New Haven Independent

Engineering reports confirmed that the foundation was OK and the sea wall also passed the test. Commission staff pointed out that the developer must provide public access to the Quinnipiac River waterfront. This will be accomplished through a passage from the Front Street side of the historic building down to the water. There will be signage to indicate this on Front Street; there is an agreement between the developer and the city that public access must be provided and maintained in perpetuity.

Chairwoman Pat King, who recalled a year and a half of agonizing discussions about Vieau’s initial plans for raising the roof of the building and other, from preservationists’ perspective, draconian ideas, seemed pleased. “This has come a very long way,” she said with satisfaction. Commissioner Roland Lemar offered his congratulations.

Apart from the smile, Vieau’s only comment was that he was very, very happy.