Allan Appel File Photo
The Slade Ely House earlier this year.
Buildings, construction and design all absorb money. Sometimes, those financial matters are so murky that the only clue about what will happen to the places we love is the money that has to be spent to change them: Where it comes from, what its supposed to do and who is getting it.
In New Haven, that’s the case right now. The city has quietly obtained a state bond granting $10,000 in upgrades to the New Haven Green “for utility infrastructure upgrades and site improvements” like lighting systems, drainage and irrigation of the space, and new entrances and walkways.
Also following the money: The John Slade Ely House, which is about to be sold to to the Educational Center for the Arts. The proceeds of the sale, yet to be announced will be used presumably by the board for grants and the exhibit spaces used by local art groups. But Friends of the the John Ely Slade House are not so sure.
That all leads to a commentary on local design from WNHH radio’s “design czar.” To hear it, click on or download the above audio.
Its actually a $1M grant to the Green!