New Haven Superintendent Garth Harries threw his arms up in victory. “Let the record show: two hands in the air,” he declared.
Harries was delivering some big news to members of New Haven’s Board of Aldermen: A last hurdle to building a new science school appeared to have been overcome.
The project in question is a new $85.5 million home for the nomadic Engineering Science University Magnet School (ESUMS). Officials have sought approval to build that the new home on land in West Haven for the school, which is run by New Haven but includes West Haven students. A roadblock emerged when West Haven was threatening to charge New Haven $1 million in construction permit fees; New Haven’s aldermen had subsequently held off approving the project until that matter got resolved.
It has now been resolved, Harries announced to the aldermanic Education Committee at a City Hall hearing Tuesday night.
He was referring to a vote the night before by the West Haven City Council to approve waiving 50 percent of building fees, or $500,000.
The University of New Haven has committed to paying the remaining 50 percent of the construction cost, according to schools official Sue Weisselberg. She has requested a letter reiterating that commitment, which she promised would be delivered Monday.
“The last piece of the puzzle is UNH’s promise to pay,” said Weisselberg.
Once the letter arrives, the Board of Aldermen plans to move ahead with voting on approving the project.
Harries credited the Board of Aldermen Finance Committee with coming up with “creative ways” to reduce out-of-pocket city costs in paying the million dollar site fee.
What a victory for the New Haven taxpayer?????????????????????????