2nd workshop on Allingtown’s future slated for 6 p.m. today at Notre Dame

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 6, 2020 — The city is holding the second in a series of public workshops focusing on the future of Allingtown at 6 p.m. today in the Notre Dame High School auditorium, 1 Notre Dame Way.

The workshop is sponsored by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Allingtown Steering Committee, an ad hoc committee formed by the commission to help develop a plan for the Allingtown neighborhood to achieve the goals of the city’s Plan of Conservation and Development.

See the Flyer.

The workshop will build on input received from 60 participants at the first workshop in April 2019.

Tonight, the city will present a number of recommendations being considered for the Allingtown plan in response to the input at last year’s workshop. Anyone can participate in the workshop, whether they took part in the first one or not.

P&Z Chairwoman Kathleen Hendricks said the commission hopes to attract a wide range of participants for the workshop, including neighborhood residents, area businesses, University of New Haven students, community leaders, church groups and representatives of school organizations.

The commission also hopes that Allingtown’s young people will attend to provide fresh ideas for the plan, Hendricks said.

According to Assistant City Planner David W. Killeen, the workshop will include a presentation highlighting items of the POCD vision as well as general areas the committee plans to address, such as making Allingtown more pedestrian- and bike-friendly; promoting the redevelopment of underutilized and vacant commercial properties; improving community facilities, parks and open space; enhancing connections between UNH and the neighborhood; and improving housing and property maintenance.

The workshop will include opportunities for participants to collaborate in small group sessions and respond to initial recommendations being considered for the Allingtown plan. The information gathered will help the committee finalize the recommendations for inclusion in a draft plan before it is presented to the commission for its consideration, said Killeen, adding that a formal public hearing is expected later this year.

The concept for the Allingtown plan was first envisioned in the POCD, which was adopted by the commission in June 2017.

See the POCD.

For more information, call the Department of Planning and Development at 203-937-3580.

West Haven realizes continued grand list growth

City realizes continued grand list growth with $36M boost in 2019

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 5, 2020 — The city’s grand list of taxable property has grown by nearly $36 million, or just over 1%, for fiscal year 2019, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

The net grand list is now more than $2.7 billion, said Rossi, adding that the grand list also grew by more than 1% in fiscal 2018.

“The grand list growth, specifically in the commercial area, is critical to stabilizing our tax mill rate as we move forward,” Rossi said. “Although the grand list growth is relatively small as a percentage, it will generate about $1.3 million in new revenue for the fiscal year 2021 budget cycle, which begins on July 1, 2020.”

Rossi noted that growth occurred in all three taxation districts. The 1st District (Center) grand list assessments increased by about $2 million and the 2nd District (West Shore) by $13.9 million. The 3rd District (Allingtown) saw the largest increase at $20.1 million.

Real estate had the largest growth in the 2019 grand list, with an increase of $15.3 million citywide. Personal property increased by $10.9 million and motor vehicles by $9.8 million.

The real estate growth included the Yale New Haven Health distribution center project on Route 34 in Allingtown, the continued revitalization of the Allingtown Center, and new and expanded business activity throughout the city.

“The continued growth in the city of West Haven’s grand list is encouraging,” Rossi said. “We have worked hard to show investors that we are fiscally accountable and serious about economic development.

“We will continue to aggressively market the city to attract new investment and business. We have put the city in a good position to create more commercial opportunities moving forward.”

The mayor continued: “Grand list growth is essential and will generate much-needed revenue from commercial investments and help stabilize our tax rate for our residents. There is much more work to be done, but seeing the grand list continue to grow is a positive indicator and will build momentum for our future success.

“As we begin the budget process, the increase in the grand list is vital to reducing and hopefully mitigating the tax increase suggested by the state Municipal Accountability Review Board for fiscal year 2021.”

“We continue to move in the right direction,” Rossi said.

Taxpayers can appeal property assessments in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 5, 2020 — The Board of Assessment Appeals will hear appeals of real estate and personal property assessments on the 2019 grand list by appointment during March in the assessor’s office at City Hall.

The board will also hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments on the 2018 supplemental motor vehicle grand list that received a tax bill due Jan. 1.

Any property owner who wants to appeal an assessment must submit a written application to the board. The assessor’s office must receive the completed form to have it stamped in by 5 p.m. Feb. 20.

Download an Application.

Applications are also available in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St., or by calling the office at 203-937-3515.

City honoring couples married for at least 50 years on Valentine’s Day

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 24, 2020 — The city will honor couples who have been married for at least 50 years during its 30th annual Valentine’s Day party from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at West Haven Elks Lodge 1537, 265 Main St.

The couples will receive chocolates and roses from the mayor’s office.

The party will feature music by the Clam Diggers and include hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi will recognize the oldest and youngest couples.

For reservations, call Elderly Services Director Sharon R. Mancini at 203-937-3507 by Feb. 10.

Marchers sought for Memorial Day parade; applications due April 10

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 10, 2020 — The city is seeking veterans, civic groups, fraternal organizations, service clubs and marching bands to participate in the annual Memorial Day parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. May 25.

The parade has no rain date.

Participants must register and list required special accommodations.

Transportation is provided for veterans who are unable to walk the 1 ½-mile parade course, which follows Campbell Avenue from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Center Street. To make arrangements, call the mayor’s office at 203-937-3510.

The parade grand marshals are World War II veteran Frank Corso, who served in the Army Air Forces in 1942-45, and Korean War vet Salvatore Gullo, who served in the Navy in 1948-52.

Download a Participation Form.

Forms are also available in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due April 10.

Forms can also be emailed to parade organizer Kristen Teshoney at kteshoney@westhaven-ct.gov or faxed to 203-937-3705.