Neighbors Riled By Planned DSS Move

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by Thomas MacMillan & Allan Appel | Jan 31, 2012 8:44 am

(25) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Fair Haven

Paul Bass Photo Thomas MacMillan Photo Although officials won’t talk about it openly, neighbors have been told the state welfare office is moving from Newhallville’s Bassett Street to James Street in Fair Haven—and they’re not happy about it.

Frank Redente, co-chair of Ward 15 Fair Haven Democratic ward committee, said he met in early January at 370 James St. with Gary Letendrea, representative of Acorn, the company that owns the building; Acorn’s lawyer Mark Sklarz; architect Gerald Kagan; and Carlos Eyzaguirre of the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven. The group talked openly about the fact that the state is planning to move a Department of Social Services (DSS) office to the first floor of the building.

Other city officials said they’re under the understanding that the Bassett Street operation is moving to James Street, in part for better parking and more room for clients, who now often fill the Bassett sidewalk.

A contract has not yet been signed to seal the deal. While officials have acknowledged in public meetings that employees would move from Bassett Street to James, they have been unwilling to talk about the details of the plan on the record.

Allan Appel Photo Neighbors like Redente and longtime Fair Haven community leader Norma Franceschi have decried the plan. They said the neighborhood cannot handle the increased traffic that would come with the large number of DSS clients who would visit the office every day. Those traffic and parking problems can be seen at the current New Haven DSS office on Bassett Street, where double parking is not an unusual sight.

“Our client, 370 James Street, LLC, is negotiating with a prospective tenant, and I do not feel it is appropriate to identify that party or comment further upon the negotiations at this time,” said Sklarz.

A spokesperson from the Department of Administrative Services, which is handling the deal for the state, declined to comment.

Eyzaguirre also declined to speak about the deal, and referred questions to Acorn.

A security guard outside the DSS office on Bassett Street, however, acknowledged the impending move. “Wow, word travels fast,” he said.

He said employees at the Bassett Street office have not been told much about the deal beyond the fact that it’s in the works..

Zoners OK

Thomas MacMillan Photo Meanwhile, two city zoning boards have helped lay the groundwork for the deal with recent planning permissions.

While the rest of the building is zoned for office use, the bottom floor of 370 James St., where DSS would move in, is not. The building owner has sought and secured city permission for office use on the ground floor.

The upper levels of the building house a variety of businesses and social service agencies, including New Haven Family Alliance, Cyclone Microsystems, and the state Department of Developmental Services. Across the street is the Amistad Academy charter school.

At Dec. 13 meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance for the building to allow office use in an industrial zone. It did so with the added condition that the City Plan Commission’s required site plan review be a public hearing.

At the BZA meeting, Sklarz said that the project will include $3.5 million in improvements to the building so that 180 employees could move from Bassett Street to James Street.

A City Plan Department advisory report to the BZA stated only that the state Department of Administrative Services “is considering leasing the entire first floor and a portion of the second to expand their services in the New Haven area.” It does not make any reference to DSS.

The BZA approval came over the objections of Redente, Franceschi, and local Alderman Ernie Santiago, who testified at the meeting.

Redente, who’s lived nearby at the corner of Lombard and Main streets for 31 years, told zoners that the proposed use was not compatible with the density and residential character of the neighborhood.

Santiago said the owners hadn’t shown the community what the benefit to the neighborhood would be. He said he’d received numerous concerned phone calls from his constituents. He asked the board to delay a decision.

This month, the City Plan Commission unanimously approved the plan, despite testimony from Santiago and Redente about traffic concerns.

Redente said last week that he doesn’t feel he was listened to at either the BZA or the City Plan Commission meeting. “It was rubber stamped by the city.”

“It’s not good,” he said. “But they just stuffed it down our throat.”

Redente said his objection is not to the presence of DSS, but only to the traffic problems its presence would cause. He did say he has concerns about people loitering there. “That’s going to bring trash” like cigarette butts, he said.

Traffic Trouble?

The plan for 370 James includes the closure of a driveway on James Street across from the Amistad School that accesses a parking lot alongside the building with space for several dozen cars. A new driveway to access the lot would be created around the corner on Humphrey Street, between the highway overpass and the corner of James.

The parking lot for DSS would be separated by a fence from the much larger parking lot in the rear of the building, where there is room for hundreds of cars to park.

While he praised the closure of the James Street driveway as a way to make the street safer for Amistad students, Redente said the Humphrey Street driveway is a bad idea. Everyone coming off the highway at Exit 5 or 6 would go south on James Street, turn right on Humphrey, and then have to cut across east-bound traffic to turn left into the new DSS office, he said.

At the City Plan Commission meeting, City Plan Department Director Karyn Gilvarg said that before recommending the plan her staff also had questions about the proximity of cars emerging from the overpass area. A traffic study was done; the results satisfied City Plan staff that the distances and sight lines would not compromise safety.

The traffic plan includes a shoulder on Humphrey so that cars coming from the west can pull over to make the turn in, while vehicles continuing to James Street would stay to the center.

“We did not find any significant change in service” as a result of the plan, was the conclusion of Sharat Kalluri, the traffic engineer with SCM Smith, who was retained by James LLC

Landlord’s attorney Sklarz was at pains to say that “DSS is a prospective tenant,” and that no lease has yet been signed; there were several references to DSS in the discussion between the applicants and the commissioners.

City Plan Commission Chairman Ed Mattison queried how many “ins and outs” were likely from the proposed driveway on Humphrey.

Kagan replied that there are 20 or so parking spots at the DSS office on Bassett Street, and they are never filled. The redesigned lot with access from Humphrey will have 31 or 32 spots.

Redente said he and Santiago stayed up late into the evening on the night before the City Plan Commission to come up with an alternative traffic plan to pitch to the City Plan Commission. They came up with the idea that visitors to DSS should access 370 James St. from the other side, by way of John Murphy Drive. That would lead them into the main lot behind the building.

Architect Kagan, whose firm is located at 370 James, said Santiago’s and Redente’s plan was a non-starter because keeping that lot separate from the smaller lot adjacent to Humphrey is basic to the design.

Santiago was disappointed. “John Murphy Drive has no kids. It’s perfect,” he argued.

Outside the hearing room after the unanimous vote approving the plan, Fair Haven District Manager Sgt. Anthony Zona said, “I welcome new businesses to Fair Haven,” but he added that he worries about double parkers, “like on Bassett.”

“If it’s a public safety issue, we’ll address it,” Zona said.

City Plan Chief Gilvarg said while her department’s concerns had been met, or it would not have approved the plan, she intends to keep her eye on the project.

She said if there are accidents or for whatever reason someone wants to revisit the issue, any citizen can file complaint or application through the Complete Streets process. “It’ll have to be separate,” she said.

Redente was not mollified. He said he will speak to a lawyer. He later said he decided not to attempt a lawsuit.

“You can’t fight City Hall, he said.

Comments

posted by: r on January 31, 2012 9:32am

This recalls a plan a couple yrs ago to bring a major drug treatment facility to FH, though this sounds like it will have an even greater impact. Why solve problems in one location only to create them elsewhere - here? I feel like the city’s trying to ruin FH rather than save it, sometimes. the traffic on Grand is horrible and dangerous, and the areas getting on and off the highway can be bad, too. This is too congested and busy and area for these kinds of crowds.

posted by: cedarhillresident on January 31, 2012 9:33am

my thought was right on this area! If you want to make money buy in this community now while the propertys cheap. Gentrification in all its glory!

With that said own property on this end of fair haven unload it fast!

posted by: streever on January 31, 2012 11:01am

Newhallville can use jobs and offices. I wish the State would work with the community to improve their location in Newhallville and expand there, rather than leave.

posted by: anon on January 31, 2012 11:56am

Moving it here is a good idea - more central with better bus service.

However, additional curb cuts are a horrible idea. The neighborhood is already difficult enough to navigate by foot, by bike, or by bus.

Why do those in charge look at everything from the point of view of a driver?

The trash issue can be addressed if DSS agrees to subsidize additional sidewalk cleaning service. Blight is also unacceptable and another reason why people don’t walk - though the trash is not something that city or state officials, who all drive here, would notice.

A lot of this city’s problems can be solved if people were just willing to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Unfortunately, the elite plan everything and make all decisions.

posted by: Theresa on January 31, 2012 5:41pm

DSS hires 2 extra duty officers everyday. Instead of sitting inside on their cell phones and laptops one of them should be outside dealing with loiterers and double parked cars. It’s the least they can do for the money they get paid.

posted by: Bella Donna Bracegirdle Sackville on January 31, 2012 7:32pm

And what’s the State/City/Yale plans for the building ? It has to have a plan ? You are not going to leave it to the rats or R2-auto shop next door are they ?

posted by: Antonia on January 31, 2012 9:37pm

this is answering what anon wrote, first of all is not that they are looking like drivers. You have to understand that nobody walking would hurt a student from the school or from the day care. so before you make comments think about what they were thinking the which is the safety of the kids. as of the trash maybe you could talk to DSS and ask for that extra money to keep the sidewalk clean, because you might not see it as you drive by, but people that live and own properties would notice because the garbage will be in front of their house. so if you don’t know what you are talking about don’t say anything.

posted by: Claudia Herrera on January 31, 2012 9:53pm

Very un-happy.

Santiago and Frank what you where thinking? Did you shared these plans with the community that lives in that area?
New alderman y chairman that DO NOT speak with the community. Two leaders are nothing with the support of 100’s of residents.

I will call my neighbors to make them aware of this already made deal. Thanks a lot Frank for your communication with us, You know were I live what happen? IS NOT businesses say is the quality of life in Fair haven!! The traffic is just to start of the numerous of problems we are going to have with so much people coming to such a narrow space ugh! to upset to keep complaining.

posted by: Nancy on February 1, 2012 1:04am

anon,

Crazy, maybe, but why should DSS subsidize sidewalk cleaning/street sweeping? Why should not the residents of the neighborhood get together for outings during which they each pick up litter around the area, effectively stating their presence in the neighborhood and to encourage good behavior? I’m interested in your response to this idea.

Thanks in advance,
Nancy

posted by: Snoopy on February 1, 2012 11:26am

I think the move is great and should have been done long ago. The much needed space, additional parking a great asset to DSS. Definitely WTG.

posted by: Chris O on February 1, 2012 12:11pm

Nancy - The business and its clients that generate the trash should be responsible for not only maintaining but be proactive a positive force to offset its probable impact on the community. Basset street is kept clean by neighbors who get paid a small stipend by the building owner. The man who gets this stipend then uses the money to help his neighbors because he has time and a big heart.

posted by: Frank Redente on February 1, 2012 1:40pm

life67

posted by: Frank Redente on February 1, 2012 6:42pm

Claudia,
... Alderman Santiago and I distributed more than 100 flyers, stating what was happening at 370 James Street. I suggest you get more involved with your neighborgood and the meetings. ...

posted by: Santiago on February 2, 2012 10:31am

Claudia,I am disappointed at your comments toward Frank and myself…. HOPEFULLY WE’LL SEE YOU IN THIS MONTH’S MEETING.

posted by: cedarhillresident on February 2, 2012 10:57am

lalala
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slChilGsRiU

this all part of a larger plan for the newhallville area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentrification

living in an if-y area (and an amazing location) when we think about fixing the area up, we tread on egg shells. We learned from what happen to Nash street folks. Fix it up to nice it will cost to much for those that fought for it to live there. I am thinking they already have future plans for the basset street building.

Claudia I am so feeling for you right now. Post cards should of went out for such a DRASTIC thing not just flyers. This is a major thing for a community. And the word shanghi come to mind when we see how this happened…welcome to new haven…how much did these people that own the James street building invest in the elections? Hey new alderman!!! You are suppose to be PROTECTING THE PEOPLE THAT VOTED YOU in. Do you feel you have done that???

posted by: cedarhillresident on February 2, 2012 1:34pm

sorry did not get all my post in….

map of location of new DDS office.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/happypixie36/Untitled-2.jpg

one does has to wonder how it will effect upper state once the state street bridge opens. were was the involvement of this alderman? Is it justin or jessica?

posted by: Santiago on February 2, 2012 3:35pm

cedarhillresident, Frank,Norma,and myself did everything possible to inform,and protect the residents.We went to the zoning hearing and to the city planning hearing, but if the residents do not go to the meetings there’s not much we can do.

posted by: cedarhillresident on February 2, 2012 3:54pm

Santiago,

I do not live in fair haven or your ward. but right around the corner. This is the first I have heard of this. And I am speaking to alot of others who where totally unaware of this. There may be that fine line of we did it right. but this still stinks to me. Have contacted my alder and two others and will discuss it with them.

REMINDER: ALDERMEN are elected to REPRESENT the residents of thier wards! to go to meeting s and protect there best interest. Again do you feel you protected the people that voted you in?

posted by: cedarhillresident on February 2, 2012 4:02pm

reread you last reply after I posted…so you said but if the residents do not go to the meetings there’s not much we can do.? Did you ask 8, 9 and 10 to help? (considering they will all be effected (at least a part of there wards?) Did they even know? I do not belive 100 flyers even made it to peoples doors! Who in the aldermadic house did you talk to about this? or did we did a little as possible to how it would slip by with out anyone doing anything.

posted by: Jairus on February 2, 2012 5:54pm

I have lived in Ward 14 for several years, and commute by way of Lombard on a daily basis. This article was the first that I have heard of any of this, however I have had large concern with the continuing difficulty in dealing with traffic in and out of Fair Haven. There are continual construction delays and detours and with the work on 91 and State St. it is already a headache to even make it to East Rock, no less Downtown or especially Westville. While geography obviously come into play, there is absolutely no need to continue to create more traffic back-ups in and out of Fair Haven. This is a deterrent to economic development as a whole in the area, and a nightmare for residents of the neighborhood. The current plan for the cut-out on Humphrey makes no sense at all, and is shortsighted.
The Zoning Board does seem to continue to run their business as only they see fit, rather than for the betterment of the community as a whole. However the ward party chairs, and aldermen can indeed fight city hall. Don’t take no for an answer or allow yourselves to be stonewalled. As a whole community we have a right and duty to express our justified concerns when it comes to our neighborhoods. Let’s everyone stay positive, and get things done!

posted by: Santiago on February 2, 2012 6:12pm

cedarhillresident, you don’t know all we did….we did try to let people know.The company that owns the building made 2 PRESENTATIONS TO THE PUBLIC AT THE MEETINGS,also IT was in the NEWSPAPER for the “WHOLE CITY TO READ”.This is my last comment,“HAVE A NICE DAY”

posted by: streever on February 3, 2012 10:48am

I did not hear of this.

Expecting residents to make it to meetings which are not noticed over media they don’t even read doesn’t work. You have to take the pulse of your constituents when you run for office, act in what you believe is their best interest, ask them for more input—one on one, just like the way you door knock—when you don’t know what they want, and admit when you goofed and got it wrong.

Rant: Who REALLY reads the Register? and have you ever seen the public notices? size 8 type, buried on a sidebar, they are put on the page where news goes to die, right next to “snow plow for sale”

posted by: Claudia Herrera on February 3, 2012 3:03pm

Frank
I will revered my “saying of what is should it being done” opinion.
If you can drop some of those flayers to my mail-box I will invited the community around that area to make sure they know what is happening and invited them to get involved. Also please let us know where and when are the meetings. Thanks Frank. This is the firs time I heard this news.
Santiago
I do not care more o less your disappointment I will be more thankful your if you get better leader, organizer and less shouting guy.
“Claudia,I am disappointed at your comments toward Frank and myself…. HOPEFULLY WE’LL SEE YOU IN THIS MONTH’S MEETING.”

Cedarhill I did not Vote for Santiago I don’t even know where he lives.

posted by: cedarhillresident on February 3, 2012 11:29pm

Claudia, Santiago my be done. But I am not. It is call rallying the troops. EFFORT not the minimum. I have spoke to several people that are looking into this. A very minimal effort was put into getting the word out on such a MAJOR move.

Glad that santiago feels he made his best effort. the man who’s shoes he fills are still way to big on him. Cuz I know he would of been screaming. I get that you are new. But this is not a small issue. And this weather you want to admit it or not was done very quietly.

Norma I am going to try to touch base with you.

posted by: Claudia Herrera on February 4, 2012 1:59pm

Cedarhills

Ok, move on for action and learn to play together.

The next “Mayor ‘s Night Out” is going to be in our
Fair Haven neighborhood. I’m assuming that some of the zoning boards
Will be present too and we can asked them How they got the resident’s OK.
Since obviously very little people knew what was happening.

February 15 7:00pm
Fair Haven School
164 Grand Avenue.

If we all can make the effort to spread the world to bring people who care about the quality of life in this area, safety, traffic etc. There are a lot of children around and many
Local residents have been very active for the past few years to make
Our neighborhood a better and safety place to live.

This action is not helping!

Please, Frank if there are more meetings schedule please let me know. I will be making calls. Thank for the paper

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