Seeking Community Comment on: Vision Statement for Economic & Community Development of our Neighborhood

[Christel Manning]

The following is a living document. We welcome your comments.

VISION STATEMENT FOR ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

 

Our goal . . . "To become a national cross-cultural hub where residents, artists and visitors work, learn and play in safety and tolerance, anchored in a strong diversified economy."

 

Our Strengths . . . Diversity in all its forms, historic homes, beautiful waterfront and parks.

 

How We Define Success

 

Here’s what we would like to see 10 years from now:

 

More Diversity in all its forms

 

More than any other neighborhood, Fair Haven attracts diversity in all its forms . . . there are people of many different races and national origins, young and old, gay and straight, rich and poor, artists and entrepreneurs. What we hope for:

• Include more cultural groups who are currently not represented

▪        The area becomes a destination for people from other parts of the city and region to come and experience that diversity . . .

▪        We attract new local, regional, and national businesses that expand employment for residents

▪        A thriving restaurant scene balancing local with national and regional chains

▪        The Strong Performing Arts Center has become a destination for local, national, and international artists, spawning a new arts district in Fair Haven

▪        Fair Haven’s arts scene has become a regular and important part of the Arts & Ideas Festival.

 

Expanded use of the Waterfront & Parks

 

The river is a major asset. It is scenic in all seasons, artists and young professionals have begun to move here because of the river. People from outside come here and compare it to Capes Cod. What we hope for:

▪        Weekly canoe rides are offered to the public via Parks Department or some other organization

▪        The marina has a waiting list for boat slips and the boat house café is packed every day

▪        Vacant water-front properties on Quinnipiac, Front, and Grand avenues have been developed, increasing public access with new businesses

▪        People from other parts of New Haven and from the suburbs come to Dover Beach in the summer to use water-park and the public boat launch

▪        Year-round, seasonal events on the waterfront.

▪        Healthy year-round or seasonal uses of the parks like: tai chi, yoga, karate, meditation or latin dance classes

▪        Entrances to Fair Haven such as Middletown Avenue Bridge are free of trash; broken fences are replaced or repaired; and flowers planted

 

Increased Demand for Historic Homes

 

There are many lovely old homes here on both sides of the river, often dating to the mid 19^th century. People are beginning to restore their beauty. What we hope for:

▪        More homeowners, young professionals and families have moved here

▪        More renters have become home owners

▪        Home values have stabilized from steady demand

▪        Renovation of historic homes has expanded beyond streets near the waterfront and into other parts of Fair Haven

▪        Creative use of dilapidated houses: restore into artist work/live studios, business offices, performance spaces

▪        Quinnipiac Terrace and other affordable housing developments become known as the safest and best run in the city

▪        Store fronts are refurbished on Grand Avenue

▪        Safe streets for walking, bike riding, and strollers

▪        Low crime rate

 

Chatham Square neighborhood is a hidden gem. In partnership with the city we aim to build on and expand our assets, and re-image Fair Haven as a destination for all.