, in contrast to Poole’s focus on other areas.

Ultimately, the disagreement remained largely good-natured, at least according to Poole. “People say there’s animosity between West River and [adjoining] Dwight, but it’s been a real nice relationship; I’ve been around for 15 years.”

Also on the agenda, Shirley Lawrence from the Connecticut Center for a New Economy announced that 1,800 service and maintenance workers at Yale-New Haven Hospital will vote on Dec. 20 and 21 to decide whether to join Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union. Lawrence urged everyone at the meeting to support the bid to unionize.

Dwight resident Pedro Nelson Reyes asked whether there was any support from hospital administrators for the campaign. “They don’t want the workers to have a union. It’s the workers who are doing the work” to make the election happen, Lawrence responded.

There were other, somewhat less contentious announcements at the meeting. “The neighborhood is pretty stable, and violence is down,” Lt. Ray Hassett reported.

“I have to credit the Light the Night Program,” continued Hassett, referring to a United Illuminating program to improve lighting in public spaces. “When you set the tone with a bright light, it really makes a difference.”

Despite the generally positive news, Lt. Hassett did warn residents to take special care during the holiday season: “Street robberies pick up. Don’t hesitate to report anything suspicious. It shows that everyone is watching.”

Dwight residents at the meeting clearly valued the strong police involvement in their community. Sheila Shanklin spent the last 15 minutes of the meeting collecting signatures on a card to congratulate Ray Hassett on the recent birth of a son.