"For now, nobody wants to go to Fair Haven"

[Voytec Wacowski]

“I’d like to see a cruise ship port. In most states with a waterfront like this, there would be a mall and tourist attractions,” Clarke said. “But for now, nobody wants to go to Fair Haven. I hope people will get over the fear factor and come take a look.” Jeremy Lent reports in New Haven Independent about U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of New Haven and the Mayor John DeStefano making the pitch in Fair Haven last Friday to Willie Taylor, the federal Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) regional director.

Quinnipiac river and New Haven Harbor are quite dead in comparison to many other cities. It seems that the stretch of the shore withing the 'jurisdiction' of CSNA is doing the best with all the improvements and cleanup at Dover Beach, a very nice re-haul of the Quinnipac River Marina with the ONLY place in Fair Haven where it is possible to eat and drink coffee while looking at the water - at Jenelle's Restaurant.

As some of you may know I am personally very interested in bringing more life to New Haven waterways. I believe that water is connecting the pieces of land and not dividing them, therefore it is vital for all who live or work at any part of the shore in New Haven to think about development of the entire New Haven waterfront. There are already some mini destinations - a boat trip from Fair Haven to Fort Nathan Hale could be a great family / group activity. A water shuttle getting people in 15 minutes either to Light House beach or West Haven Beach would be much nicer than driving there. A small electric powered boat doing cruises with an ornithologist up the Quinnipiac River would be a great local Eco-Tour.

On 1st of May we had our first Community Cruise aboard of the Schooner Quinnipiac - for many it was first time on the water in their own neighborhood. I am intending to bring more of the water based activities to the Fair Haven - stay tuned.

Please read the article "City Makes Waterfront Pitch To Feds" it may not be obvious to you, living at Chatham Square that it is in our all collective and individual interest to back the redevelopment of River Street and all the other shore properties around Fair Haven. Grand Avenue and waterfront are the best assets of Fair Haven. Wouldn't it be nice to change the perception of Fair Haven from a "Red Light District" to a prime waterfront of entire New Haven ?