New Haven Independent

Posted by: Cat@aol.com | January 24, 2008 8:46 AM

Why should the city give a national retailer (albeit owned by a franchisee)a grant to improve the facade? The malley family must be some of the most inconsiderate and greedy corporate citizens. You would think they would be able to invest a few thousand dollars to improve the facade of that building w/out relying on gov't. Do they not realize that by making the block more attractive, they might be able to attract additional tenants who are willing and able to put money in their pocket.

The city should kick their ass into putting up a decent facade and not have to be forced into providing them grants in order for them to behave. Go to any suburb in Connecticut- somehow those towns have figured out how to get these national retailers to confirm to some higher standard.

Posted by: on whalley | January 24, 2008 9:07 AM

a store that might sell "merchandise that's more meaningful to New Haveners."

There are stores downtown that are "meaningful" to New Haveners? Which ones? I haven't spent a dime downtown except for at Dunkin' Donuts going on 4 years now. I live a mile from the green and travel into North Haven, Hamden or the Post Road when I need something I don't need to order.

Downtown has absolutely nothing for me. I'm not rich so I'm not about to drop $200 on a jacket at Trailblazer or $20 for a jar of sauce at that bizarre pasta shop or throw money away at one of the far too plentiful "gallery" shops (how the hell can they afford their rents?) and I live my life from 4 AM to 10 PM monogamous and sober so the bars and clubs don't have any value to me.

What exactly downtown is supposed to "meaningful" to me, a New Havener? At the very least what around here is even remotely useful to me?

If stuck out and about down there for some ungodly reason there's at least a chance I'll go into the Dunkin' Donuts. A man can only pay too much for a cup of coffee at Willoghbys, Koffee or any of these other $5/cup joints so many times before the homicidal urges become too great to suppress.

Maybe I'm just not a "New Havener." Anybody got a house less than $125K for sale within a 30 mile radius? A man's still gotta work as long as there are property taxes to pay.

Posted by: king james v | January 24, 2008 9:09 AM

Can we get a 1500 foot limit on coffee shops? is this dunkin donuts going to have the same not-so-fresh feel as the ones on center st. and the wig district? i think i'd rather have nu-haven books back and a 40s & nip selling package store. what happened to healey's master plan of a foofier downtown?

Posted by: charlie | January 24, 2008 9:16 AM

The out-of-town Malley people do not care about the city all all. City Hall needs to set a timeline for major facade and building improvements and if nothing is done, take the Malley properties by eminent domain. Or maybe Yale should step in and buy these. They could preserve the base and build a nice glass tower over the top of them to house a new academic program.

Posted by: Tiny Tim | January 24, 2008 9:25 AM

Bah. A Dunkin' Donuts along the Green? I'm with Scott Healy. I'd rather see the storefront sit empty for a few more years. Maybe the Malley family should take some lessons from Yale. In fact Yale should buy their property and mothball it like they have the two storefronts between Ann Taylor and Richters. Preserve the sanctity of the Green at all costs!

As Yale and Healy know, when it comes to downtown storefronts it's better to have them sit empty than to bring in anything less than top-end. Simply a necessary part of the gentrification process, as we await more luxury condos and exorbitant Shartenburg rents.

Starbucks=good. DD=bad. Scott Healy=???

And could someone ask the Town Green President about the bus stops? "Those people", you know. (The ones that DD seems to be targeting.) It's totally mixed messages, what, the City spends $1.3Million for heated bus stops, but the Town Green doesn't want them drinking low-brow coffee? Maybe Bottega can sue.

Posted by: RumorHasIt | January 24, 2008 9:57 AM

Psst. Supposedly Trailblazer will be heading back to Broadway and moving into the right side of Cutlers where there is a sign saying "Open During Renovations".

No one heard this from me.

Posted by: nutmeg | January 24, 2008 10:06 AM

I just hope there's enough parking for all these new shops. God knows, we need the parking.

Posted by: pedro | January 24, 2008 10:38 AM

While I sympathize with Karyn and Scott's disappointment that "higher" end retailers are not moving down to New Haven, I don't think that a Dunkin Dounuts is the end of the world. There ARE local people who will go to Dunkin Donuts at all hours, which increases foot traffic. Why wasn't there the same consternation when Starbucks opened on the corner of Chapel and Church?



New Haven has many fine independent coffee establishments and all of them have been doing quite well, even with increased downtown competition from national chains. Koffee has two locations, the former Koffee Too has been revitalized as the Publick Cup, Willoughbys always has lines out the door every morning.



All of these are a block or two away from national chain competition, but from all accounts have been doing quite well.



I think the proliferation of small national coffee outlets are a positive sign. It's an indication that there is finally substantial foot traffic downtown at all hours to sustain them.



Yes, ideally I would like to see some more variety, particularly on the Green, however there has been an equal amount of new dynamic restaurants opening downtown, which DO bring people from out of town. I can count 3 new restaurants opening soon just off the top of my head.



Finally, I do have to wonder if the city could put some pressure on Yale, who keeps their storefronts barren looking for the "perfect" tenant. In the broadway AND chapel area they have kept many storefronts empty, some going on several years. Surely our needs would be better served with SOMETHING in those storefronts, rather than having them black and barren for years on end.



I don't see national chain interest as a negative in the city. I think there is room for both local and national chains, as well as "mundane" and "unique" stores as well. It's a very exciting time to live in this city!

Posted by: jmac | January 24, 2008 11:03 AM

On Whalley said: "There are stores downtown that are "meaningful" to New Haveners? Which ones?"

I'll give it a shot:

Let's see, Atticus, Celtica, Book Trader, Wine Thief, Yale Center for British Art Museum Store, News Haven, Cutler's, Wave, Variant 13, Goodwill, Book Trader, Yale Bookstore, Group W, Hull's...and that doesn't including food shops.

That's just my personal list.

All places where you will find things that you will never ever find at the suburban mall or strip shopping district. That makes them "meaningful" to me.

What do you want downtown? Walmart? Bed, Bath and Beyond? FYE? Home Depot? Sunglass Hut? I think between Hamden, Milford, Orange..we are pretty well covered for the chains.

How much endless duplication of those types of stores do we really need?

I'm not rich by any means either, but other than, of course, the supermarket, occasional trips to Spring Glen Hardware and Marshall's in Hamden, maybe Target once a year or something, really no need for me to ever leave Downtown for shopping.

Posted by: Esbe | January 24, 2008 11:15 AM

Yale buying the Malley estate properties is both a great idea and a big problem. Think about property owners' incentives to create blighted properties, generating enough income to pay for taxes and bare maintenance, and then simply waiting for someone to buy them out at a large premium.

If Yale or the City would pay a premium to get rid of the blight, then blight makes bucks. I am not saying that the Malley family is doing this, although if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck .... Of course Yale's best long-run response is to refuse to pay a premium, creating a stand-off.

Can a Town Green Historic District be created, with standards for facades, signage, etc?

Posted by: Ned | January 24, 2008 11:55 AM

All of the one way streets downtown don't exactly "drive pedestrian traffic" either, unless one wants to drive people to Hamden Plaza (where decent bus shelters would fill a need). Why four lanes of high speed traffic in front of the public library? Why is there no on-street parking on George St.? Leaning on a parked car, when barfing, after a night on Crown St, is easier than trying to pick oneself up from all fours. The list goes on... Dunkin Donuts is sort of the Norway Maple of "development" in CT - invasive, weedy, grows anywhere and seems tougher than the local fauna; instead of millions of samaras, you get napkins and styrofoam cups for litter. Everyone's wig looks better after a couple of 40's, a few nips and a Philly blunt; when you need to stop and style, those empty storefront windows make excellent mirrors.

Posted by: robn | January 24, 2008 12:43 PM

I heard that Dunkin Donuts is opening a bracnh inside of the second Starbucks thats in the Chapel Square Mall...and then Starbucks will be opening a kiosk within that Dunkin Donuts.

Just kidding.

Somebody recently sent me a Slate article describing how chains (like starbucks, not neccesarily excluding chains like the Dunk) enhance everyones businesses, including competitors.

http://www.slate.com/id/2180301/

Posted by: darnell | January 24, 2008 12:57 PM

Why is the city administration getting in the way of commerce. If those companies want to rent those spaces, and feel that there is a market for their goods, are hiring people, are legal, don't sell smut, and God knows are paying taxes, why should the city give a hoot?

When last I looked, this was still the free United States of America, and not the Socialist States of America, even though it is difficult to tell with all the taxes, fees, and other costs we pay to live here. When did it become American for me to own my car outright, yet year after year have to pay fee to the city to continue to own it.

It is time for a change, boot the socialist, markist, or whatever they call themselves downtown administration of King John.

Posted by: eli | January 24, 2008 1:32 PM

More wig shops!

Posted by: Hartford Johnson | January 24, 2008 2:04 PM

The Malley family is doing miracle of miracles by bringing in Dunkin' Donuts nearer to the churches. When you see the faithful line up for crullers and coffee in the Sunday a.m., out the door and around the block, you know they are providing a wonderful God-fearing service to a great many local parishioners, especially those who are chubby, and I happen to know several of the Malley family are -- religious that is. Now, granted, I was religious and chubby as well, before I dieted and became an apostate. But you won't see anyone in the church thrilled to bring Weight Watchers into that space!!

Posted by: Bill Saunders | January 24, 2008 2:15 PM

EEK! -- A BANK!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | January 24, 2008 2:45 PM

"On whalley" makes a point that I make about my area...usable vendors we want usable vendors...shops that the community surrounding those stores are able to use and benefit from. Downtown residents have a higher income so they may benifit from these shops...As whalley stated I personally could not afford to go to most of those. Although I to do go to the places that someone stated above. But to go shopping for things for the house or clothes those stores do not exist in downtown for the blue collar person. The ones that use the buses.

And I do understand leaving a place empty. There is so much more involved than just renting it. A commercial space is not like renting an apartment. Typical commercial leases are much longer. Changes to the interior and exterior are most likely necessary. And the businesses effect on the surrounding area. So I get why they are empty.

Posted by: TrueBlueCT | January 24, 2008 3:24 PM

Darnell-- I would not blame the DeStefano administration for Mr. Healy's elitist attitudes.

I'm not even sure you blame the Town Green District, as I believe that in regard to these new leases, Mr. Healy is expressing his own personal opinions, and not those of the Town Green's governing body.

Since the Town Green Special Service District is made up of downtown landlords and businesses, I'd bet most of its members would think it a good thing if the two vacant Chapel Street spaces were filled with responsible businesses like Dunkin Donuts and College Wine.

PS-- perhaps the Malley family could use that rental income to improve their property?

Posted by: darnell | January 24, 2008 4:41 PM

TrueBlu,

Karyn Gilvard works for the city administration. Healy's organization was basically founded by the city.

Posted by: Chip Croft | January 24, 2008 8:51 PM

It is really tragic for downtown retail that a bank is going to take the place of Trailblazer. Several years ago the Town Green members and merchants were lectured by Paco Underhill, one of the best, most respected retail consultants in the country. His clients include Macy's and many of the nation's top retailers. One of the things he emphasized was that banks kill retail! It is a fact that if you have retail near a bank it will do much less business than if it is not near a bank. So a bank is now going to be on one of the highest profile locations in downtown in the center of the key Chapel/College retail district. How stupid. The owners of the Taft building should be ashamed. The last place you want a bank is in the middle of the high end, core retail in downtown. How tragic for downtown retail at a time when sales are down, a recession is here, and now a killer blow by a bank to retail traffic continuity. Wonderful!

Posted by: JackNH | January 25, 2008 8:11 AM

Does everyone know that out-of-towners see all those vacant storefronts AND all our Dunkin' Donuts and ask: what is it about New Haveners and our consumption of coffee and junk food? It's a running joke in our house.

Posted by: rubicon | January 25, 2008 10:09 AM

I'm with ESBE. I don't mind D&D, but if we want the Green to look good, unqiue and somehow worth visiting (i.e., *not* like any other strip mall anywhere), then it and other retailers ought to conform to certain *reasonable* signage restrictions.

Been looking at some books on historic New Haven; the old hand-painted signs are beautiful and would add a unique character that the pink/orange backlit fluorescent just don't have...

And man, I'm sick of hearing people complain that Yale/downtown is too intent on "highbrow" stuff as if its classist, racist, whatever. If people don't want a D&D, it's because there are three others in walking distance, and that they want their city to be unique and have something that makes people want to come there. It might be a chain store, but one that has a special quality. It can serve the needs of everyday folks working downtown, but also can add something different.

Posted by: TrueBlueCT | January 25, 2008 4:40 PM

Rubicon, if there are so many coffee shops downtown, what's wrong with one more? Honestly.

And Saunders was right. If the town wants to create some special restrictions for Church and Chapel Streets surrounding the Green, they should do so. But in the meantime should we really be trying to tell a landlord who it's okay to rent to?

If so, who makes the cut? And what criteria? Let me guess yuppie stores like the Wine Thief are okay, but neighborhood establishments like College Wine are not.

Really, if The Wine Thief were moving into the old tattoo shop, do you think Scott Healy would still be having a proverbial cow?

Posted by: TGunn | January 25, 2008 7:47 PM

I just read this story and comments. People may want to know that the Malley property ownership is split between close to 32 different family members, maybe since I last checked, many of whom don't care about this property. It has been run for years by a broker. many have tried to purchase it, but reaching all parties is very difficult. I think it would be great if the economic development department made a concerted effort to contact all people with an interest in the property and explain the critical nature of the location with regards to downtown. To the best of my knowledge the department has never made the effort. However I do believe Karen Gilvarg has presented this idea. .

Posted by: ks | January 26, 2008 8:47 AM

Where are the retail stores that the CITY ( namely Mr. De Stefano) promised when they removed Radio Shack, etc. from Chapel Square Mall more than 4 years ago. I don't have problem with another Dunkin Donuts being downtown rather than having another empty storefront on Chapel St between Temple and College . The people who have a problem with it should consider opening a business where there are open storefronts and stop whining . We have to ask ourselves why the Gap and now Trailblazer have left the Taft Building. They both would have periodic sales that would fit in most people's budgets. Some of the national chains who would be a good fit for downtown on the retail hub of Chapel St. are Petco, Trader Joes, and Bon Ton and also bring back Radio Shack. These are retailers who have reasonably priced clothes, pet supplies, and food which are needed by everyone and they would diversify and fit in with the fabric of downtown and provide much needed jobs . These businesses would benefit New Haven residents, Yale students, Gateway community college students who will be coming in a couple of years, tourists, and suburbanites who either work or frequent downtown New Haven and are in need of the above items.

Posted by: Edward_H | January 27, 2008 1:21 PM

"That's very disappointing management here," responded City Plan Director Karyn Gilvarg

What is disapointing about renting to a business that will pay taxes and most likely employ locals?

Scott Healy, who heads the Town Green Special Service District, said he is dismayed to see the space rented to another chain coffee shop instead of a store that might sell "merchandise that's more meaningful to New Haveners."

Did the property managers or owners turn down other viable tenants that would more fit your vision of what types of goods, services and businesses should be allowed Downtown?

Posted by: charlie | January 28, 2008 11:06 AM

I agree TGUNN. Something needs to be done about the Malley property immediately. Because of its prominence and character, it erodes the values of other properties for blocks in every direction. It should be taken by eminent domain tomorrow.

Posted by: TrueBlueCT | January 28, 2008 5:24 PM

The world isn't ending b/c of the Malley's property, although I agree the City might ultimately need to step in through eminent domain.

What might be a better fix would be if one of the Malley's relatives became sole trustee of the property. (is that the case now, I wonder?)

Anyway, I'm sure Yale will buy it someday soon.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | January 29, 2008 8:52 AM

True Blue,
I hope Yale does not buy it. I think there should be a freeze on Yale buying anymore property! They can still grow but they should just rent. this way taxes are being payed on the space they use!

Posted by: oh man | January 29, 2008 9:48 AM

oh cedarhillresident yale pays tax on any building that isn't used for education. So even if they did buy it they'd still pay taxes on it. How is it possible you don't know that. Reading comment on this site can be so frustrating.

Posted by: JT | February 6, 2008 7:38 PM

I am certainly sad to see Trailblazers move back to Broadway. It is going to make it harder for stores such as AnnTaylor and Ann Taylor LOFT to remain downtown. This company originated in New Haven. In fact, it's very first store was in the location that Trailblazers is now moving out of.

It also saddens me that the Malley family, owners of a one time successful upper end department store in downtown New Haven, would have such complete disregard for a city that help them achieve their fortune. Scott Healy is one thousand percent correct. We need variety downtown, without variety there is not reason to continue to shop there. Let's be creative and hire someone to solicit some "name" stores. Once traffic is increased, there will be more opportunities for local businesses. Here are a few of my suggestions. We desperately need Whole Foods downtown. The city should offer what ever incentives need to be put on the table to secure them as a tenant. Secondly, there needs to be other choices for a womens clothing store, lets get a Jos. A Banks, a kitchen store, another unique gift store that compliments Wave.

This is not rocket science. There is a trend is shopping nationwide. Malls are seeing a decrease in traffic trends while downtown and village locations are seeing an increase. We have a small window of opportunity, let's take it!